This 5-ingredient slow cooker dessert is the kind of easy after-school treat that feels a little special without making a big mess in the kitchen. Using a raw frozen deep dish pie crust as the base gives you a shortcut to a warm, sweet dessert with hardly any prep, and the slow cooker does the work while everyone settles in for the afternoon. It has that cozy, old-fashioned feel of a pantry dessert, which makes it especially handy on busy family days.
Serve this warm on its own or spoon it into bowls with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped topping. For an extra homey touch, pair it with sliced apples, a mug of hot chocolate, or a glass of cold milk. If you are serving it for a casual family gathering, a little drizzle of caramel sauce on top makes it feel even more like a special dessert.
5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Cinnamon Apple Pie Dessert
Servings: 6 to 8
Ingredients
1 raw frozen deep dish pie crust
1 can apple pie filling, about 21 ounces
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 tablespoons butter, cut into small pieces
Directions
1. Lightly coat the inside of the slow cooker crock with nonstick spray or a little butter if desired. Place the raw frozen deep dish pie crust into the bottom of the slow cooker.
2. Spoon the apple pie filling evenly into the crust. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the top, then dot with the small pieces of butter.
3. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on High for 2 to 3 hours, or until the filling is bubbly and the crust is cooked through around the edges. If your slow cooker runs hot, check a little early.
4. Turn off the slow cooker and let the dessert rest for 15 to 20 minutes so it can set slightly. Scoop into bowls and serve warm.
Variations & Tips
For extra spice: Add a pinch of nutmeg or apple pie spice along with the cinnamon for a deeper fall flavor. This is a nice little upgrade if your family loves warmly spiced desserts.
For picky eaters: If your kids prefer a smoother filling, chop the apple slices from the pie filling into smaller pieces before adding them to the crust. That way every bite is soft and easy to scoop.
To keep the crust from getting too soft: If condensation builds up under the lid, place a clean paper towel under the slow cooker lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to catch extra moisture. Just be sure it stays clear of the heating element and fits safely under the lid.
Try a different filling: Cherry, peach, or blueberry pie filling can be swapped in for a whole new dessert with the same easy method. It is a wonderful trick when you want to use what is already in the pantry.
Make it a little richer: A spoonful of whipped topping or a drizzle of caramel sauce right before serving makes this dessert feel extra special for movie night or weekend family dinner.