Let me tell you about my absolute favorite dessert: *slow cooker bloomin baked apples*! Seriously, these beauties are the epitome of comfort food, and the best part? They practically make themselves! Just picture it: tender, warm apples stuffed with a sweet, cinnamon-sugar mixture, slowly cooked until they’re bursting with flavor. It’s like a cozy hug in dessert form! I remember the first time I made these for my family; the aroma wafting through the house was pure magic. They were hooked after the first bite! With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a delightful treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Trust me, you’ll want to dive right in!
Ingredients List
- 6 medium apples, cored
- 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup unsalted butter
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
How to Prepare Instructions
- First things first, grab those beautiful apples and core them! I like to use a melon baller for this—it makes it so easy to scoop out the center.
- Once your apples are cored, place them snugly in your slow cooker. They should fit comfortably without crowding too much.
- Now, in a small bowl, mix together the packed brown sugar and ground cinnamon. This is where the magic starts—just wait until you smell it!
- Stuff each apple generously with the cinnamon-sugar mixture. Don’t be shy; pack it in there! You want every bite to be deliciously sweet.
- Slice your butter into small pieces and place one on top of each apple. This will melt down and create a luscious sauce as it cooks.
- If you’re feeling adventurous, sprinkle some chopped nuts and raisins over the apples. They add a lovely crunch and chewiness!
- Now, cover your slow cooker and set it to low. Let those apples cook for about 4 to 6 hours. You’ll want to check them around the 4-hour mark; they should be tender but still hold their shape.
- Once they’re ready, serve them warm! You can spoon some of the melted sauce from the bottom of the cooker over the apples for an extra treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Effortless preparation—just core, stuff, and slow cook!
- Deliciously warm and cozy flavors that fill your home with an inviting aroma.
- Versatile recipe—customize with your favorite nuts or spices.
- Perfect for gatherings, holidays, or a simple weeknight dessert.
- Great served alone or with ice cream for a delightful treat!
Tips for Success
To make your slow cooker bloomin baked apples truly shine, start by selecting firm, tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp—they hold up beautifully during cooking! If you prefer a sweeter dessert, feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar to your taste. Also, don’t skip the butter; it’s essential for creating that rich, gooey sauce that drizzles over the apples!
For serving, a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream takes these baked apples to the next level. Trust me, that contrast of warm and cold is heavenly!
Variations
If you’re feeling adventurous, there are so many fun ways to mix up your slow cooker bloomin baked apples! For a nutty twist, try using pecans or walnuts instead of the usual nuts—each brings a unique flavor and crunch. Want a little spice? Add a pinch of nutmeg or even some ginger for a warming kick!
Feeling fruity? Toss in some chopped dried cranberries or swap out the raisins for chopped dates; they add a lovely sweetness. You can even experiment with flavored extracts—like almond or maple—instead of vanilla. The possibilities are endless, so have fun with it!
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker bloomin baked apples are fantastic on their own, but they’re even better when paired with a few delightful accompaniments! A scoop of creamy vanilla ice cream or a dollop of freshly whipped cream adds a luscious touch and contrasts beautifully with the warm apples. You could also serve them alongside a slice of rich pound cake or a buttery croissant for a decadent brunch option.
If you want to elevate the experience even more, drizzle a little caramel sauce or a sprinkle of toasted coconut on top. And don’t forget a cup of hot cider or a warm spiced tea to sip while you enjoy this cozy dessert!
Nutritional Information
Here’s the estimated nutritional breakdown for each serving of these delicious slow cooker bloomin baked apples. Each apple contains about 220 calories, with 8 grams of fat and 1 gram of protein. You’ll also find around 30 grams of sugar and 37 grams of carbohydrates, plus 3 grams of fiber to help keep things balanced. Remember, these values are estimates and can vary based on the ingredients you choose. Enjoy this sweet treat knowing it brings a touch of wholesome goodness to your dessert table!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend using firm apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp, you can experiment with other varieties too. Just make sure they’re not too soft, or they might turn mushy during cooking.
How can I make the bloomin baked apples less sweet?
If you prefer a less sweet dessert, simply reduce the amount of brown sugar you use. You can start with a 1/3 cup instead of 1/2 cup and adjust to your taste. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through!
Can I prepare these apples ahead of time?
Yes! You can core and stuff the apples a few hours in advance. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. It’s a great way to save time, especially if you’re entertaining!
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No problem! You can also bake these bloomin baked apples in a covered baking dish at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes, or until they’re tender. Just keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking.
Are these bloomin baked apples gluten-free?
Yes! As long as you’re using gluten-free nuts and check any additional toppings, these apples are a delightful gluten-free dessert option!
Slow Cooker Bloomin Baked Apples for Cozy Comfort Bliss
- Temps Total: 5 hours 15 minutes
- Rendement: 6 servings 1x
- Alimentation: Végétarien
Description
A delicious dessert made with apples, cinnamon, and sugar, cooked slowly to enhance flavors.
Ingrédients
- 6 medium apples
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1/2 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/2 cup raisins (optional)
Instructions
- Core the apples and place them in the slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar and cinnamon.
- Stuff each apple with the sugar mixture.
- Add butter on top of each apple.
- Sprinkle chopped nuts and raisins if using.
- Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Adjust sugar to taste.
- Use any variety of apple you prefer.
- Serve with ice cream for a treat.
- Temps De Préparation: 15 minutes
- Temps De Cuisson: 5 hours
- Catégorie: Dessert
- Méthode: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
La Nutrition
- Taille D'Une Portion: 1 apple
- Calories: 220
- Sucre: 30g
- De Sodium: 5mg
- La graisse: 8g
- Graisses Saturées: 5g
- Les Graisses Insaturées: 3g
- Les Gras Trans: 0g
- Les hydrates de carbone: 37g
- La fibre: 3g
- La protéine: 1g
- Le taux de cholestérol: 15mg
Mots-clés: slow cooker bloomin baked apples
