Perfect Slow Cooked Baked Apples Recipe
Want a dessert but worried about high calories? This slow-cooked baked apple is the ideal choice. Low in calories and high in nutrition, allowing you to enjoy a healthy and delicious afternoon tea time.
Why should you use a slow cooker to bake apples?
Stay moist: A slow cooker keeps the apples moist, preventing them from drying out, making them softer and more tender.
Simple operation: Just place the ingredients, set the time, and let the slow cooker do the rest, saving time and effort.
Better texture: Apples slow-cooked this way have a delicate texture, are full of sweetness, and are especially satisfying with each bite.
Equipment I use
Essential Equipment:
Slow Cooker: Use a well-sealing pot like an enamel-coated pot, which locks in juices, preserves freshness, and heats evenly without burning the bottom.
Apple Corer or Sharp Knife: Used to quickly remove the core. If you don’t have one, the handle of a metal spoon can also work in a pinch.
Bonus Tools:
Silicone Spatula: Great for flipping the apples without puncturing them.
Kitchen Scale: For precise control over the sugar amount.
Cleaning Tips:
After cooking, immediately pour hot water into the pot to soak, making it easier to wipe off caramel stains. If the bottom is very sticky, simmer with some baking soda for 10 minutes to soften it.
Which apples work best?
First choice: Granny Smith (Green Apples)
They have a bright acidity, firm flesh, and don't fall apart after long cooking. After baking, the skin wrinkles slightly, and the inside becomes soft like mousse, perfectly balanced with the sweetness of caramel sauce.
Alternative sweet options: Honeycrisp or Pink Lady
If you prefer a sweeter, juicier taste, these apples release more juice during slow cooking, resulting in a honey-like flavor. Be sure to shorten the cooking time by 2-3 minutes to avoid them becoming too soft.
Avoid:
Avoid Red Delicious (has a mealy texture and turns mushy like mashed potatoes after cooking).
Do not use overripe Fuji apples (they easily turn into a mushy mess when cooked).
INGREDIENTS
Main Ingredients
-
·3 apples (cut in half, core removed)
Additional Ingredients
-
·25g butter (for melting)
Seasonings
-
·15g white sugar (1 tablespoon)
COOKING STEP
Step 1
Cut the 3 apples in half and remove the cores using a tool.
Step 2
Set the slow cooker to low heat. Once the pot is hot, melt the butter.
Step 3
Evenly sprinkle about 15g of white sugar.
Step 4
Place the apples in the pot, cover, and cook for about 15 minutes.
Step 5
After the time is up, flip the apples and pour some of the cooking juice over the apple cores.
Step 6
Cover again and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 7
Once the time is up, uncover and enjoy!
More recipes worth trying
Classic Purple Potatoes Recipe Easy
Recipe Tips
Butter amount: Don't use too much butter, just enough to coat. You can adjust the amount based on how rich you want it.
Sugar choice: Besides white sugar, try adding some brown sugar or honey for extra layers of flavor and richness.
Apple cutting: After halving and coring the apples, try not to slice them too thin. This will help the apples hold their shape better and prevent them from falling apart.
Add spices: If you want a more flavorful apple, sprinkle some cinnamon or vanilla extract to enhance the warm aroma.
Control cooking time: Adjust the cooking time based on the type and size of your apples. If you want them softer, feel free to extend the time slightly.
Storage
The cooked apples with sauce can be sealed and refrigerated for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a spoonful of water and microwave on medium for 1 minute to restore their soft texture.
You can also place the leftovers in a freezer-safe container or sealed bag and freeze them for up to three months. After thawing, reheat following the method above.
What should you enjoy it with?
Pair with vanilla ice cream
A classic hot-and-cold combo, with the melting ice cream seeping into the caramel sauce, every bite feels like eating a liquid apple pie.
Spread directly as jam
Chop the refrigerated apples and spread them on toasted sourdough, paired with Brie cheese. Sweet and savory fans will be hooked.
Pour a glass of sweet sparkling wine
The refreshing bubbles of Moscato or Prosecco balance out the sweetness, especially great for a girls' afternoon tea or a date dinner.
Mix into a breakfast oatmeal bowl
Top your overnight oats with hot apple chunks, drizzle a spoonful of yogurt, microwave for 30 seconds—your fast and perfect fall-winter breakfast.
Transform into a cocktail ingredient
Mash the apple flesh and add it to bourbon whiskey, rim the glass with caramel sauce, stir with a cinnamon stick—5 minutes to make a homemade apple cocktail.
FAQs:
If you need to cook more apples or other ingredients, you can opt for a larger pot. For smaller portions, a 2-liter slow cooker is also sufficient.
If you want it to be completely vegan, you can use plant-based butter or coconut oil as a substitute for butter. This way, you can keep it vegan while also adding a different flavor.
REVIEWS
