Save The smell of cinnamon and apples simmering away in the slow cooker is one of those simple pleasures that makes the whole house feel cozy. I started making these stewed apples on rainy Sunday mornings when I wanted something warm without standing over the stove. Now it is become my go-to for meal prep because the house smells incredible and I end up with a versatile topping for the whole week.
My sister came over last winter while a batch was cooking and she kept asking what I was baking. She could not believe it was just apples in the slow cooker with a few pantry staples. Now she makes it for her kids and they literally cheer when they smell the cinnamon in the morning.
Ingredients
- 6 large apples: Mix tart and sweet varieties like Granny Smith with Honeycrisp or Fuji for the best flavor balance
- 1/4 cup honey: Adds gentle sweetness and helps the apples break down into that luscious compote texture
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon: The warm spice that makes this taste like comfort in a bowl
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brightens everything and keeps the apples from tasting too sweet
- 1/4 cup water: Creates just enough liquid to get things steaming without making it soupy
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Optional but adds that extra layer of warm spiced flavor
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Stir it in at the end for a bakery style fragrance
- Pinch of salt: A tiny pinch makes all the other flavors pop
Instructions
- Toss everything in the slow cooker:
- Put your chopped apples in then drizzle with honey and lemon juice and sprinkle the cinnamon and nutmeg on top
- Add the water and salt:
- Pour in the water and add that pinch of salt then give everything a gentle stir to coat the apples
- Let it cook low and slow:
- Cover and cook on low for about 3 hours until the apples are fork tender and swimming in their own juices
- Stir halfway through:
- Check on it once or twice and give it a gentle stir so everything cooks evenly
- Finish with vanilla:
- Stir in the vanilla extract right at the end for that perfect finishing touch
Save Last fall I made a huge batch for a brunch and served it with Greek yogurt and granola. Three different friends asked for the recipe before they even finished their bowls which is basically the highest compliment you can get for breakfast food.
Choosing The Right Apples
After testing way too many apple combinations I have learned that mixing varieties is the secret to perfectly textured stewed apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith hold their shape better while sweet ones like Honeycrisp or Fuji break down into that sauce like consistency. A fifty fifty mix gives you chunks floating in glorious applesauce.
Make It Your Own
Once you have the basic method down you can customize this a hundred different ways depending on your mood or what you have in the pantry. Sometimes I add a pinch of cardamom or ginger for something different. Other times I toss in a handful of dried cranberries during the last hour of cooking.
Serving Ideas That Go Beyond Breakfast
These stewed apples are ridiculously versatile and I keep discovering new ways to use them. Obviously they are perfect on oatmeal or pancakes but do not stop there. They are amazing swirled into cottage cheese or served alongside roasted pork chops.
- Warm up and top with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert
- Mix into your morning smoothie for apple pie flavor in a glass
- Spread on toast with almond butter for the best snack ever
Save There is something so satisfying about filling the slow cooker with humble ingredients and coming back to a pot of warm spiced perfection. Hope this becomes as much of a staple in your kitchen as it is in mine.
Recipe Questions & Answers
- → What types of apples work best for stewing?
Firm apples like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji hold their texture well and provide a balance of tartness and sweetness when stewed.
- → Can I adjust the sweetness of the dish?
Yes, you can substitute honey with maple syrup or brown sugar, or adjust the amount of sweetener to suit your taste preferences.
- → How long does it take to cook the apples to tenderness?
Cooking on low heat in a slow cooker for about 3 hours allows the apples to become tender and infused with flavors.
- → Is it possible to make the compote chunkier or smoother?
For a chunkier texture, gently stir and reduce cooking time. For a smoother consistency, mash the apples with a fork or potato masher after cooking.
- → What are some serving suggestions for this apple dish?
Serve warm over oatmeal, pancakes, or yogurt, or use it as a sweet topping for desserts like ice cream or alongside roasted pork.