Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight

Introduction

As the crisp autumn air settles in and the leaves begin to transform into a mosaic of warm colors, there’s nothing quite like a comforting dessert to celebrate the season. Enter the “Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight” – a perfect fusion of fall flavors that will make your kitchen smell heavenly and your taste buds sing.

Imagine tender, spiced apples nestled beneath a crunchy oat topping, infused with the rich flavors of pumpkin spice. This dessert not only captures the essence of the harvest but also embraces the ease of slow cooking, allowing you to enjoy more time with family and friends while the dessert cooks itself. Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday gathering, or just a well-deserved treat after a long day, this apple crisp is sure to be a hit.

So grab your slow cooker, some fresh apples, and a sprinkle of pumpkin spice, and let’s embark on this delicious journey to create a filling and wholesome dessert that embodies all the joys of fall!

Ingredients

• 4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 1 cup pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/3 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 cup old-fashioned oats
• 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/3 cup granulated sugar
• 1/3 cup cold butter, cubed
• 1/2 cup chopped nuts (walnuts or pecans, optional)
• Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)

Instructions

1. 1. In a large bowl, combine the sliced apples, pumpkin puree, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and brown sugar. Mix well until the apples are thoroughly coated.
2. 1. Pour the apple and pumpkin mixture into the bottom of your slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
3. 1. In another bowl, prepare the topping by mixing together the oats, flour, granulated sugar, and cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your fingers to combine until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. If you’re adding nuts, fold them in at this stage.
4. 1. Sprinkle the oat topping evenly over the apple and pumpkin layer in the slow cooker.
5. 1. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
6. 1. Once cooked, carefully lift the lid and serve warm. It pairs wonderfully with a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top!
7. Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 5 hr | Servings: 6

Key Ingredients

• Apples: 4-6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or a mix for tartness)
• Pumpkin Puree: 1 cup of canned or homemade pumpkin puree
• Brown Sugar: 1/2 cup packed for sweetness and caramel notes
• Rolled Oats: 1 cup for a hearty crumble topping
• All-Purpose Flour: 1/2 cup for binding the topping
• Butter: 1/2 cup (1 stick), softened for a rich flavor
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: 2 teaspoons for that warm, seasonal flavor (or a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger)
• Vanilla Extract: 1 teaspoon to enhance the overall flavor
• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon to balance sweetness
• Chopped Nuts: 1/2 cup (optional; walnuts or pecans add crunch)
• Maple Syrup: 1/4 cup (optional; for added depth and sweetness)

These ingredients come together to create a delicious and comforting dessert perfect for fall!

Baking Process

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. You’ll need sliced apples (about 6 cups), granulated sugar, pumpkin pie spice, rolled oats, flour, brown sugar, butter, and a pinch of salt. It’s best to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, for a balanced flavor.

2. Prepare the Apples: Core and slice the apples into thin wedges. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss with ½ cup of granulated sugar and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice until evenly coated. This helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples while infusing them with warm spice.

3. Layer the Apples: Grease the inner pot of your slow cooker with cooking spray or a light layer of butter to prevent sticking. Layer the spiced apples evenly in the bottom of the slow cooker.

4. Make the Crumble Topping: In a separate mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of flour, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Mix well to combine. Next, cut in ½ cup of softened butter using a pastry cutter or your fingers until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Assemble the Crisp: Sprinkle the crumble topping generously over the apples in the slow cooker. Make sure to cover all the apples to create a delicious, crispy layer on top during cooking.

6. Cook the Crisp: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Cooking times may vary based on the slow cooker, so it’s best to start checking at the lower end of the cooking time. The apples should be tender and the topping should turn golden brown and crisp.

7. Final Touch: Once done, carefully remove the lid and let the crisp cook for an additional 15 minutes with the lid off if you want a slightly firmer topping. This step helps to reduce moisture and further crisp up the topping.

8. Serve: Serve your Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra indulgent treat. Enjoy the fragrant aromas and cozy flavors that fill your kitchen!

9. Store Leftovers: If you have any leftovers (which is a rarity!), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or enjoy cold for a delightful snack.

Indulge in this autumn-inspired dish that perfectly combines the flavors of pumpkin and apple, creating a delicious dessert that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in!

Serving Suggestions

1. Classic Pairing: Serve your Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream on top. The creamy texture and sweetness of the ice cream beautifully complement the warm spices and tender apples.

2. Whipped Cream Finish: For a lighter topping, try dolloping fresh whipped cream or a spiced whipped cream (seasoned with a hint of cinnamon and nutmeg) on your apple crisp. This adds an extra layer of flavor that enhances the dish.

3. Gourmet Touch: Sprinkle some crushed pecans or walnuts on top of the crisp just before serving for a delightful crunch. This not only adds texture but also brings out the nutty flavors of the spices.

4. Maple Drizzle: For those who enjoy a bit of extra sweetness, drizzle pure maple syrup over individual servings. The rich, deep flavor of maple pairs exceptionally well with pumpkin spice and apples.

5. Breakfast Treat: Consider repurposing leftover apple crisp for breakfast! Serve it warm over yogurt or oatmeal for a deliciously spiced morning treat. Add a sprinkle of granola for crunch.

6. Cozy Beverage Pairing: Enhance the autumnal vibe by pairing your apple crisp with a warm beverage like spiced chai, apple cider, or a latte flavored with pumpkin spice.

7. Family Style Service: For a cozy gathering, serve the apple crisp straight from the slow cooker at the table, allowing guests to help themselves. Provide an array of toppings such as ice cream, whipped cream, and nuts so everyone can customize their serving.

8. Dessert Board: Create a fun dessert board featuring slices of the apple crisp alongside seasonal fruits, caramel sauce, and an assortment of nuts and cheeses. This encourages sharing and makes for a visually appealing presentation.

Whichever serving suggestion you choose, your guests will undoubtedly savor the delightful flavors of this warm and comforting dessert!

Conclusion

The Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight is not just a dessert; it’s a celebration of the cozy flavors of fall that brings warmth to your kitchen and joy to your table. With the delightful combination of tender apples, aromatic pumpkin spice, and a crumbly oat topping, this dish perfectly encapsulates the essence of autumn.

What makes this recipe truly special is its effortless preparation—simply layer your ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Whether you’re hosting a gathering, enjoying a quiet evening at home, or needing a comforting treat for the family, this apple crisp is sure to impress. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an indulgent touch.

So the next time you crave a fall-inspired dessert that’s both easy and delicious, don’t hesitate to whip up this delightful crisp. Happy cooking, and may your kitchen be filled with the sweet aromas of autumn!