Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the most irresistible aroma of warm spices and caramelized apples that instantly transport you to a cozy autumn afternoon. These Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spiced Apples are not just a recipe—they're a magical culinary experience that transforms ordinary fruit into a decadent treat that will make your taste buds dance with delight. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert, a comforting side dish, or a luxurious topping that elevates everything from ice cream to pancakes, this recipe is about to become your new seasonal obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples, peeled and sliced
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup apple cider
Instructions
- Wash and carefully peel 6 medium apples, removing all skin and stems. Slice apples into uniform 1/4-inch thick wedges to ensure even cooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine sliced apples with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Gently toss the apples to ensure they are evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Drizzle lemon juice over the seasoned apples and mix thoroughly. The lemon juice helps prevent browning and adds a subtle tangy brightness to the dish.
- Grease the interior of your slow cooker with butter or cooking spray to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Transfer the spiced apple slices into the prepared slow cooker, spreading them out in an even layer.
- Pour apple cider over the apples, ensuring the liquid is distributed evenly across the top of the fruit.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the apples to become tender and absorb the spices and cider.
- After cooking, gently stir the apples to ensure they are well-coated in the syrupy liquid. Let cool for 10-15 minutes before serving.
- Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping for ice cream, pancakes, or oatmeal.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn that hold their shape during slow cooking.
- Uniform Slicing: Cut apples into consistent 1/4-inch thick wedges to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
- Prevent Browning: The lemon juice isn't just for flavor—it helps keep your apples looking fresh and prevents oxidation.
- Low and Slow is the Way: Resist the temptation to increase heat; slow cooking allows spices to meld and apples to become perfectly tender.
- Customize Your Spice Blend: Feel free to adjust spice quantities to suit your taste or add a pinch of ginger for extra warmth.
- Storage Tip: These spiced apples can be refrigerated for up to 5 days and reheated gently, making them a perfect make-ahead dish.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond dessert, try these apples as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, or even as a side for roasted pork!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 47g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
