Slow Cooker Bloomin’ Baked Apples

Slow Cooker Bloomin’ Baked Apples are a show-stopping dessert that’s as easy as it is delicious.

These tender apples are sliced to resemble a blooming flower, filled with a warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a buttery oat crumble. Perfect for cozy nights or holiday gatherings, they bring the comforting flavors of apple pie without the fuss of a crust. Serve them with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream for an unforgettable treat!

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker
• Paring knife
• Melon baller or small spoon
• Mixing bowls (small and medium)
• Measuring cups and spoons

Ingredients

For the Apples:

• 4 large, firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup (50g) granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping:

• 1/4 cup (30g) all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup (30g) rolled oats
• 3 tbsp (40g) unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp (25g) brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce

Directions

1. Prepare the Apples:
   Core each apple using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom to hold the filling. Make thin, vertical cuts around the apple, being careful not to slice all the way through. Place the apples in the slow cooker.
2. Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling:
   In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Spoon the mixture into the center of each apple, letting it fall between the slices.
3. Make the Crumble Topping:
   In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly. Generously top each apple with the mixture.
4. Cook:
   Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.
5. Serve:
   Carefully remove the apples from the slow cooker. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Prep Time

15 minutes

Cook Time

2–3 hours

Total Time

2 hours 15 minutes – 3 hours 15 minutes

Nutrition (Per Serving, Makes 4 Servings)

• Calories: 220
• Protein: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 8g
• Fiber: 4g

Expert Tips

• Choose Firm Apples: Use firm apple varieties to ensure they hold their shape during cooking.
• Prevent Browning: Rub the apples with a little lemon juice after coring to keep them from browning.
• Double the Recipe: If making for a crowd, double the recipe and use a larger slow cooker.

FAQs

Can I make these in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes, bake the apples in a covered baking dish at 375°F (190°C) for 30–40 minutes, or until tender.

What’s the best way to core the apples?
A melon baller works best for creating a clean, round cavity for the filling.

Can I use a different topping?
Absolutely! Try crushed nuts, granola, or even a dollop of cream cheese frosting.

Storing & Reheating

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10 minutes.

Substitutions & Variations

• Gluten-Free: Use almond flour or a gluten-free flour blend in the crumble topping.
• Dairy-Free: Substitute the butter with coconut oil or vegan butter.
• Spices: Add a pinch of ground ginger or cardamom for extra warmth.

Slow Cooker Bloomin’ Baked Apples

These tender apples are sliced to resemble a blooming flower, filled with a warm, gooey cinnamon-sugar filling, and topped with a buttery oat crumble. A perfect dessert for cozy nights or holiday gatherings.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 2 hours hrs 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dessert

Cuisine: American

Calories: 220

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Apples

• 4 large large firm apples (such as Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) Choose firm apple varieties.
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/2 tsp vanilla extract

For the Crumble Topping

• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour Can be substituted with gluten-free flour.
• 1/4 cup rolled oats
• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened Can be substituted with coconut oil for dairy-free.
• 2 tbsp brown sugar
• 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon

Optional Toppings

• Vanilla ice cream For serving.
• Whipped cream For serving.
• Caramel sauce For drizzling.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Core each apple using a melon baller or small spoon, leaving about 1/2 inch at the bottom to hold the filling.
2. Make thin, vertical cuts around the apple, being careful not to slice all the way through.
3. Place the apples in the slow cooker.

Mix the Cinnamon-Sugar Filling

1. In a small bowl, combine the granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
2. Spoon the mixture into the center of each apple, letting it fall between the slices.

Make the Crumble Topping

1. In another bowl, mix the flour, oats, butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon until crumbly.
2. Generously top each apple with the mixture.

Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 2–3 hours, or until the apples are tender but still hold their shape.

Serve

1. Carefully remove the apples from the slow cooker.
2. Serve warm, topped with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.

Notes

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave for 30–60 seconds or in the oven at 350°F for 10 minutes. To prevent browning, rub apples with a little lemon juice after coring.