Marianne Martinez
Cinnamon apples are a delicious treat that can be made in a crock pot or slow cooker. The recipe is simple and versatile, allowing for the use of various types of apples and additional ingredients like brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, and spices. The apples are cooked until soft and tender, creating a sweet and buttery dish that can be served as a dessert, breakfast, or side. They can be paired with ice cream, pancakes, oatmeal, or enjoyed on their own. The cooking time may vary depending on the softness of the apples and the desired consistency, but typically ranges from 2 to 6 hours in the crock pot.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipe | Peel and slice apples, mix with other ingredients, and cook in a slow cooker for a few hours. Stir occasionally to ensure apples are coated in the cinnamon sauce. |
| Ingredients | Apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, corn starch, salt, butter, vanilla, maple syrup, ginger, dried cherries, raisins, brandy, honey |
| Variations | Leave apple peels on or use coconut sugar or maple syrup instead of granulated sugar. Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for a richer flavor. |
| Cooking Time | Cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. |
| Serving Suggestions | Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Can be served as a side dish, dessert, or topping for ice cream, pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt |
| Storage | Can be prepared ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat in the crock pot or microwave. |
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What You'll Learn
Ingredients and preparation
Cinnamon apples are a tasty treat that can be served for breakfast, as a dessert, or as a side dish. They are easy to make in a crock pot and can be served with ice cream, on pancakes, or eaten with a spoon.
Ingredients
You can use any type of apple for this recipe, but softer apples may require less cooking time. Here are some apple types used in cinnamon apple recipes:
- Honeycrisp
- Golden Delicious
- Courtland
- Gala
- Mac
You can peel the apples if you prefer, but it is not necessary. Cut the apples into even slices about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
In addition to apples, you will need the following ingredients:
- Butter
- Cinnamon
- Sugar (granulated, brown, or coconut) or maple syrup
- Corn starch
- Salt
- Vanilla extract
Optional ingredients include:
- Nutmeg
- Ginger
- Allspice
- Raisins
- Brandy
- Honey
Preparation
Place the apple slices in the crock pot. Sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar, and stir to coat the apples evenly. Cut the butter into small pieces and dot over the apples. You can also add the remaining ingredients to the crock pot and stir to combine.
Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning. The apples are done when they reach your desired level of softness. If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a slurry of corn starch and water during the last hour of cooking.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Enjoy!
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Cooking time and temperature
The cooking time and temperature for cinnamon apples in a crock pot can vary depending on your preference for the texture of the apples. If you prefer softer apples, cook them for a longer duration on low heat or a shorter duration on high heat. Conversely, for firmer apples, reduce the cooking time on high heat or cook them for a shorter duration on low heat.
- Cook on high heat for 1.5 to 3 hours or on low heat for 3.5 to 6 hours.
- Stir the mixture once or twice during the cooking process to ensure even cooking and to prevent burning.
- Some recipes suggest cooking on low heat for 4 hours or on high heat for 2 hours.
- If you prefer your apples to be softer, you can cook them on high heat for about 3 hours, stirring after each hour.
- The cooking time may also depend on the type of apple used. Softer apples may require less cooking time, while firmer apples like Jonagold and Jonathan can hold their shape better during cooking.
Remember that crock pots and slow cookers can vary in terms of cooking temperature and duration, so it is important to keep an eye on your cinnamon apples during the cooking process to ensure they are cooked to your desired texture and doneness. Adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly to suit your taste and the specific characteristics of your crock pot.
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Serving suggestions
Crockpot cinnamon apples are a versatile dish that can be served in many ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
Breakfast
Cinnamon apples can be enjoyed as a sweet and hearty breakfast option. They pair well with oatmeal, adding a touch of flavour and texture to your morning meal. For a more indulgent breakfast, serve them on top of pancakes or waffles. You can also roll them up in crescent rolls and bake them until golden, creating a delicious and comforting breakfast treat.
