Description
This Slow Cooker Caramel Apple Pie Filling is a decadent and easy-to-make dessert base featuring tender apples simmered with warm spices, brown sugar, and rich caramel flavors. Perfect for making pies, topping ice cream, or enjoying warm on its own, this recipe uses a slow cooker to gently cook the apples to a soft, luscious texture.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples and Citrus
- 6–7 apples, peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
Dry Ingredients
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
Wet Ingredients
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ¼ cup butter
- ¼ cup heavy cream
Instructions
- Prepare Slow Cooker: Grease the slow cooker with non-stick cooking spray or oil to prevent the apple filling from sticking during cooking.
- Add Apples: As you peel, core, and cut the apples into wedges, place them immediately into the slow cooker to keep them fresh.
- Toss with Lemon Juice: Add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the apples to coat them evenly, which helps prevent browning and adds a subtle tang.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Stir in 1 cup brown sugar, ¼ cup all-purpose flour, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, and ¼ teaspoon nutmeg until the apples are evenly coated with the spice-sugar mixture.
- Add Butter and Cook: Top the mixture with ¼ cup butter. Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 1½ hours, allowing the apples to soften and the caramel flavors to meld.
- Add Heavy Cream and Continue Cooking: Bring ¼ cup heavy cream to room temperature, then add it to the apple mixture. Continue cooking on high for another 30 minutes or until the apples become tender and the filling thickens to your preference.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the filling to cool before using it in a pie crust. Alternatively, enjoy it warm topped with vanilla ice cream for an indulgent treat.
Notes
- You can adjust the sugar quantity based on the sweetness of your apples.
- For a thicker filling, cook uncovered for the last 15 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- This filling can be refrigerated for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
- Use tart apple varieties like Granny Smith for the best flavor and texture.
- If you prefer, add a pinch of cloves or allspice for additional spice notes.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: caramel apple pie filling, slow cooker apple filling, apple pie, caramel apple dessert, slow cooker dessert filling
