Skinny Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
With a super crisp, nutty topping blanketing a warm and cozy, apple cinnamon-spiced filling, this Skinny Slow Cooker Apple Crisp is absolutely irresistible! Vegan, Paleo, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free.
THIS APPLE CRISP IS SO EASY!
With warmer days in the rearview mirror, I have my sights narrowed in on fall baking. At the top of the must-cook list is apple crisp, the fuss-free cousin to apple pie. With the help of my slow cooker and a few other fun finds, this easy fall classic is easier than ever. Winning!
It’s these little wins that make this time of year even more special. It makes life so much sweeter when you can serve your friends and family their favorite dessert while still being able to enjoy the magic of the season. I’m such a fan of easy + simple, yet delicious recipes that I don’t have to spend all day cooking or baking.
LET’S MAKE A SKINNY SLOW COOKER APPLE CRISP!
One of the best things about making dessert crisps is that it doesn’t require precision, or even exact measurements. You have plenty of leeway to make this slow-cooking crisp your own. Just think of this recipe as a guide – load up on extra cinnamon, cut it out all together, or swap it for a medley of other warming spices, like nutmeg, cardamom, and allspice. You could even swap some of the pecans for oats, if you’re not concerned with keeping this Paleo.
The most time-consuming task for this recipe is coring and slicing the apples, but honestly that couldn’t be easier when you have a handy dandy apple wedger. I’m loving this dishwasher-safe, stainless steel one from Pampered Chef. There’s no struggling with the apple, it slices right through, easy peasy. What a time saver!
For this recipe, though, you’ll also want a high-quality knife to get your apple slices as thin as possible.
MY FAVORITE TIP FOR A CRISP TOPPING
I’ve made many crisps in the oven, but there’s no denying how scrumptious slow cooking apples taste (and smells!). There’s nothing quite like that sweet, crisp topping that blankets the soft, stewed cinnamon apples. Keep your topping nice and crisp in the slow cooker by using a sheet of paper towels to cover the top of the slow cooker before placing the lid on, steam will be absorbed and condensation will drip onto the paper towels instead of onto the crisp topping. The result is an apple crisp topping that isn’t soggy, but lightly browned and crunchy. Perfection!
I used my new Pampered Chef Rockcrok 4-qt. Slow Cooker Set and it is seriously such a great slow cooker! The Dutch oven bowl lifts straight up out of the slow cooker stand to allow for easy transfer of food from the oven or stovetop to the stand or table without having to change pots or pans. There is a warm setting, so that even if you’re not actually slow cooking something, you can simply use the stand to keep food heated – perfect for entertaining this coming holiday season!
What are you waiting for? Give this delectable fall dessert a try and leave your friends and family begging for seconds! It’s as simple as tossing in a few ingredients, turning on the slow cooker and returning a few hours later to smell and devour all of this deliciousness. It makes for such a wonderful complement to crisp fall evenings and a piping hot cup of coffee or tea. Top it off with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream, and then stand by and accept the accolades.
Looking for other lighter desserts to make this fall? Check out a few other favorites!
Skinny Pumpkin Protein Cookies
I’d love to know if you make this (or any) recipe! Tag @kimscravings on Instagram and be sure to subscribe to our mailing list to receive more healthy delicious recipes straight to your inbox.
Skinny Slow Cooker Apple Crisp
Ingredients
For the apple filling:
- 4-5 apples, thinly sliced (peel, if desired, but I don't)* (about 7 cups and 2 pounds)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1/2 lemon juiced
- 2 tablespoons maple or pancake syrup (honey would work, but is not vegan)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
For the crisp topping:
- ¾ cup pecans, chopped
- ½ cup almond meal/flour
- 2 tablespoons maple or pancake syrup (honey would work, but is not vegan)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Add apples and lemon juice to a large mixing bowl, and toss to combine. Stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon until completely combined. Pour the mixture into the bowl of the slow cooker, and spread it out so that it is in an even layer.
- Add all topping ingredients to a medium bowl. Stir ingredients until crumbles form. Evenly spoon mixture over apples.
- Place a dish towel or a few paper towels on top of the slow cooker, and place the lid on top of the towel(s). This will help soak up the condensation that forms along the top of the lid, and keep the topping nice and crisp.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6-8 hours until the apples are soft and cooked through.
- Enjoy immediately with whipped cream or ice cream! You can also cover the slow cooker with foil, or transfer to an airtight container, and store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Or cover the slow cooker with foil and store at room temperature for up to 2 days. The topping is more likely to stay crispy if stored at room temperature.
Notes
Did you make this recipe?
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Can you use other flour not almond flour
I haven’t tried any other, so I can’t say for sure. If you give it a try, let us know how it works.
This sounds so great and easy for a “non-cook” like me. If I opt to add oats, how much should I add? Hoping to make this for my vegan son.
You might want to check out this crisp recipe that is also super easy and uses oats. https://www.kimscravings.com/healthy-apple-crisp-recipe/ However, if you stick with the slow cooker version, I would probably add about 1 cup and you might want to add a little more maple syrup. Enjoy!
I made this with Honey Crisp for my husband’s friends and it was inhaled, I didn’t even get to taste. It was a hit, I need to make again.
Yay! So glad they enjoyed!!
Can you substitute the almond flour with coconut?
I don’t know if I would. Coconut flour is a very dry flour and soaks up moisture more so than almond flour.
Other than apples themselves, I don’t like apple anything. This, however, looks absolutely delicious!
I really love apple crisp and this sounds amazing. I am going to have to make it soon!
I look forward to making this! It’s that time of year again. It looks wonderful.
This looks beautiful and easy to make! Let’s see what I can do with this recipe.
this is exactly what i want to do with all the apples we have from apple-picking! this looks amazing!
This is the perfect time of the year for a great apple crisp dessert! Can’t wait to try it!
PS-I also love my Pampered Chef Cookware!
This looks delicious and easy. I love green apple. So I definitely try this with green apple.
ummm yes please! this looks so heavenly. we just went apple picking and i think i might make this with our fresh apples!
The fresh, fall flavors must smell and taste superb. Looking at your crock pot made me realize how old and dirty mine is…I need a new crock pot!
Holy YUM!! This looks awesome and so easy to make. I love slow cookers because they’re so convenient and everything you put in it (most of the time) turns out delicious! Definitely have to try this during the holiday season
Sondra xx
prettyfitfoodie.com
I love cooked apple desserts and will definitely be trying out this recipe! I like the convenience of using a slow cooker but haven’t tried any like this yet.
This is kind of my dream come true. Fall fabulousness, totally delicious AND it comes with virtually zero guilt!? Love it!