Slow Cooker Fried Apples

Byarlo Jack

There’s nothing quite like the warm, cozy flavor of fried apples, especially when they’re made in the slow cooker! These tender, cinnamon-spiced apples are cooked low and slow until perfectly caramelized, making them the ultimate comfort food. Whether served as a dessert, a sweet breakfast side, or even as a topping for pork chops, these apples are sure to be a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

If you love warm, spiced apple desserts, this recipe is a must-try. It’s hands-off, foolproof, and transforms simple ingredients into something magical. Whether you’re serving them over ice cream or alongside a hearty dinner, these apples deliver big flavor with little work.

  • 🕒 Hands-off cooking — your slow cooker does all the work!
  • 🍏 Perfectly tender apples every single time.
  • 🎃 Cozy fall flavors that make your home smell amazing.
  • ✨ Versatile — serve them as a dessert, side dish, or topping.

Time Breakdown

This is a set-it-and-forget-it recipe that works with your schedule. Just a few minutes of prep and the slow cooker does the rest, letting you focus on other things while your kitchen fills with the smell of cinnamon and butter.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2–3 hours (on HIGH) or 4–5 hours (on LOW)
  • Total Time: About 2–5 hours depending on your setting

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity. A few pantry staples, sugar, cinnamon, butter, pair with fresh apples to create a perfectly sweet, saucy treat that feels indulgent but is incredibly easy to make.

  • 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best)
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • Pinch of salt

Condensed Grocery Checklist

You don’t need a long shopping trip for this recipe. A quick grab of apples, sugars, spices, and butter is all it takes to bring this dish to life. Simple, budget-friendly, and weeknight-ready.

✅ Apples
✅ Brown sugar
✅ Granulated sugar
✅ Cinnamon
✅ Nutmeg
✅ Butter
✅ Vanilla extract
✅ Salt

How to Make – Step by Step

This is an easy, stress-free process that even beginners can master. From slicing apples to layering everything in the slow cooker, each step is quick and straightforward, perfect for a no-fuss dessert or side dish.

  1. Peel & Slice Apples: Slice into 1/2-inch wedges for even cooking.
  2. Mix Ingredients: Combine sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a bowl.
  3. Layer in Slow Cooker: Add apples, pour melted butter and vanilla over the top, and sprinkle sugar mixture evenly.
  4. Cook Low & Slow: Cover and cook on LOW for 4–5 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, until apples are tender and caramelized.
  5. Stir & Serve: Give a gentle stir before serving to coat apples in that luscious caramel sauce.

Ingredient Swaps & Variations

Customizing your fried apples is half the fun. Try adding maple syrup for richness, a splash of bourbon for depth, or extra spices for a unique twist, the recipe is flexible enough to fit your mood.

  • Sugar: Swap half the sugar for maple syrup or honey for a deeper flavor.
  • Spices: Add a pinch of ginger, cardamom, or pumpkin spice for extra warmth.
  • Boozy Twist: Stir in a splash of bourbon or rum during the last 30 minutes for a grown-up treat.
  • Toppings: Sprinkle with chopped pecans or granola for crunch.

Serving Suggestions

These apples are endlessly versatile. Serve them warm over ice cream, layered on pancakes, or even as a topping for pork chops. Their sweet and spiced flavor complements both sweet and savory dishes beautifully.

  • Serve over vanilla ice cream for the ultimate warm-and-cold dessert.
  • Spoon over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a fall-inspired breakfast.
  • Use as a topping for pork chops or roasted chicken for a sweet-savory twist.
  • Enjoy warm straight from a bowl with whipped cream on top.

Storing Tips

Leftovers? No problem. These apples store well in the fridge and reheat perfectly, so you can enjoy them throughout the week. They even freeze nicely, making them a great make-ahead option for busy days.

  • Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Reheat: Warm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
  • Freeze: Yes! These apples freeze beautifully for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Chef’s Special Tips

For the best results, slice your apples evenly, avoid overcooking, and thicken the sauce if you like it extra luscious. A little attention to detail makes this dish go from good to absolutely incredible.

  • Slice apples evenly so they cook at the same rate.
  • Avoid overcooking, you want tender apples, not applesauce.
  • For a thicker sauce, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir in during the last 30 minutes.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Fried Apples are a warm, spiced, and incredibly versatile dish that works for breakfast, dessert, or even dinner sides. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you’ll have a cozy, caramelized treat ready to enjoy with minimal effort. Now it’s your turn! Try this recipe, share it on Instagram or Pinterest, and tag me, I’d love to see how you serve your fried apples. Leave a comment below with your favorite topping or creative twist!

FAQs

Yes! You can cook them a day ahead, store them in the refrigerator, and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving.

Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji work wonderfully because they hold their shape during slow cooking and balance the sweetness with a little tartness.

Definitely! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough to hold the extra apples and increase cooking time slightly if needed.

Not if you keep an eye on them. They should be tender but not falling apart — check them about 30 minutes before the cooking time is up to be safe.

Yes! Swap the butter with coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute — the flavor will still be rich and delicious.