Easy Crock Pot Fried Apples

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s incredibly versatile. These apples work as a Thanksgiving side dish, a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, or even as a simple dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The slow cooker keeps them tender without turning them mushy, and the buttery cinnamon-sugar glaze makes them absolutely irresistible.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 14 ounces sliced gala apples (or a similar variety)

• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

• ¼ cup granulated sugar

• ¼ cup brown sugar

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

• ¼ cup butter, melted

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

1. I turn the crock pot to the high setting.

2. I place the apple slices and cornstarch in a Ziploc bag, then toss until the apples are well coated.

3. In a small bowl, I mix together the granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

4. I add the sugar mixture to the bag with the apples and toss until evenly coated.

5. I transfer the coated apples to the crock pot.

6. I drizzle the melted butter, vanilla, and lemon juice over the apples, then stir gently to combine.

7. I cover and cook on high for about 2 hours, until the apples are tender but not falling apart.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes about 4 servings. It takes only 5 minutes to prep and 2 hours to cook, for a total of 2 hours 5 minutes.

Variations

Sometimes I add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for extra spice. If I want them less sweet, I reduce the sugar or use honey or maple syrup instead. I’ve also swapped gala apples for Granny Smiths when I want more tartness. For a richer version, I stir in a handful of raisins or chopped pecans at the end.

storage/reheating

I store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, I warm them gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. These apples can also be frozen for up to 2 months, though the texture softens slightly after thawing.

FAQs

Can I use fresh apples instead of bagged sliced apples?

Yes, I peel and slice fresh apples myself—it works just as well.

What type of apples work best?

I like gala for sweetness, Granny Smith for tartness, or Honeycrisp for a balance of both.

Can I cook these on low instead of high?

Yes, I cook them on low for 4 hours instead of 2 hours on high.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, I substitute coconut oil or vegan butter for the melted butter.

Can I serve these apples as dessert?

Absolutely—they’re delicious with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even layered into a parfait.

Conclusion

Easy crock pot fried apples are one of the simplest and most comforting recipes I make. I love how they come out tender, flavorful, and ready to serve with just about anything. Whether I use them as a holiday side dish, a breakfast topping, or a sweet dessert, they’re always a hit and disappear quickly.

Easy Crock Pot Fried Apples

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These tender and sweet crock pot fried apples are a breeze to make—perfect as a Thanksgiving side, holiday treat, or cozy fall dessert.

• Author: Sarah
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes
• Yield: ~6 servings
• Category: Side Dish, Dessert
• Method: Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

1 (14 oz) bag sliced Gala apples (or similar variety)

2 tablespoons cornstarch

¼ cup granulated sugar

¼ cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

¼ cup butter, melted

1 tablespoon lemon juice

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Instructions

Turn crock pot to high setting.

Place apple slices and cornstarch in a large Ziploc bag. Toss until evenly coated.

In a small bowl, combine granulated sugar, brown sugar, and cinnamon. Add to bag and toss to coat apples.

Transfer coated apples to the crock pot.

Pour melted butter, vanilla, and lemon juice over apples. Stir gently to combine.

Cook on high for 2 hours, or until apples are tender but not mushy.

Serve warm as a side dish or dessert.

Notes

Best served warm with ice cream, whipped cream, or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.

Use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith apples for variation in flavor.

Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days and reheat gently before serving.