Get ready to embrace the cozy flavors of autumn with this ultimate homemade Crock Pot Apple Crisp, elevated by a delightful gingersnap crunchy topping and served with an irresistible warm vanilla sauce. This easy slow cooker dessert is destined to become a cherished favorite in your recipe collection!

The Ultimate Crock Pot Apple Crisp with Warm Vanilla Sauce

Welcome to apple season! As summer gently transitions into fall, our thoughts often leap straight to pumpkin spice everything. While there’s undeniable joy in all things pumpkin, let’s not rush past the glorious bounty of apple season. This Crock Pot Apple Crisp with Warm Vanilla Sauce is the quintessential dessert to celebrate those crisp, fresh apples you’ve just picked or brought home from the market. It’s an incredibly simple yet profoundly satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Apple Crisp

There’s something uniquely magical about a dessert that cooks itself while you go about your day. The slow cooker transforms simple ingredients into a deeply flavorful and aromatic masterpiece. This recipe takes convenience to the next level, ensuring perfectly tender apples without the fuss of oven baking, and a topping that remains wonderfully crisp. The star of the show, beyond the apples themselves, is undoubtedly the rich, warm vanilla sauce that melts into every bite, creating a truly unforgettable experience.

Effortless Preparation for Maximum Flavor

One of the biggest advantages of this Crock Pot Apple Crisp is its minimal hands-on time. After a quick prep of the apples and assembling the topping, your slow cooker does all the work. This makes it an ideal dessert for busy weeknights, holiday gatherings, or simply when you want a homemade treat without being tethered to the kitchen. The slow and steady cooking method allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a depth of taste that’s hard to achieve with faster methods.

The Irresistible Warm Vanilla Sauce

While apple crisp is delicious on its own, pairing it with our homemade warm vanilla sauce elevates this dessert to gourmet status. Forget cold ice cream; this warm, silky smooth sauce embraces the hot apple crisp, creating a harmony of temperatures and textures that will tantalize your taste buds. The secret to its incredible flavor and velvety consistency lies in instant vanilla pudding mix, whisked with milk and a touch of nutmeg, then gently warmed. It’s a simple addition that makes a world of difference.

Frequently Asked Questions About Apple Crisp

To help you perfect your apple crisp, here are some common questions and detailed answers:

What are the Best Apples for Apple Crisp?

For apple crisp, you want a tart apple that can withstand the slow cooking process without turning into complete mush. While sweet red apples are delicious for snacking, they tend to break down too much when cooked in a crisp. Green apples like Granny Smith are ideal because their tartness perfectly balances the sweetness of the dish, and their firm texture holds up beautifully, offering a pleasant bite. Golden Delicious apples are another excellent choice, providing a slightly sweeter but still firm option. A mix of both can also create a wonderful flavor profile.

How Do You Make an Apple Crisp Topping?

Traditional apple crisp toppings typically feature a delightful blend of oats, brown sugar, butter, and sometimes chopped nuts like pecans. This recipe, however, introduces a fantastic twist by incorporating finely crushed gingersnaps. These spiced cookies add an unparalleled depth of flavor with hints of ginger and molasses, along with an extra layer of crunch that sets this crisp apart. The butter binds it all together, creating a golden, irresistible crumbly texture as it cooks.

What is the Difference Between Apple Crisp and Apple Crumble?

The terms “apple crisp” and “apple crumble” are often used interchangeably, but there’s a subtle distinction in their toppings. An apple crisp typically includes oats in its topping, which become crispy during baking or cooking, hence the name. An apple crumble, on the other hand, usually features a streusel-like topping made from flour, sugar, and butter, without oats. This creates a thicker, more crumbly texture rather than a distinctly crispy one. Both are delicious, but our recipe leans into the “crisp” category with its oat-enhanced gingersnap topping.

How Long Does Apple Crisp Last?

When stored properly, covered tightly in the refrigerator, homemade apple crisp can last for approximately 4-5 days. Ensure it cools completely before refrigerating to prevent condensation, which can make the topping soggy. For best results, reheat individual portions in the microwave or oven until warm through, which will help revive some of the topping’s crispiness.

Can Apple Crisp Be Frozen?

Absolutely! Apple crisp freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect make-ahead dessert. After it has fully cooked and cooled, transfer the crisp to a freezer-safe container. To prevent freezer burn, cover the surface directly with a layer of plastic wrap, then seal with an airtight lid or an additional layer of aluminum foil. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat it in the oven at around 350°F (175°C) until warmed through and the topping is crisp again.

