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
Scale
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
