Heavenly Slow-Cooked Stuffed Apples
Transform your home into a cozy retreat this apple season with our Heavenly Slow-Cooked Stuffed Apples. This delightful recipe utilizes the convenience of your crockpot to create a warm, fragrant dish that fills the air with the sweet, inviting aroma of baked fruit and spices. These perfectly tender apples, lovingly stuffed with a rich mixture of craisins, pecans, and brown sugar, embody the essence of fall. They make the ideal dessert for gatherings, cozy nights in, or even a special treat for just you. Serve them warm, drizzled with caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an indulgence that will make your taste buds sing. Enjoy a little luxury while you multitask your day away—canning, reading, or simply dancing around your kitchen!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
7
Ingredients
Ingredients
Baking apples
4-5 (cored and peeled on top)
Lemon juice
1 tablespoon (to brush on apples)
Craisins
1/3 cup (dried fruit)
Pecans
1/2 cup (chopped)
Brown sugar
3/4 cup (packed)
Cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon (ground)
Butter
1/4 cup (softened)
Instructions
1
Begin by carefully scooping out the core of each baking apple, leaving about 1/2 inch of the bottom intact to hold in the delicious filling.
2
Next, peel the top one inch of each apple and brush the exposed areas with lemon juice to prevent browning.
3
In a medium bowl, combine the craisins, chopped pecans, brown sugar, cinnamon, and softened butter to create a flavorful filling.
4
Generously spoon the filling mixture into the cavities of the prepared apples, packing it in tightly.
5
Pour 1/2 cup of water into a greased crockpot. Arrange the stuffed apples upright inside the crockpot, making sure they're snug but not overcrowded.
6
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 1 to 3 hours, or until the apples are fork-tender and aromatic.
7
Serve the baked apples warm or at room temperature, topped with a luscious drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of ice cream if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Heavenly Slow-Cooked Stuffed Apples?
They are a warm, fragrant fall dessert made by stuffing baking apples with a mixture of craisins, pecans, brown sugar, and spices, then slow-cooking them until tender.
What kind of apples are best for this recipe?
Use sturdy baking apples such as Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Gala that hold their shape well when cooked.
How many apples does this recipe make?
This specific recipe is designed for 4 to 5 medium-sized baking apples.
Do I need to peel the entire apple?
No, you only need to peel the top one inch of each apple to prevent the skin from splitting and to allow the flavors to penetrate.
How do I core the apples correctly?
Use an apple corer or a small spoon to scoop out the center, making sure to leave about 1/2 inch of the bottom intact to hold the filling.
Can I substitute the craisins?
Yes, you can easily substitute craisins with raisins, dried currants, or chopped dried cherries.
What can I use instead of pecans?
Chopped walnuts, almonds, or even hazelnuts make excellent substitutes for pecans in the stuffing mixture.
Is butter required for the filling?
Butter helps bind the filling and adds a rich flavor, but you can use a plant-based butter alternative if preferred.
Why is lemon juice used in this recipe?
Lemon juice is brushed on the exposed, peeled areas of the apples to prevent them from browning before they go into the crockpot.
How long do the apples take to cook?
In a slow cooker on the low setting, they typically take between 1 and 3 hours to become fork-tender.
Can I cook these on the high setting?
It is recommended to cook them on low to ensure they cook evenly without becoming too mushy or falling apart.
What setting should I use on my crockpot?
The low heat setting is ideal for achieving the perfect tender texture for stuffed apples.
Why do I need to add water to the slow cooker?
Adding 1/2 cup of water creates steam, which helps cook the apples evenly and prevents them from burning on the bottom.
Can I use a different sweetener?
Yes, you can use coconut sugar, maple sugar, or even a drizzle of honey in place of brown sugar.
How do I know when the stuffed apples are finished?
The apples are done when they are aromatic and a fork can easily pierce the flesh without resistance.
Is this recipe vegan-friendly?
It can be made vegan by replacing the softened butter with a vegan butter substitute or coconut oil.
Are these stuffed apples gluten-free?
Yes, the ingredients listed—apples, fruit, nuts, sugar, and butter—are naturally gluten-free.
What are the best toppings for this dessert?
Serving them with a drizzle of caramel sauce and a scoop of vanilla ice cream is highly recommended.
Can I make these in the oven instead?
Yes, you can bake them in a covered dish at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 30-45 minutes with a bit of water in the bottom.
How should I store the leftover apples?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Can I reheat these apples later?
Yes, they can be gently reheated in the microwave for 30-60 seconds or in a low oven until warmed through.
What other spices can I add to the filling?
Nutmeg, ground cloves, or allspice can be added alongside the cinnamon for a more complex fall flavor profile.
Can I use fresh fruit instead of dried craisins?
Dried fruit works best because it absorbs the juices, but you could use very finely diced fresh cranberries if you prefer a tarter taste.
Why must I leave the bottom of the apple intact?
Leaving the bottom intact creates a natural cup that prevents the delicious brown sugar and butter filling from leaking out.
Can I double this recipe for a party?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker is large enough to fit the apples in a single layer without overcrowding them.
What size slow cooker do I need?
A standard 4-quart to 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for 4 to 5 apples.
Is this recipe suitable for children?
Absolutely! It is a healthy, fruit-based dessert that is very popular with families and children.
Can I prepare the stuffed apples in advance?
You can core and stuff the apples a few hours ahead of time; just ensure you use enough lemon juice to prevent browning.
What is the easiest way to peel the top of the apple?
A vegetable peeler or a sharp paring knife can be used to quickly remove a circular strip of skin around the stem.
Can I use margarine instead of butter?
Yes, margarine can be used as a direct 1:1 substitute for butter in the filling mixture.