Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble

Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble is the ultimate fall and winter dessert, combining the warm, spiced flavors of gingerbread with the classic sweetness of apple pie, all topped with a buttery crumble. This dessert has everything you love about the cozy season in one bowl: tender apples, fragrant gingerbread spices, and a crunchy crumble that contrasts beautifully with the soft filling. Best of all, this recipe is made entirely in the slow cooker, making it a perfect hands-off dessert that fills your home with the comforting smells of apples, cinnamon, and ginger.

Whether you’re hosting a holiday dinner or looking for a special dessert to enjoy on a cold night, this Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble is sure to impress. The combination of gingerbread flavors—rich molasses, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger—pairs perfectly with the sweet, tart apples, creating a dessert that’s both comforting and indulgent.

I first made this dessert during a holiday gathering when I wanted something warm and festive but didn’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Using the slow cooker was a game changer, and the result was a delicious dessert that everyone loved. Now, it’s become a tradition during the colder months!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble

1. Perfect for the Holidays: The gingerbread spices give this dessert a festive flavor that’s perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any holiday gathering.
2. Easy to Make: The slow cooker does all the work! Simply toss the ingredients in and let the slow cooker transform them into a warm, spiced dessert.
3. Warm and Comforting: The tender apples, spiced gingerbread, and buttery crumble create a comforting dessert that’s perfect for chilly days.
4. Crowd-Pleaser: This dessert serves a large group, making it ideal for family gatherings or holiday parties.
5. Deliciously Versatile: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or even a drizzle of caramel sauce for extra indulgence.

Preparation Time and Servings

• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Cook time: 2 ½ to 3 hours on low
• Total time: 3 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves 8-10

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 320 kcal
• Carbs: 55g
• Protein: 3g
• Fat: 12g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 30g

(These values are approximate and will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and portion sizes.)

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble:

For the Apple Filling:

• 6-7 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix of both)
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (to prevent browning and add tartness)
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ⅓ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (for thickening)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves (optional, for extra warmth)

For the Gingerbread Crumble Topping:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• ¾ cup rolled oats
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup unsalted butter, melted
• ¼ cup molasses (for that classic gingerbread flavor)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Chopped nuts: Add ½ cup of chopped pecans or walnuts to the crumble for extra crunch.
• Raisins or dried cranberries: Mix ¼ cup into the apple filling for a burst of tart sweetness.
• Caramel drizzle: Finish the dessert with a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra touch of indulgence.

For Serving:

• Vanilla ice cream
• Whipped cream
• Caramel sauce (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apple Filling

1. Peel, Core, and Slice the Apples:

Start by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. Granny Smith apples are ideal because their tartness balances the sweetness of the crumble, but you can use a mix of apples for more complexity.

2. Toss Apples with Lemon Juice:

In a large bowl, toss the sliced apples with lemon juice. This not only prevents browning but also adds a nice tang to the filling.

3. Add Sugar and Spices:

Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cornstarch, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves to the apples. Toss until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spice mixture. The cornstarch will help thicken the juices as the apples cook.

Step 2: Assemble the Gingerbread Crumble

1. Mix the Dry Ingredients:

In a separate bowl, combine the flour, oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, baking powder, and salt. Stir to combine, ensuring all the spices are evenly distributed.

2. Add the Wet Ingredients:

Pour the melted butter and molasses into the dry ingredients. Stir until the mixture comes together and forms a crumbly, sandy texture. The molasses adds depth and richness, giving the crumble its classic gingerbread flavor.

Step 3: Layer the Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

1. Add the Apple Filling:

Lightly grease your slow cooker with butter or non-stick spray. Add the prepared apple mixture to the bottom of the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.

2. Top with the Gingerbread Crumble:

Sprinkle the gingerbread crumble mixture evenly over the apples. The crumble should fully cover the apple filling. As it cooks, the topping will become golden and crispy, while the apples underneath soften and bubble.

Step 4: Cook the Crumble

1. Set the Slow Cooker:

Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Cook for 2 ½ to 3 hours. The apples should be tender, and the crumble topping should be firm and golden brown. Resist the urge to open the slow cooker during the cooking process, as it will release the heat and extend the cooking time.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once the crumble is done, turn off the slow cooker and let it sit for about 10 minutes to cool slightly. The juices will thicken as it cools. Scoop the warm gingerbread apple pie crumble into bowls and serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, a dollop of whipped cream, or a drizzle of caramel sauce for an extra special touch.