Dessert
These apples make a fantastic dessert when served with a scoop of ice cream, especially vanilla. The hot apples with cold ice cream create a delightful contrast in temperatures and flavours. For an extra indulgent touch, top with whipped cream or try cinnamon whipped cream for a spiced twist. If you're feeling creative, you can even serve them with a caramel apple cheesecake trifle for an ultimate indulgent dessert.
Side Dish
Crockpot cinnamon apples also work well as a side dish for savoury meals. They pair particularly well with pork, such as roast pork, pulled pork, or pork chops. They can also accompany grilled or roasted chicken and even ham. Their light sweetness complements the savoury notes of these dishes, making them a versatile addition to your meal.
Toppings and Add-Ins
In addition to being a stand-alone dish, crockpot cinnamon apples can be used as a topping or add-in for other recipes. Stir them into oatmeal or yogurt for a flavour boost, or add them to your pancake or waffle batter for a unique twist. You can also try baking them into treats like apple scones or crescent rolls for a delicious apple-filled treat.
Seasonal Treat
The flavours of crockpot cinnamon apples evoke the warmth and comfort of fall. They are perfect for serving during the autumn months, either as a cosy dessert or a festive side dish at Thanksgiving dinner. The aroma of cinnamon and apples will fill your home with a delightful seasonal fragrance.
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Storage and reheating
Storing and reheating your crock-pot cinnamon apples is simple. If you have any leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
When you're ready to enjoy your cinnamon apples again, you can reheat them in a variety of ways. You can warm them up in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they reach your desired temperature. You can also place them in a microwave-safe dish and heat them in the microwave until they are warm. If you prefer your cinnamon apples to have a crispy texture, you can even bake them in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for about 10 minutes, or until they are heated through.
It's important to note that cinnamon apples are best enjoyed fresh, as freezing cooked apples can affect their texture and taste. However, if you have a large batch and want to freeze them, it is possible. To freeze your crock-pot cinnamon apples, place them in a single layer on a baking sheet and freeze until solid. Once frozen, transfer the apples to a freezer-safe bag or container and store them for up to 3 months. When you're ready to enjoy them, simply thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat using one of the methods mentioned above.
If you're looking for a longer-term storage option and want to try something different, you can also dehydrate your cinnamon apples. Dehydrating apples removes the moisture and allows them to be stored at room temperature for extended periods. To dehydrate your crock-pot cinnamon apples, you will need to follow a specific process, including the use of a food dehydrator, which can be found in detail through online sources. Dehydrated cinnamon apples make a tasty snack and can be a unique way to preserve your delicious crock-pot creation!
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Health benefits
Crock Pot Cinnamon Apples are a healthy treat, packed with nutrients and offering a range of health benefits. Firstly, they are an excellent way to get a good serving of fruit, which is essential for a balanced diet. Apples are rich in soluble fibres, which are great for maintaining gut health. The cooking process does not destroy these fibres, so you still get the full benefit.
Cooked apples also retain polyphenols, which are naturally occurring in the fruit. Polyphenols are known for their antioxidant properties, which can help to reduce inflammation in the body and boost overall health.
The cinnamon used in this recipe also adds a health boost. Cinnamon is a spice with numerous health benefits. It is known to have anti-inflammatory properties and can aid in digestion. Cinnamon is also a good source of antioxidants, which can help protect the body against disease.
The crock pot method of cooking these apples is also a healthier alternative to other cooking methods. The slow cooking process helps to retain the nutrients in the fruit, and the natural sweetness of the apples means you can reduce the amount of added sugar in the recipe, making it a healthier treat.
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Frequently asked questions
You can cook cinnamon apples in a crock pot for 3 hours on high heat or 6 hours on low heat.
You will need apples, butter, cinnamon, and sugar. You can also add ingredients like nutmeg, ginger, allspice, raisins, honey, vanilla extract, and corn starch.
You can peel the apples or leave the peels on, depending on your preference. Cut the apples into even slices, about 1/3 to 1/2 inch thick.
