Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Pie Filling Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Pie Filling is a simple and delicious way to enjoy the taste of homemade apple pie without the fuss. Made with tender apples and warm spices, it’s perfect for topping pies, pancakes, or even enjoying on its own with ice cream.

Ingredients
- 6-7 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Step 1: Grease the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or a little oil to prevent sticking.
- Step 2: Place the peeled and cored apple wedges into the slow cooker as you cut them to keep them fresh.
- Step 3: Add the lemon juice over the apples and toss gently to coat, which helps prevent browning.
- Step 4: Stir in the brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, salt, vanilla, and nutmeg until everything is evenly combined.
- Step 5: Top the mixture with the butter, cover the slow cooker, and cook on high for 1½ hours.
- Step 6: Allow the heavy cream to come to room temperature, then add it to the apple mixture. Continue cooking on high for another 30 minutes, until the apples are soft and the filling is thickened.
- Step 7: Let the filling cool before using it in a pie crust, or serve warm topped with vanilla ice cream for a comforting treat.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a balanced sweet-tart flavor that holds up well when cooked.
- For a spicier twist, add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
- To make this filling vegan, substitute the butter with coconut oil and use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
- If you want a thicker filling, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
Storage
Store any leftover pie filling in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This filling can also be frozen for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this filling without baking it in a pie crust?
Yes! This caramel apple filling is delicious on its own as a warm dessert, especially when topped with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
You can make a similar filling on the stovetop by cooking the apples and other ingredients over medium heat in a covered saucepan. Stir frequently and cook until the apples are soft and the filling thickens, about 20-30 minutes.
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Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Pie Filling Recipe
- Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Pie Filling recipe is a delicious, easy-to-make dessert base featuring tender apples infused with warm spices and rich caramel flavors. Perfect for pies, topping ice cream, or enjoying on its own, this slow cooker method allows the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Apple Mixture
- 6–7 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ¼ cup butter
Finishing Touch
- ¼ cup heavy cream, room temperature
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Grease the inside of your slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Add Apples: As you peel, core, and cut the apples into wedges, place them directly into the slow cooker to ensure even layering and convenience.
- Coat Apples: Immediately pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice over the cut apples and toss them together to prevent browning and add a hint of tang.
- Mix Spices and Dry Ingredients: In the slow cooker with the apples, add 1 cup of brown sugar, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg. Stir well to combine all the flavors evenly.
- Add Butter and Cook: Place ¼ cup butter on top of the apple mixture without stirring. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1½ hours to allow the apples to soften and the spices to permeate.
- Add Cream and Continue Cooking: Let ¼ cup heavy cream come to room temperature, then add it to the slow cooker. Stir gently if desired. Continue to cook on high for an additional 30 minutes or until the apples are tender and the filling thickens.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the caramel apple pie filling to cool. Use it as a pie filling or enjoy it warm topped with vanilla ice cream for a comforting dessert.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for the best balance of sweet and sour flavors.
- If you prefer a thicker filling, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- You can prepare this filling a day ahead; store covered in the refrigerator and gently rewarm before using.
- If unavailable, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the filling may be slightly less rich.
- For a gluten-free version, substitute the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple pie filling, slow cooker apple filling, easy apple pie recipe, slow cooker dessert, spiced apple filling

