Fall flavors meet effortless preparation in this Apple Butterscotch Crisp, a slow cooker dessert that combines tender cinnamon-spiced apples with a crunchy oat and brown sugar topping. Rich butterscotch chips melt into the fruit, creating a decadent yet comforting treat. This dessert is perfect for holiday gatherings, cozy weekend evenings, or anytime you crave a warm, sweet finale to your meal.

Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a crisp with tender apples that are perfectly soft without becoming mushy. The butterscotch adds depth and a subtle caramel flavor that pairs beautifully with tart or sweet apple varieties. The oat crumble topping gives a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the gooey fruit underneath.

This dessert is simple enough for beginners yet impressive enough for entertaining. No oven needed—just prep your ingredients, layer them in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic.

Ingredients

Fruit Filling
- 6 cups peeled, cored, and sliced apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp)
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
Crisp Topping
- 1 cup old-fashioned oats
- ¾ cup brown sugar, packed
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
- ½ cup butterscotch chips
Optional Garnish
- Vanilla ice cream
- Whipped cream

Instructions

Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Place them in a large mixing bowl and toss with sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, and vanilla extract until evenly coated.
Layer in Slow Cooker
Spray the slow cooker insert with nonstick cooking spray. Add the apple mixture and spread evenly.
Make the Crisp Topping
In a separate bowl, mix oats, brown sugar, flour, cinnamon, and salt. Stir in melted butter until crumbly. Mix in butterscotch chips.
Add Topping to Apples
Sprinkle the oat and butterscotch topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
Cook the Crisp
Cover and cook on low for 3–4 hours or high for 1.5–2 hours until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and set.
Serve
Spoon warm Apple Butterscotch Crisp into bowls and serve with vanilla ice cream or whipped cream, if desired.

Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Crisp

Apple Variety: Mix tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor and texture.
Prevent Sogginess: Avoid over-stirring during cooking to maintain crisp topping.
Even Cooking: Slice apples uniformly for consistent tenderness.
Make Ahead: Assemble the crisp in the morning and cook while you go about your day.

Variations

Nutty Twist: Add ½ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping.
Spiced Apple Crisp: Include ¼ tsp ground cloves or ginger for extra warmth.
Caramel Drizzle: Add a tablespoon of caramel sauce over the topping before serving.
Vegan Option: Replace butter with coconut oil and use a vegan sugar alternative.

Fun Facts & Cultural Context

Fruit crisps date back to the early American colonial era when simple desserts were made from seasonal fruits topped with grains, sugar, and fat. Unlike pies, crisps do not require a pastry crust, making them faster and more accessible to prepare. Adding butterscotch is a modern twist, enhancing the dessert’s richness and providing a flavor reminiscent of old-fashioned candy.

Slow cooker desserts became popular for their convenience, allowing traditional baked dishes to be prepared without heating an oven—perfect for warm, cozy kitchens in autumn and winter. This Apple Butterscotch Crisp is a perfect example of comfort food with minimal effort.

Storage & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheat in the microwave or slow cooker on low for 15–20 minutes until warmed through.
Crisp topping may lose some crunch after refrigeration, but it remains delicious.