Dessert for breakfast? Yes, please! This slow-cooker apple cobbler does double duty, functioning as either a sweet breakfast treat or a low-fuss version of a family-favorite dessert. Most cobblers, crisps, crumbles and buckles traditionally bake in the oven, but this version is made entirely in the slow cooker. Like other slow-cooker desserts, all you need to do is arrange everything in your slow cooker, cover and cook on low.
Slow-cooker apple cobbler has become our go-to make-ahead breakfast for holiday mornings. Assemble it the night before, and then let it cook while you dream. There’s nothing like waking up to the intoxicating smell of cinnamon-spiced apples in the morning. It’s also a fantastic recipe to let cook while you’re at the office all day. We promise your case of the Mondays will vanish immediately upon arriving home to this delightful apple treat.
Ingredients for Slow-Cooker Apple Cobbler
- Apples: When baking with apples, the best types of apples to use are those that will hold their shape through the cooking process. Granny Smith apples are a tried-and-true favorite, along with Fuji and Jonagolds.
- Butter: Butter adds richness to the apple filling and improves the slow-cooker apple cobbler’s texture and consistency.
- Honey: A natural sugar alternative, honey helps balance the tartness of the apples and cranberries.
- Cinnamon: What’s an apple dessert without a bit of cinnamon? It infuses the dessert with warm, cozy spice.
- Cranberries: Bejewel the cobbler with tart red cranberries. This recipe uses dried cranberries, which are not as sour as fresh cranberries.
- Granola: You can choose any brand of granola you like for this recipe, but we suggest one that doesn’t contain chocolate or raisins for the best results. One of these homemade granola recipes may also be used.
- Toppings: Top your slow-cooker apple cobbler with a splash of milk or a drizzle of the best maple syrup when enjoying it for breakfast. If indulging in it as a dessert, try it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
Directions
Step 1: Combine in a slow cooker
Place the sliced apples in a greased 3-quart slow cooker. Next, in a microwave, melt the butter and stir in the honey and cinnamon. Drizzle the mixture over the apples, then top with the cranberries and granola.
Editor’s Tip: For even cooking and texture, do your best to slice the apples into pieces of equal size and thickness.
Step 2: Cook and serve
Cook, covered, on low for six to eight hours until the apples are tender. Serve the cobbler warm, topped with milk and maple syrup if desired.
Recipe Variations
- Make with a cake mix: For a cakelike slow-cooker apple cobbler, add a 16-ounce package of white or yellow cake mix to the recipe. To prepare, add the apples to the slow cooker and sprinkle them with the cinnamon and cake mix. Then, increase the melted butter to 6 tablespoons and whisk it together with the honey. Drizzle the mixture over the cake mix (do not mix together), and top everything with the cranberries and granola. Cook, covered, for four to six hours on low.
- Use canned apples: You can swap two 20-ounce cans apple pie filling for the fresh, sliced apples in this apple cobbler recipe. Prepare as directed, reducing the honey to suit your taste as the apple pie filling will likely contain added sugar already.
- Try other fruits: You can adapt this recipe with other fruits you enjoy. Pears, peaches, plums or nectarines would all work alone or in combination with one another. For more ideas, explore these other fruit dessert recipes.
- Swap in fresh cranberries: If you have fresh cranberries available and enjoy their tart flavor, you can swap them for the dried cranberries. Try 1/2 cup to start and add up to 1 cup, depending on how prevalent you want the cranberry flavor to be.
How to Store Slow-Cooker Apple Cobbler
Prepared slow-cooker apple cobbler is best enjoyed within three days when refrigerated in an airtight food storage container. Reheat it in the microwave until warmed through. You can also enjoy it cold, straight from the fridge.
Can you freeze slow-cooker apple cobbler?
Yes! You can freeze slow-cooker apple cobbler for up to three months when it is stored in an airtight freezer container. Let it defrost overnight in the fridge and then reheat as directed above.
Slow-Cooker Apple Cobbler Tips
What are the best apples for apple cobbler?
The best apples for apple cobbler are the same as the best apples for apple pie. Choose those that hold their shape after cooking. Granny Smith, Fuji, Braeburn and Courtland are just a few of our favorites. Do not attempt to make this easy apple cobbler with Red Delicious, as they will break down too much in the slow cooker and result in something akin to slow-cooked applesauce rather than apple cobbler.
How do you serve apple cobbler?
For breakfast, this slow-cooker apple cobbler is perfect with milk or a spoonful of vanilla Greek yogurt. A drizzle of maple syrup or honey adds extra sweetness, and a sprinkling of cinnamon praline nuts or chopped pecans offers some lovely crunch. If you are having this cobbler for dessert, you can never go wrong with a big scoop of vanilla ice cream or a mound of sweetened whipped cream.
