There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples filling your kitchen, and this Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling delivers just that. With tender, caramelized apples coated in a rich, syrupy glaze, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.

The slow-cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent. In just under two hours, you’ll have a versatile filling ready to elevate pies, pancakes, or even a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

What makes this recipe a winner is its simplicity and depth of flavor. The apples soften to a melt-in-your-mouth texture, while the warm spices add a cozy, aromatic touch. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or treating yourself, this filling brings a touch of homemade warmth to any occasion.

Plus, the hands-off crock pot method means you can enjoy the process without the fuss. It’s a dessert that feels like a hug in every spoonful.

What You’ll Need for Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling

What You'll Need for Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling
  • 9 Granny Smith apples (about 2 ½ lbs/1150 g, peeled, cored, and chopped into small cubes)
  • 1 cup (8 fl oz/230 ml) water, divided
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar (adjust to taste)
  • Juice of 1 medium lemon (about 2 tablespoons)
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • A pinch of ground nutmeg (optional, for extra warmth)
  • ½ cup (4 oz/115 g) butter (unsalted preferred)
  • ¼ cup (32 g) cornstarch (for thickening)
  • ⅛ teaspoon salt (to enhance flavors)

How to Make Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling

  1. Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small, even cubes.
  2. Combine ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the chopped apples, ½ cup (4 fl oz/115 ml) of water, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and butter. Stir to mix well.
  3. Cook on HIGH: Cover the slow cooker and cook on HIGH for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  4. Thicken the filling: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup (4 fl oz/115 ml) of water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the apples in the slow cooker.
  5. Continue cooking: Cook on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes, or until the apples are extremely tender and the sauce has thickened.
  6. Add salt: Stir in the salt just before removing the filling from the slow cooker.
  7. Cool and store: Let the filling cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 2 months. Use in pies, crumbles, or crisps!

Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions

This Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling is incredibly versatile! Serve it warm over vanilla ice cream for a quick dessert, or layer it with yogurt and granola for a delicious breakfast parfait. It’s also perfect as a filling for crepes, pancakes, or even as a topping for oatmeal. Pro tip: Add a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of chopped nuts for extra flair!

Storage Secrets: Keep It Fresh

Once cooled, transfer the apple pie filling to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 2 months. When reheating, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave it in short intervals until heated through.

Mix It Up: Recipe Variations

Customize this filling to suit your taste! Swap Granny Smith apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a sweeter flavor. Add a splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of cardamom for a unique twist. For a boozy version, stir in a tablespoon of bourbon or rum during the last 10 minutes of cooking. Get creative and make it your own!

Time-Saving Tips for Busy Cooks

To save prep time, use an apple peeler-corer-slicer tool to quickly prepare the apples. You can also chop the apples the night before and store them in a bowl of water with a squeeze of lemon juice to prevent browning. Bonus tip: Double the recipe and freeze half for future use—it’s a lifesaver during the holiday season!

Equipment Essentials: What You’ll Need

For this recipe, a 6-quart slow cooker works best to ensure even cooking. A whisk is handy for blending the cornstarch slurry, and a sturdy spoon or spatula is perfect for stirring. If you’re freezing the filling, consider using silicone freezer trays for easy portioning. Having the right tools makes the process seamless!

Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling

Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling

Shaziya
There’s something magical about the aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples filling your kitchen, and this Crock Pot Apple Pie Filling delivers just that. With tender, caramelized apples coated in a rich, syrupy glaze, every bite is a perfect balance of sweet and tangy.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 minute
Total Time 1 minute
Servings 3 jars

Equipment

  • slow cooker

Ingredients
  

  • 9 Granny Smith apples 2 ½ lbs/1150 g
  • ½ cup water 4 fl oz/115 ml
  • 3 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 1 medium lemon, juiced
  • 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
  • A pinch ground nutmeg optional
  • ½ cup butter 4 oz/115 g
  • ¼ cup cornstarch 32 g
  • teaspoon salt

Instructions
 

  • Peel, core and chop the apples roughly into small cubes.
  • In the pot of a slow cooker, combine the apples, ½ cup (4 fl oz/115 ml) of water, sugar, lemon juice, spices and butter. Place the lid on the pot and cook on HIGH for 1 hour.
  • After the apples have cooked, whisk the cornstarch with the remaining ½ cup (4 fl oz/115 ml) of water and stir into the apples.
  • Continue cooking on HIGH for another 30-45 minutes, until the apples are extremely tender.
  • Lastly stir in the salt before removing the apples from the slow cooker.
  • Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It also can be frozen for up to 2 months. Use in any apple pie, crumble or crisp recipe.
Keyword apple pie, cinnamon apples, crockpot, dessert recipe, slow cooker
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