Essential Ingredients for Your Crock Pot Apple Crisp

Gathering the right ingredients is key to achieving this comforting dessert. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need and why each component is important:

• Granny Smith Apples: These are your best friends for apple crisp. Their firm, tart flesh holds up beautifully during slow cooking and provides a crucial acidic balance to the overall sweetness of the dessert. Avoid overly sweet or soft apples that can turn to mush.
• Granulated Sugar: Essential for sweetening the apples and complementing their tartness. For those monitoring sugar intake, a 1:1 sugar substitute designed for baking, like Splenda, can be used.
• All-Purpose Flour: A small amount of flour is mixed with the sugar and cinnamon to create a light coating for the apples. This helps to thicken the apple juices as they cook down, resulting in a luscious, slightly saucy filling.
• Ground Cinnamon: The quintessential spice for apple desserts. It infuses the apples with a warm, aromatic flavor that truly signifies fall.
• Gingersnaps (Finely Crushed): This is the secret ingredient that makes this recipe stand out! Crushed gingersnaps add an incredible, spiced depth and a fantastic crunchy texture to the topping. While optional, we highly recommend trying them for a unique flavor profile you won’t want to skip.
• Quick-Cooking Oats: Crucial for the “crisp” texture. Be sure to use quick-cooking oats, not old-fashioned rolled oats. Quick-cooking oats are thinner and smaller, allowing them to cook down better in the slow cooker and integrate seamlessly into the topping without becoming overly chewy.
• Chopped Pecans: These add a lovely nutty flavor and another layer of crunch to the topping. If pecans aren’t to your liking, feel free to omit them or substitute with another chopped nut you enjoy, such as walnuts or almonds.
• Unsalted Butter (Melted): Binds the topping ingredients together, creating that rich, golden, crumbly texture. Using unsalted butter allows you to control the overall saltiness of the dish.
• Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 oz box): The star ingredient for our easy, warm vanilla sauce. The instant pudding mix provides a smooth, creamy base and rich vanilla flavor without needing to cook custard from scratch. Any store brand instant vanilla pudding mix will work perfectly.
• Ground Nutmeg: A warm, sweet spice that pairs wonderfully with apples and vanilla. You can also use a dash of apple pie spice or simply increase the cinnamon if you prefer.
• Milk: Used to whisk with the instant pudding mix to create the smooth, pourable vanilla sauce. Any type of milk (whole, 2%, skim) will work.

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Crisp: A Step-by-Step Guide

Creating this delicious slow cooker apple crisp is straightforward. Follow these simple steps for a perfect dessert every time:

Preparing the Apple Filling:

1. Prepare Your Slow Cooker: Begin by spraying the inside of your 4-6 quart oval slow cooker with a generous amount of nonstick cooking spray. This crucial step helps prevent the apples from sticking and ensures easy cleanup, especially if your insert isn’t already nonstick.
2. Combine Dry Ingredients for Apples: In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix together the granulated sugar, all-purpose flour, and ground cinnamon. This dry mixture will coat the apples, sweetening them and helping to thicken their natural juices as they cook.
3. Layer the Apples: Carefully place your peeled and thinly sliced Granny Smith apples into an even layer at the bottom of the prepared slow cooker. Aim for a relatively uniform layer to ensure even cooking.
4. Coat the Apples: Evenly sprinkle the sugar, flour, and cinnamon mixture over the sliced apples in the slow cooker. Gently toss the apples to ensure each slice is well-coated. This will create a flavorful, slightly thickened base for your crisp.

Crafting the Unique Gingersnap Topping:

5. Mix the Topping Ingredients: In a separate bowl, combine the finely crushed gingersnaps, quick-cooking oats, chopped pecans, and melted butter. Stir these ingredients together until they are well integrated and resemble a coarse, moist crumb. The melted butter acts as a binder, and the gingersnaps provide a fantastic unique flavor and extra crunch.
6. Add Topping to Apples: Sprinkle this delicious gingersnap and oat mixture evenly over the apple layer in the slow cooker. Resist the urge to stir! The topping needs to remain on top to achieve its crispy texture as it cooks.

