Are you craving a warm, comforting dessert that's incredibly easy to make? Look no further! This slow cooker cinnamon apples recipe is the perfect solution for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. Imagine the aroma of sweet, spiced apples filling your home, promising a delicious and effortless treat. This recipe is a delightful blend of simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor, making it an ideal addition to your collection of easy recipes and healthy meals. Get ready to experience homemade cooking at its finest!
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
- 2 tablespoons cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- Optional: 1/4 cup raisins or chopped pecans for added texture and flavor
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Apples
Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your chosen apples. The thickness of the slices depends on your preference; thinner slices will cook faster.
Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
In your slow cooker, gently combine the sliced apples, apple cider (or juice), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and cloves. If using, stir in the raisins or pecans.
Step 3: Slow Cooking the Apples
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are tender and the sauce has thickened slightly. Stir gently halfway through to ensure even cooking.
Step 4: Serving and Enjoying
Once cooked, carefully transfer the cinnamon apples to bowls. Serve warm, perhaps with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a sprinkle of extra cinnamon. This delicious dish is perfect as a comforting dessert or a healthy addition to your breakfast routine.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apples:
- Apple Selection: A mix of apple varieties can create a more complex flavor profile.
- Spice it Up: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking. A dash of ginger or cardamom can add a unique twist.
- Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Make it Ahead: These cinnamon apples can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving.
Variations:
- Cranberry Cinnamon Apples: Add 1/2 cup of dried cranberries for a tart and festive twist.
- Spiced Rum Apples: For an adult dessert, add 2 tablespoons of spiced rum to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
- Gluten-Free Option: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Calories: Approximately 150-200 (depending on apple variety and additions)
This recipe provides a quick dinner idea and is perfect as a healthy meal option for those seeking delicious dishes without sacrificing time or effort. Enjoy this simple yet satisfying slow cooker cinnamon apples recipe, and let us know how it turns out! It’s a fantastic addition to your repertoire of best recipes.