From the Beachbody blog
As much as I love a freshly baked apple pie, I can’t ignore the fact that it takes a lot of effort. Pastry crusts are finicky and time consuming, and then you have to prep the filling and make the topping. The results are delicious, but it’s a big commitment. And most days, I don’t have the time to whip up a pie from scratch (unfortunately). Although, that’s probably a blessing in disguise, because considering how much butter, white flour, and sugar are tucked into a pie… it is by no means healthy!
This recipe is the perfect marriage of those same delicious fall flavors wrapped up in a fuss-free dessert that is healthy to boot. Apples form the “base” of this dish. Once the apples are cored, the center becomes the perfect vessel for holding a cinnamon-spiced oat crumble. A bit of butter keeps this dish moist and decadent, without getting anywhere close to the amount of butter (or shortening) used in a standard pie.
The trick that makes this recipe so easy is using a slow cooker to cook the apples. It’s a convenient, hands-off approach that lets you just push a button and way away. In about two hours you’ll have perfectly soft apples with a golden brown crumble. These Slow Cooker Baked Apples make for a delicious guilt-free dessert or even a decadent breakfast or brunch item.
Next time you want to indulge in apples and cinnamon, be sure to break out your slow cooker to give this recipe a go. It’s a low sugar, low fat option that’s just sweet enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. And thanks to the apples, you’ll get a full serving of fruit. Dessert has never been better!
Ingredients
- 5 medium Cortland (or Honey Crisp, Macintosh or Mutsu) apples
- ½ cup whole wheat flour (or gluten free flour or almond flour)
- ½ cup dry old-fashioned rolled oats
- ¼ cup coconut sugar
- ½ tsp. ground cinnamon
- ½ tsp. pumpkin pie spice
- ¼ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
- 2 tbsp. organic grass-fed butter, (or extra-virgin organic coconut oil)
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Core apples using an apple corer (or sharp knife).
- Add water to a 3-quart slow cooker and carefully place apples in slow cooker so that they are standing upright.
- Combine flour, oats, sugar, cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, salt, and butter in a small bowl; mix with a fork until crumbly.
- Fill apples evenly with oat mixture.
- Cook on low for 2 hours, or until apples are fork tender. Remove apples from slow cooker. Cool for 5 to 10 minutes.
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