Introduction
As the leaves begin to turn and a chill fills the air, there’s nothing quite as comforting as the warm spices and sweet scents of fall wafting through the kitchen. One of my absolute favorite autumn treats is a delightful pumpkin spice apple crisp—a dish that perfectly marries the tartness of fresh apples with the earthy sweetness of pumpkin and the cozy warmth of traditional fall spices.
This Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight is a simple, stress-free way to enjoy the flavors of the season, allowing you to fill your home with inviting aromas while you go about your day. Just toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, let it do the work for you, and before you know it, you’ll have a delicious dessert that’s perfect for family gatherings, cozy evenings at home, or even a festive holiday celebration.
Whether enjoyed on its own or topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream, this pumpkin spice apple crisp is bound to become a new fall favorite. Grab your slow cooker and let’s create some autumn magic together!
Ingredients
- 4 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and sliced thinly
- 1 cup pumpkin puree (ensure it’s not pumpkin pie filling)
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon of ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger
- 1/4 teaspoon of ground cloves
- 1/3 cup of packed brown sugar
- 1 cup of old-fashioned oats
- 1/2 cup of all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup of granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup of cold butter, diced
- 1/2 cup of chopped nuts (like walnuts or pecans, optional)
- Vanilla ice cream (for serving, optional)
Instructions
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- In a large mixing bowl, combine the sliced apples, pumpkin puree, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, and brown sugar. Stir until the apples are well coated.
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- Transfer the apple and pumpkin mixture into the base of your slow cooker, leveling it out evenly.
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- In another bowl, create the topping by blending together the oats, flour, granulated sugar, and cubed cold butter. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to mix until it looks like coarse crumbs. If you choose to add nuts, mix them in at this point.
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- Evenly distribute the oat topping over the apple and pumpkin mixture in the slow cooker.
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- Put the lid on the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the apples are soft and the topping achieves a golden, crisp texture.
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- After cooking, carefully remove the lid and serve while warm. It’s delightful when topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream!
- Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 5 hr | Servings: 6
Key Ingredients
- For the Apple Filling:
- 6 cups of peeled and sliced apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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For the Pumpkin Spice Topping:
- 1 cup rolled oats
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
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1/2 cup unsalted butter, melted
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Optional Garnishes:
- Whipped cream or vanilla ice cream
- Chopped nuts (e.g., pecans or walnuts)
- Extra pumpkin spice for sprinkles
Baking Process
- Prepare the Apples:
- Start by peeling, coring, and slicing about 6 medium-sized apples. For the best flavor, consider using a mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp.
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In a large mixing bowl, toss the sliced apples with 1/4 cup of granulated sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. This will help to enhance the natural sweetness and infuse the apples with warm spices.
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Mix in the Pumpkin Puree:
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In a separate bowl, combine 1 cup of pumpkin puree with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice and a splash of vanilla extract. Gently fold this mixture into the spiced apples to create a luscious base that adds moisture and flavor.
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Prepare the Topping:
- In another bowl, mix together 1 cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of a blend of all-purpose and whole wheat flour, and 1/2 cup of brown sugar.
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Next, add 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice and 1/2 cup of cold unsalted butter, cut into small cubes. Use a pastry cutter or your hands to blend these ingredients until they resemble coarse crumbs. This mixture will provide a delightful crunch when baked.
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Layer the Ingredients:
- Grease the slow cooker insert lightly with cooking spray or butter.
- Spread the spiced apple and pumpkin mixture evenly at the bottom of the slow cooker.
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Evenly sprinkle the topping mixture over the apple layer, ensuring it covers the apples to create a nice crust.
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Cook on Low:
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Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 4-6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the apples to become tender.
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Check for Doneness:
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After about 4 hours, check the crisp periodically; the topping should be golden brown and the apples should be bubbling. If it’s not quite there, continue to cook, checking every 30 minutes until it’s perfectly done.
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Serve and Enjoy:
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Once the Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight is ready, scoop it out into bowls and serve warm. A generous dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream on top elevates this dessert to a whole new level.
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Storage:
- If you have any leftovers (which is rare, but possible!), let it cool to room temperature before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Enjoy making this delightful dessert that captures the essence of autumn in every bite!
Serving Suggestions
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Vanilla Ice Cream: A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream on top of a warm serving of pumpkin spice apple crisp adds a delightful contrast of temperatures and flavors. The richness of the ice cream complements the spices beautifully.
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Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, dollop some freshly whipped cream over the warm crisp. You can even sprinkle a bit of cinnamon or nutmeg on top for an extra touch.
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Caramel Sauce: Drizzle warm caramel sauce over your pumpkin spice apple crisp for a decadent finish. The sweet, sticky caramel adds an indulgent layer that pairs perfectly with the spices.
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Yogurt Parfait: For a healthier twist, serve the crisp alongside a dollop of Greek yogurt. This adds protein to your dessert and introduces a tangy flavor that balances the sweetness.
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Sliced Almonds or Pecans: Sprinkle toasted sliced almonds or chopped pecans on top before serving for an added crunch. This not only enhances the texture but also introduces a nutty flavor that elevates the dish.
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Coffee or Spiced Tea Pairing: Enjoy your pumpkin spice apple crisp with a cup of hot coffee or a warm mug of spiced chai tea. The warmth and flavors of the beverages complement the dessert beautifully.
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Breakfast Option: Consider serving the crisp as a delightful breakfast treat! Pair it with a side of scrambled eggs or a hearty oat porridge for a comforting morning meal.
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Festive Platter: For gatherings, serve your pumpkin spice apple crisp on a festive platter with seasonal fruits like pomegranate, figs, or even fresh apple slices for a colorful and inviting presentation.
Feel free to mix and match these serving suggestions to create your perfect bowl of Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight! Enjoy!
Conclusion
In just a few hours, your slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a warm, comforting dessert that celebrates the flavors of the season. The Slow Cooker Pumpkin Spice Apple Crisp Delight is not only easy to prepare but also fills your home with irresistible aromas, creating a cozy atmosphere perfect for fall gatherings. Whether served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or enjoyed on its own, this dessert is sure to become a new favorite in your seasonal repertoire. So gather your loved ones, dig in, and savor the delightful combination of spiced apples and crunchy topping. It’s the perfect way to showcase the beautiful bounty of autumn in every bite!
