There’s something timeless and comforting about the aroma of apples and warm spices filling your kitchen. This slow cooker spiced apple dessert brings together simplicity and flavor in a dish that feels nostalgic but is refreshingly easy to prepare. Whether it’s for a cozy fall evening, a casual dinner party, or even Pi Day celebrations, this layered apple treat hits all the right notes—sweet, soft, and subtly spiced.
Unlike traditional baked desserts that require precision and constant attention, this recipe relies on your slow cooker to do the heavy lifting. The combination of naturally sweet apples, a touch of brown sugar, and a splash of apple juice creates a saucy, tender result that resembles pie filling but without the fuss of a crust. A dash of vanilla and a blend of warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves enhance the richness and turn this into a true crowd-pleaser.
Served warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream and optionally topped with crumbled cinnamon graham crackers, this dish becomes an effortlessly indulgent dessert. It’s easy enough for weeknights, special enough for guests, and customizable based on what apples you have on hand.
Ingredients (Serves 8)
4 Red Delicious apples, cored and sliced into ¼-inch rings
4 Granny Smith apples, cored and sliced into ¼-inch rings
1 cup apple juice
¼ teaspoon vanilla extract
1 tablespoon butter
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
1 pint vanilla ice cream (for serving)
Instructions
Layer the apple rings in a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the apple juice, vanilla extract, and dot the top with butter. In a separate bowl, mix the brown sugar with cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, and cloves. Sprinkle the spice blend over the apples. Cover and cook on HIGH for 2 hours, until apples are tender and infused with flavor. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream on the side.
Pro Tip: For added crunch, crumble cinnamon graham crackers over the top right before serving.
Nutrition and Dietary Notes
This dessert makes great use of the natural sweetness found in apples, reducing the need for added sugars. It provides fiber and antioxidants from the apples and warmth from the spices without being overly heavy. While it’s a comforting option, the added sugar and butter do contribute to the richness. For a lighter version, you can reduce or skip the ice cream, or opt for a low-fat alternative. This recipe is naturally gluten-free (without the optional graham cracker topping) and vegetarian.
Sharing and Commenting is Caring
Did you try this cozy apple dessert? Share your take on it in the comments! Maybe you added a twist or used a different type of apple? We’d love to hear how it turned out. If it warmed your heart like it did ours, pass it along to someone who’d enjoy it too!