Are you ready to dive into a delightful treat that warms the heart? My Slow Cooker Butterscotch Apple Crisp is an easy, cozy dessert packed with sweet apples, rich butterscotch, and a crumbly topping. With just a few ingredients, you can impress your family and friends. Let’s turn your slow cooker into a magic machine for dessert! Get ready to savor every bite of this scrumptious dish.

Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
– 1 cup packed brown sugar
– 1 cup rolled oats
– 1 cup all-purpose flour
Spices
– 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
– 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
– 1/4 teaspoon salt
Topping and Optional Ingredients
– 1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
– 1/2 cup butterscotch chips
– 1/4 cup chopped pecans (optional)
– Vanilla ice cream, for serving
To create the perfect Slow Cooker Butterscotch Apple Crisp, we start with the main ingredients. You need six medium apples. Granny Smith or Honeycrisp work best. Peel, core, and slice them to bring out their natural sweetness.
Next, you need one cup of packed brown sugar. This adds a rich, caramel flavor that pairs well with the apples.
You’ll also need one cup of rolled oats and one cup of all-purpose flour. These will form the base of your crumbly topping.
Now, let’s move to the spices. One teaspoon of ground cinnamon gives a warm, cozy taste. The 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg adds depth. Don’t forget the 1/4 teaspoon of salt to balance the sweetness.
For the topping, melt half a cup of unsalted butter. This helps bind the topping together. You can also mix in 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips for that extra sweetness. If you love a bit of crunch, add 1/4 cup of chopped pecans.
Finally, serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. This dessert is a warm hug in a bowl!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Apples
First, peel, core, and slice six medium apples. I like to use Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for a nice balance of sweet and tart. In a big bowl, toss the apple slices with 1/2 cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Make sure all the apples are well coated. This mixture smells amazing! Set it aside while you make the topping.
Making the Crumbly Topping
In another bowl, mix the remaining 1/2 cup of brown sugar with 1 cup of rolled oats and 1 cup of all-purpose flour. This will give your topping a great texture. Pour in 1/2 cup of melted unsalted butter and stir until everything combines into a crumbly mix. For added flavor, I like to fold in 1/2 cup of butterscotch chips and 1/4 cup of chopped pecans. It adds a nice crunch.
Layering and Cooking
Now it’s time to layer your dish. Put the apple mixture evenly at the bottom of your slow cooker. Make sure it fills the base well. Then, spoon the crumbly topping over the apples, covering them completely. This helps the apples soak up all the flavors. Secure the lid on your slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 5 hours. You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are soft and the topping is golden brown. After cooking, let it rest for about 15 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma as you serve it!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Apple Crisp
To make a great apple crisp, start with the right apples. I love using Granny Smith or Honeycrisp apples. They give a nice sweet and tart flavor. Their firm texture holds up well while cooking. You want apples that won’t turn mushy.
Next, let’s talk about the topping. You should aim for a crumbly texture. Mix rolled oats, flour, and melted butter until it looks like wet sand. If you want more crunch, add butterscotch chips and chopped pecans. This mix adds layers of flavor and texture.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, warm apple crisp tastes best. A scoop of vanilla ice cream on top is a must. The cold ice cream melts into the warm crisp, making it extra tasty.
For an extra treat, drizzle some butterscotch sauce over the ice cream. This adds a sweet touch that pairs well with the crisp’s flavors. You can also sprinkle some chopped pecans on top for added crunch and a pop of flavor. Enjoy your delicious creation!
Variations
Nut-Free Variations
If you want a nut-free option, simply leave out the pecans. This keeps the dish safe for those with nut allergies. The crisp will still taste great without them. You can enjoy the same warm, gooey filling and crunchy topping.
Flavor Enhancements
To make your apple crisp even tastier, consider adding spices. Ginger adds a warm kick, while cloves bring a sweet depth. These spices can transform the dish into something special. You can also experiment with sweeteners. Try maple syrup or honey for a unique twist. Each sweetener offers a different flavor profile, making your crisp stand out.
Alternative Cooking Methods
You can also bake this crisp in the oven. Set your oven to 350°F. Spread the apple mixture in a baking dish and top it with the crumbly mix. Bake for about 40 minutes until golden brown. For a quicker method, use an Instant Pot. Layer the apples and topping, then cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. This will give you a nice, warm dessert in no time.
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
To keep your butterscotch apple crisp fresh, store it in an airtight container. This will help the flavors stay intact. Place the container in the fridge right after it cools. The crisp will last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat your apple crisp, the best method is to use an oven. Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the crisp in an oven-safe dish. Cover it with foil to keep it moist. Heat for about 15 to 20 minutes, or until warm. For extra crunch, remove the foil for the last 5 minutes. You can also microwave it, but this may make the topping soft. Enjoy your warm treat with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep this recipe ahead. Just slice the apples and mix them with sugar and spices. Store this mix in the fridge for a day. You can also prepare the crumbly topping and keep it separate. Just layer and cook it in the slow cooker when you’re ready to enjoy.
How can I adjust the sweetness?
To adjust the sweetness, you can change the brown sugar amount. If you prefer less sweetness, use less sugar in the apple mix. You can also swap some brown sugar with unsweetened applesauce. This keeps the flavor but cuts back on sugar.
What other fruits can be used in this recipe?
You can use many fruits in this recipe. Pears are a great choice and add a nice flavor. Peaches or berries also work well, giving a twist to your crisp. Just make sure the fruits are ripe and sweet for the best taste.
Is it possible to freeze the butterscotch apple crisp?
Yes, you can freeze the butterscotch apple crisp. Allow it to cool completely first. Then, place it in an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it in the fridge and reheat in the oven.
In this post, we explored how to make a delicious butterscotch apple crisp. We covered the key ingredients, from fresh apples to warm spices. You learned step-by-step instructions for preparing the apples and making the crumbly topping. We also shared tips for perfecting the dish and exciting variations to try.
Remember, you can mix things up based on your tastes. Enjoy serving this warm treat with ice cream. Your friends and family will love it!