Slow Cook and Serve:

7. Cook to Perfection: Cover your slow cooker and cook on high for 2 to 3 hours, or on low for 4 to 6 hours. Keep in mind that slow cooker temperatures can vary significantly between models. Some cook hotter and faster, so it’s a good idea to check on your crisp periodically. The apples should be incredibly soft and tender when done.
8. Prepare the Warm Vanilla Sauce: Just before you’re ready to serve, grab a microwaveable bowl. Whisk together the 3.4-ounce box of Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding mix, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg, and 3 cups of milk. Whisk vigorously for about 2-3 minutes until the mixture thickens slightly and is smooth.
9. Warm the Sauce: Microwave the vanilla sauce on high for 1 minute. Remove and stir well. Continue microwaving for an additional minute, or until the sauce is warmed through and reaches your desired consistency. It should be warm, smooth, and pourable.
10. Enjoy! Spoon generous servings of the warm Crock Pot Apple Crisp onto individual plates or bowls. Drizzle the luscious warm vanilla sauce over the top, allowing it to seep into the tender apples and crispy topping. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!

Serving Suggestions & Variations

While this Crock Pot Apple Crisp is sublime with its warm vanilla sauce, here are some ideas to further enhance your dessert experience:

• A La Mode: A scoop of premium vanilla bean ice cream is always a classic pairing. The contrast of hot and cold is simply delightful.
• Whipped Cream: A dollop of freshly whipped cream can add a light, airy touch.
• Caramel Drizzle: For those with a sweeter tooth, a drizzle of warm caramel sauce over the vanilla sauce is an indulgent addition.
• Nutty Variations: Experiment with different nuts in the topping. Walnuts, almonds, or even a mix can add different textural and flavor notes.
• Spice It Up: Don’t hesitate to adjust the spices. A pinch of ground ginger or cardamom can add another layer of warmth to the apple filling.
• Add Dried Fruit: For extra chewiness and flavor, consider adding a handful of dried cranberries or raisins to the apple mixture.

Craving More Apple Recipes?

If you’re as enchanted by apples as we are, explore these other fantastic apple-inspired creations:

• Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar Frosting
• 40 Best Fall Apple Recipes
• Baked Apple Crisp
• Apple Bread
• Crock Pot Apple Dump Cake
• Apple Slab Pie
• No-Bake Apple Pie
• Easy Apple Dumplings

Originally published: September 2018
Updated photos and republished: September 2022

Crock Pot Apple Crisp

This homemade Crock Pot Apple Crisp with Warm Vanilla Sauce will be a new favorite! Apples cooked with a gingersnap crunchy topping and yummy sauce!

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 3 hours (on high)

Total Time: 3 hours 20 minutes

Servings: 6

Author: Brandie Skibinski

Ingredients

For the crisp:

• 3 Tablespoons sugar
• 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced
• 12 gingersnaps, finely crushed
• ¾ cup quick-cooking oats
• ½ cup chopped pecans
• ¼ cup butter, melted

For the sauce:

• 3.4 ounce box Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 3 cups milk

Instructions

For the crisp:

1. Spray the insert of a 4-6 quart oval slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray (if you don’t have a nonstick insert).
2. Mix together 3 Tablespoons sugar, 1 Tablespoon all-purpose flour and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
3. Place 8 Granny Smith apples, peeled and sliced into the bottom of the slow cooker.
4. Sprinkle mixture over apples in the slow cooker and toss to coat.
5. In a bowl, combine 12 gingersnaps, finely crushed, 3/4 cup quick-cooking oats, 1/2 cup chopped pecans, and 1/4 cup butter, melted; sprinkle this mixture over apples (don’t stir.)
6. Cover and cook on high 2 to 3 hours (or on low 4-6 hours.) Please note: slow cooker times can vary. Some slow cookers can run hot and cook quickly so please check on it to know when it is done (apples will be very soft.)

For the sauce:

1. Just before serving, in a microwaveable bowl, whisk together 3.4 ounce box Jell-O Vanilla Instant Pudding, 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg and 3 cups milk, for about 2-3 minutes.
2. Microwave on high for a minute, then stir. Continue to microwave for an additional minute, until warmed through.
3. Spoon warm vanilla sauce over individual servings.

Video

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Calories: 501kcal | Carbohydrates: 77g | Protein: 7g | Fat: 20g | Sodium: 309mg | Fiber: 8g | Sugar: 53g

Nutritional Disclaimer

“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.

Recipe Credit: My Organized Chaos