If you’re craving a warm, comforting dessert that practically makes itself, this Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Picture tender, cinnamon-spiced apples bubbling away beneath a golden, buttery crumble topping that’s perfectly crisp but not burnt—achieved all without needing to turn on your oven. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, this dessert delivers maximum cozy vibes and is guaranteed to become a family favorite. Let me walk you through everything you need to know to make this delightful treat come alive in your slow cooker.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity, with each ingredient playing a vital role in balancing sweetness, texture, and that classic apple crumble comfort. From juicy cooking apples to the rich, buttery crumble, these ingredients work together to create a harmony of flavors and textures you’ll adore.
- 1 kg Cooking apples: Choose firm apples that hold their shape well when cooked, like Braeburn or Granny Smith.
- 50 g Caster sugar: Adds the perfect sweetness and helps soften the apples as they cook.
- 1 tsp Cinnamon: Brings warmth and depth, giving the apples their classic spiced character.
- 175 g Plain flour: The base for the crumble topping, providing structure and texture.
- 100 g Unsalted butter (cubed, chilled): Cold butter is essential to create a crumbly, sandy texture when rubbed into the flour.
- 100 g Caster sugar: Sweetens the crumble topping for a rich, golden finish.
- 25 g Oats: Adds a lovely chew and rustic texture to the crumble, making it extra inviting.
How to Make Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into three even pieces. This size is perfect for slow cooking, allowing the apples to soften nicely without turning to mush. If your apples have seeds, be sure to scoop them out carefully—their bitterness would throw off the flavor.
Step 2: Layer Your Base
Place the apples in the bottom of your slow cooker and sprinkle over the sugar and cinnamon. This simple seasoning infuses every bite with sweetness and that unmistakable warmth cinnamon lovers adore, creating the heart of your dessert.
Step 3: Make the Crumble Topping
Now for the fun part: the crumble. In a small bowl, combine the plain flour and cold butter cubes. Use your fingertips to rub the butter into the flour until the mixture feels like damp, lumpy sand. This technique is key to achieving that perfectly crumbly texture you want in a great crumble topping.
Step 4: Add Sugar and Oats
Stir in the caster sugar and oats next. The sugar gives a hint of caramelization as it cooks, and those oats add a rustic, chewy delight that sets this crumble apart from the rest.
Step 5: Assemble and Cook
Sprinkle the crumble mixture evenly over the spiced apples. Cover the slow cooker with a clean tea towel before placing the lid on top—this helps absorb excess moisture, ensuring your crumble topping crisps up beautifully. Cook on HIGH for 3 hours, letting all the flavors meld and the apples soften tenderly beneath the topping.
Step 6: Finish with a Crisp
After the initial cooking, remove the damp tea towel and place the lid slightly ajar on the slow cooker. Cook for an additional 30 minutes to allow excess moisture to escape and the crumble to firm up into that gorgeous golden crust you’ve been dreaming about.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe
Garnishes
Top your slow cooker apple crumble with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream for that goosebump-inducing contrast between hot and cold. A sprinkle of toasted nuts or a drizzle of caramel sauce can add delightful crunch and richness, making every bite feel indulgent.
Side Dishes
While the crumble is fantastic on its own, pairing it with a warm cup of spiced tea or a creamy custard elevates the experience, transforming it into a full sensory indulgence. For a heartier twist, serve alongside a slice of sharp cheddar to play with sweet and savory notes.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving your apple crumble in individual ramekins for an elegant homemade dessert at dinner parties, or layer it over vanilla yogurt for a sophisticated breakfast twist. For gatherings, spoon it into warm bread bowls for a charmingly rustic presentation that guests will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your slow cooker apple crumble keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent the topping from becoming soggy, so you can enjoy those cozy flavors again and again.
Freezing
This recipe freezes wonderfully. Cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or wrap tightly with foil and plastic wrap. Freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready for a treat, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave until warm, or pop the whole crumble into an oven-safe dish and reheat at 160°C (325°F) for about 20 minutes, uncovered. This revives the crisp topping and warms the apples perfectly for that just-baked experience.
FAQs
Can I use frozen apples for this recipe?
While fresh apples are best for texture and flavor, frozen apples can work in a pinch. Just be aware they’ll release more water, so you might need to cook the crumble a bit longer to achieve a crispy topping.
What type of apples are best for slow cooker apple crumble recipe?
Firm, tart apples like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Honeycrisp hold up well during slow cooking, giving you tender yet distinct apple chunks with a great balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I add nuts to the crumble topping?
Absolutely! Chopped walnuts, pecans, or almonds add wonderful texture and flavor when sprinkled into the crumble mixture. Just add them along with the oats and sugar.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegan?
Yes! Substitute the unsalted butter with a vegan butter alternative or coconut oil, and ensure your sugar is vegan-friendly. The slow cooker apple crumble recipe will still deliver comforting, delicious results.
How do I prevent the topping from becoming soggy?
Using a tea towel under the lid to absorb moisture is key, and finishing the cooking with the lid slightly ajar allows steam to escape, helping the topping crisp up nicely.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe, it will quickly become your go-to dessert for effortless comfort food moments. The blend of tender apples, warming spices, and a perfectly crisp topping made without fuss is just too good to resist. Give it a whirl—you’ll be amazed how a few simple ingredients and a little patience can bring so much joy to your table.
Print
Slow Cooker Apple Crumble Recipe
- Total Time: 3 hours 50 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting slow cooker apple crumble recipe featuring tender cooking apples flavored with cinnamon and topped with a buttery oat crumble, perfect for an easy and delicious dessert.
Ingredients
For the Apple Base
- 1 kg Cooking apples
- 50 g Caster sugar
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
For the Crumble Topping
- 175 g Plain flour
- 100 g Unsalted butter (cut into cubes, straight from the fridge)
- 100 g Caster sugar
- 25 g Oats
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and cut the apples into 3 even-sized pieces, removing any seeds carefully with a teaspoon.
- Layer the apples: Place the prepared apples into the bottom of the slow cooker and evenly sprinkle the 50 g caster sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon over them.
- Make the crumble: In a small bowl, combine the plain flour and cold unsalted butter cubes. Using clean hands, rub the butter into the flour by lifting and rubbing the mixture between your fingertips until it resembles damp, lumpy sand.
- Add sugar and oats: Stir the caster sugar and oats into the crumble mixture. Then sprinkle this topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Cook with lid and tea towel: Cover the slow cooker with a clean tea towel placed under the lid, then cook on HIGH for 3 hours to soften the apples and gently cook the crumble topping.
- Firm up the topping: After 3 hours, remove the damp tea towel. Place the lid back on the slow cooker but leave it slightly ajar to allow moisture to escape. Cook on HIGH for an additional 30 minutes to let the crumble topping firm up and develop more texture.
Notes
- Choose cooking apples like Bramley or other tart varieties that hold their shape well when cooked.
- The tea towel under the lid helps absorb excess moisture to avoid soggy crumble topping.
- Ensure the butter is cold and straight from the fridge for the best crumble texture.
- This dish is best served warm, optionally with custard or vanilla ice cream.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: British