How to Serve

• Warm with Ice Cream: The contrast of warm crumble and cold ice cream is absolutely divine. The ice cream melts slightly over the warm crumble, creating a creamy sauce that pairs beautifully with the spiced apples and gingerbread topping.
• With Whipped Cream: For a lighter option, serve with a dollop of whipped cream. The creaminess complements the spices and the sweetness of the apples.
• For Breakfast: This crumble is versatile enough to serve as a decadent breakfast. Pair it with a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a balanced morning treat.

Additional Tips for Success

1. Use a Mix of Apples: Combining tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji adds complexity to the filling and prevents it from being overly sweet.
2. Don’t Lift the Lid Too Soon: Let the crumble cook undisturbed in the slow cooker for the full 2 ½ to 3 hours. Lifting the lid releases the heat and can slow down the cooking process, preventing the apples from softening properly.
3. Serve Warm: This crumble is best served warm, straight from the slow cooker. The flavors are more intense, and the warm apples paired with the cool ice cream or whipped cream create a perfect contrast.
4. Adjust the Sweetness: Depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar in the filling. If your apples are particularly sweet, reduce the sugar slightly to keep the dessert balanced.
5. Add Texture: For extra crunch, add chopped nuts like pecans or walnuts to the crumble topping. The combination of buttery crumble and crunchy nuts adds a wonderful texture.

Recipe Variations

This Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble is versatile and easy to customize. Here are a few fun variations to try:

1. Caramel Apple Crumble:

For an extra indulgent twist, drizzle caramel sauce over the apple filling before adding the crumble topping. The caramel will melt into the apples as they cook, creating a rich, buttery sauce.

2. Cranberry Apple Crumble:

Add ½ cup of dried cranberries to the apple filling for a burst of tart flavor that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apples and gingerbread crumble.

3. Pumpkin Gingerbread Apple Crumble:

For a fall-inspired variation, mix ½ cup of canned pumpkin puree into the apple filling. The pumpkin adds a subtle richness and pairs wonderfully with the gingerbread spices.

4. Gluten-Free Gingerbread Crumble:

To make this dessert gluten-free, replace the all-purpose flour with a gluten-free flour blend and make sure to use gluten-free oats. The result is just as delicious and crumbly, perfect for anyone with dietary restrictions.

5. Pear and Apple Gingerbread Crumble:

Mix things up by combining sliced pears with the apples for a more delicate, floral sweetness. Pears add a juicy texture that complements the apples perfectly.

Freezing and Storage

Storing Leftovers:

Store any leftover crumble in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire crumble in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes.

Freezing:

To freeze, allow the crumble to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. The crumble can be frozen for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw the crumble in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it in the oven.

Special Equipment

• Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe. It provides enough space for the apple filling and crumble topping to cook evenly.
• Mixing Bowls: You’ll need separate bowls for mixing the apple filling and the gingerbread crumble.
• Apple Peeler and Corer: To make prepping the apples faster, use an apple peeler and corer to streamline the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use other types of fruit in this crumble?

Yes! You can easily substitute some or all of the apples with pears, peaches, or even berries. Just keep in mind that softer fruits may cook faster, so adjust the cooking time accordingly.

2. Can I make this crumble ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the apple filling and crumble topping ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to cook, simply assemble the crumble in the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions.

3. Can I use pre-made gingerbread cookies in the crumble topping?

For a fun shortcut, you can crush store-bought gingerbread cookies and mix them into the crumble topping. This adds even more gingerbread flavor with minimal effort!

4. Can I cook this on high instead of low?

It’s best to cook this crumble on low to ensure the apples cook evenly and the flavors meld together. Cooking it on high might cause the crumble topping to burn before the apples are tender.

5. How can I make this recipe vegan?

To make this crumble vegan, simply replace the butter in the crumble with vegan butter or coconut oil. The result will still be rich and flavorful, and you can serve it with a vegan ice cream or whipped topping.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Gingerbread Apple Pie Crumble is the perfect dessert for fall and winter. It combines the warm, spicy flavors of gingerbread with the sweet, comforting taste of apple pie, all topped with a buttery crumble that will have your guests coming back for seconds. Using a slow cooker makes this dessert incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to enjoy the delicious smells of cinnamon, ginger, and baked apples as the crumble cooks.

Whether you’re serving it for a holiday party, a casual family dinner, or just because you’re craving something warm and cozy, this crumble is sure to be a hit. Don’t forget to serve it with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a drizzle of caramel sauce to make it extra special!

I hope you enjoy making and savoring this delightful slow cooker dessert. Let me know how it turns out, and feel free to get creative with the variations and add-ins!

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