What can I add to enhance the flavor of the apple crisp?

To enhance your slow-cooker apple crisp, add your favorite spice combination (cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cardamom, cloves, or allspice) to both the filling and topping. You can also stir in vanilla or almond extract, along with grated lemon or orange peel, or even candied ginger. For extra richness, use brown sugar in both the filling and topping.

How can I adjust the recipe for larger gatherings?

For larger gatherings, you can double the recipe. It’s best to use two 4- to 5-quart slow cookers, following the recipe for each. If using only one, choose at least a 6-quart oval cooker to maximize surface area. Tall, round slow cookers can cause uneven cooking. If using one, increase the cook time to 2.5 to 3 hours on High, but check for doneness around 2 hours as cookers vary.

Kitchen Tested

Slow-Cooker Apple Crisp

Name: Slow-Cooker Apple Crisp
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 50 min
Yield: 6
Ingredients: 6 medium-sized apples (2 lbs); 1/2 cup granulated sugar; 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/2 cup all-purpose flour; 1/2 cup old-fashioned oats; 3/4 cup packed brown sugar; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/2 cup cold salted butter, cut in pieces; Vanilla ice cream

Prep time:20 min
Total time:2 hr 50 min
Ingredients:10
Servings:6
Calories per serving:470

By Pillsbury Kitchens(Opens in a new tab)Updated 06/04/2025

Slow-Cooker Apple Crisp

Prep time:20 min
Total time:2 hr 50 min
Ingredients:10
Servings:6
Calories per serving:470

Our apple crisp in a slow cooker recipe, developed by the Pillsbury Test Kitchens in 2019, puts an easy, modern twist on a classic dessert. While we've had other versions over the years—like the oven-baked recipe in the 1963 Family Cook Book and a microwave-friendly adaptation in the 1989 Pillsbury Cookbook—this slow-cooker version makes prep simpler and frees up oven space.

The method may be new, but the essentials remain: tender, cinnamon-spiced apples topped with a buttery oat crumble. This highly rated recipe is perfect for fall, Thanksgiving, or family dinners. It cooks up warm and delicious every time—especially when served with vanilla ice cream. Whether you're hosting a holiday gathering or just craving a comforting treat, this slow-cooker apple crisp delivers big flavor with minimal effort.

Recipe Ingredients

Though our method has evolved, only minor adjustments were needed, such as removing water and lemon juice from the filling and tweaking the topping ratios for the best texture. Here’s what you’ll need for this apple dessert in a slow cooker.

Fresh Apples: We recommend Granny Smith for their tart flavor and firm texture, but other sweet-tart varieties like Braeburn or Honeycrisp also work well.

Oats: Both quick-cooking and old-fashioned oats were tested—either delivers a crisp, toasty topping.

All-Purpose Flour: Adds structure to the topping and lightly thickens the filling.

Granulated and Brown Sugar: Granulated sugar sweetens the apples, while brown sugar adds a molasses note for the topping.

Cold Salted Butter: Cold butter melts during cooking to form flaky pockets and give the topping its irresistible texture.

Cinnamon: Our testing showed that cinnamon works great in the filling, adding warmth and depth to the apples.

Salt: Balances sweetness and enhances taste.

Cookware You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this apple crisp in a slow cooker recipe.

Apple Corer: Quickly removes the cores, or you can cut apples into quarters and use a paring knife to remove the core before slicing.

4- to 5-Quart Slow Cooker: We found this size works best; it gives the apples room to cook while maintaining the right apple-to-topping ratio.

Pastry Blender: This tool, with its wires or blades, is great for mixing crumbly toppings. A fork works fine if you don’t have one.

Other Cookware You'll Need: Vegetable peeler, paring knife, cutting board, chef’s knife, large bowl, dry measuring cups, measuring spoons, and a mixing spoon.

How to Make Slow-Cooker Apple Crisp

Here’s how to make this apple crisp in a slow cooker recipe in a few easy steps.

1. Prepare the Apple Filling

Peel and cut apples into 1/2-inch slices so they cook evenly. Mix with the rest of the filling ingredients.

2. Make the Topping

Cut cold butter into the flour mixture using a pastry blender until it forms coarse crumbs, about the size of small peas. The cold butter helps create a crisp, crumbly texture during cooking.

3. Assemble and Cook

Spread the apples in the slow cooker, and cover with the topping. Keep the lid on while cooking—lifting it adds about 15 minutes to the cook time. Cook until apples are easily pierced with a knife.

4. Cool and Serve

After cooking, remove the lid, and turn off the heat. Let it cool with the lid off to allow extra liquid to evaporate and the topping to crisp up before serving.

Possible Variations

We’ve heard that our apple crisp in a slow cooker recipe is a hit at parties and family gatherings. One fan shared, “I made this recipe camping this past weekend! Using a crock pot is the best.” We agree!

We also know you love the versatility of this recipe; here are easy ways to customize it.

Add Dried Fruit: Mix in up to 1/2 cup of dried blueberries, cherries, or cranberries with the apples.

Add Nuts: Stir 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts, almonds, or pecans into the topping.

Now that you’ve made slow-cooker apple crisp, try your hand at apple pie, or feed a larger crowd with apple slab pie. For more inspiration, browse our collection of apple recipes.

Serving Slow-Cooker Apple Crisp

Slow-cooker apple crisp is best served warm, topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel. It pairs wonderfully with sweet treats like pecan pie, offering a delightful contrast of flavors for your holiday spread. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make using a slow cooker, freeing up your time for other dishes. Whether for a casual family dinner, Thanksgiving feast, or potluck, this classic fall dessert is always a hit. Its versatility makes it perfect for after dinner, afternoon snacks, or as part of a holiday buffet.

Storing and Reheating

Here are the best ways we’ve tested to store your apple crisp in a slow cooker recipe.

Refrigerator

Store any remaining apple crisp in a covered container for up to 4 days. The topping will soften slightly over time as moisture from the apples softens it, but it will still taste delicious.

Freezer

Freezing apple crisp isn’t recommended as the topping will soften.

Reheating

Spoon a serving of apple crisp into a microwavable bowl. Cover loosely, and microwave on Medium (50%) for 1 to 2 minutes or until warm.

Why Pillsbury Users Love This Recipe

We’ve heard from users that this apple crisp in a slow cooker recipe is a go-to recipe for its ease and outstanding flavor. Home cooks love how simple it is to prepare, making it ideal for everything from weeknight desserts to holiday meals. Its versatility stands out; reviewers often swap in different apple varieties, adjust the spices, or add in extras, like nuts or berries, without losing that classic crisp taste.

Many users say it’s perfect for entertaining with family and guests frequently asking for seconds—and the recipe. It’s also praised as a smart way to use up extra apples, making it both delicious and practical. The soft, cinnamon-spiced apples and crisp oat topping hit the right balance of texture and sweetness. Some users even reduce the sugar for a less-sweet version that’s still satisfying. Whether you're hosting a gathering or just want a cozy dessert, this recipe consistently delivers crowd-pleasing results.

Frequently Asked Questions

Use Fresh Apples: Choose firm, juicy cooking apples without bruises or soft spots to prevent dryness.

Use the Right Size Slow Cooker: A 4- to 5-quart model works best. Slow cookers should be filled 2/3 to 3/4 full to cook evenly—too large and the apples may overcook and dry out.

Sprinkle Topping Evenly: Cover the apples completely with the topping so no slices are exposed, which helps lock in moisture.