Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler is a warm, comforting dessert perfect for autumn or any time you crave a sweet treat. Using a slow cooker makes this recipe incredibly convenient, allowing the apples to become tender and flavorful while the topping bakes into a delicious, golden crust. This recipe combines the tartness of apples with the sweetness of sugars and the warmth of spices, creating a dessert that’s hard to resist. Let’s get started!
Ingredients
- 6 cups of peeled, sliced apples (about 6 medium apples, Honeycrisp or Granny Smith work great)
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar, packed
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
For the topping:
- 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white sugar
- 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 stick (1/2 cup) unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
- 1/3 cup boiling water
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel and Slice: Peel, core, and slice the apples. You should have about 6 cups of sliced apples.
- Mix with Spices: In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, white sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and 1 tablespoon of flour. Stir until the apples are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- Add Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract.
Step 2: Set Up the Slow Cooker
- Add Apples: Pour the apple mixture into the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- Mix Dry Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the all-purpose flour, white sugar, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. Stir to mix well.
- Add Butter: Add the small pieces of butter to the dry ingredients. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to cut the butter into the flour mixture until it resembles coarse crumbs.
- Add Boiling Water: Pour the boiling water into the flour and butter mixture. Stir until just combined. The mixture should be thick and slightly sticky.
Step 4: Assemble and Cook the Cobbler
- Top the Apples: Drop spoonfuls of the topping mixture over the apples in the slow cooker. Spread it out as evenly as possible, but it doesn’t have to be perfect.
- Cover and Cook: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 2-3 hours or on low for 4-6 hours, until the apples are tender and the topping is golden brown and cooked through.
Step 5: Serve
- Cool Slightly: Allow the cobbler to cool slightly before serving.
- Serve Warm: Serve the apple cobbler warm, optionally with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top.
Cooking Notes
- Apples: Honeycrisp and Granny Smith apples are excellent choices due to their firm texture and tart flavor, which balance the sweetness of the cobbler.
- Topping: The topping mixture should be spread out evenly over the apples, but don’t worry if it looks a bit uneven. It will bake into a delicious crust.
- Cooking Time: Cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Check the cobbler occasionally to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
Variations
- Nutty Topping: Add 1/2 cup of chopped nuts, such as pecans or walnuts, to the topping mixture for added crunch and flavor.
- Spiced Topping: Add a pinch of ground ginger or allspice to the topping mixture for extra warmth and spice.
- Berry Cobbler: Substitute some of the apples with mixed berries for a fruity twist on the classic apple cobbler.
Keto Version
To make a keto-friendly version, substitute the sugar with a keto-approved sweetener and use almond flour or coconut flour for the topping. Ensure all ingredients are low in carbs.
Low Carb Version
For a lower-carb option, use a sugar substitute and a low-carb flour blend for the topping. Adjust the quantities as needed to achieve the right consistency.
Slow Cooker Apple Cobbler is a delightful and comforting dessert that’s easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion. The slow cooker method ensures that the apples become tender and infused with the flavors of sugar and spice, while the topping bakes into a delicious crust. Enjoy making and sharing this warm and comforting dessert with your family and friends. Happy cooking
