Slow Cooker Stewed Apples (Printable)

Apples gently cooked with honey and spices create a sweet, comforting compote perfect for various uses.

# Ingredient list:

→ Fruit

01 - 6 large apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped into 1-inch pieces

→ Sweeteners & Flavors

02 - 1/4 cup honey
03 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
04 - 1 tablespoon lemon juice

→ Liquids

05 - 1/4 cup water

→ Optional Additions

06 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
07 - 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 - Pinch of salt

# Step-by-Step Guide:

01 - Place peeled, cored, and chopped apples into the slow cooker.
02 - Drizzle honey and lemon juice over the apples, then sprinkle cinnamon and nutmeg if using.
03 - Pour in water and add a pinch of salt if desired; gently stir to incorporate all ingredients.
04 - Cover and cook on low setting for 3 hours, stirring occasionally until apples are tender and juicy.
05 - Stir in vanilla extract, if using, after cooking is complete.
06 - Serve as is, or as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • It practically cooks itself while you drink coffee or tackle your day.
  • One bowl of apples transforms into something that tastes like you've been stirring a pot for hours.
  • Works as breakfast, dessert, or the secret weapon topping that makes ordinary yogurt feel special.
02 -
  • Don't skip the lemon juice—it's the difference between apples tasting like themselves and tasting like you're eating sweetened mush.
  • If you want it chunky, resist the urge to stir too much and don't cook it the full three hours; if you want it smooth, mash it with a fork while it's still warm and it'll come together beautifully.
03 -
  • If your slow cooker runs hot, check the apples at the 2.5-hour mark—every appliance is different and you want tender not disintegrated.
  • Swapping honey for maple syrup or brown sugar works beautifully and changes the flavor just enough to feel like a different recipe entirely.
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