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๐Ÿ Home ยป Recipes ยป Dessert Recipes

Small Crock Pot Apple Crisp

Published: Mar 20, 2025 by Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan ยท 23 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Total Time: 3 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

This small-batch crock pot apple crisp recipe is simple to make and one of the best homemade apple desserts with crispy oat topping and apple pie flavor. It is versatile; use half the recipe for a mini apple crisp for two in a 2-quart crock pot or double it in a full-size slow cooker for a crowd.

๐ŸŽIngredients

Applesโ€”apples of your choice
Topping ingredientsโ€”rolled oats, flour, brown sugar (light or dark), butter, cinnamon and nutmeg

Apple crisp with ice cream.
Jump To (scroll for more)
  • ๐ŸŽIngredients
  • ๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Crock Pot Apple Crispโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions
  • ๐Ÿค”Tips to make it right every time
  • ๐ŸŽWhat are the best apples to use
  • โ†•๏ธMaking a mini or large crock pot apple crisp
  • ๐Ÿ“–Dessert Recipes
  • ๐ŸดHow to serve apple crisp
  • โ„๏ธHow to store apple crisp
  • โ“FAQs
  • ๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

quote mark
Featured Comment by Catherine:
โญโญโญโญโญ
"โ€ฆour dessert was Fabulous tonightโ€ฆ We Loved this apple crock pot dessert."

This simple old-fashioned dessert is perfect for entertaining the family or just yourself. Nothing is better than warm apple crisp with vanilla ice cream. We hope you love this recipe as much as we do.

๐Ÿ‘จโ€๐ŸณHow to Make Crock Pot Apple Crispโ€”Step-by-Step Photo Instructions

Apples with oats and crisp ingredientsโ€”labeled.
slices of apple in measuring cup.

1. To make four cups of apple slices, you will need four to five medium apples, which you should peel and slice.

mixing topping for crisp in a metal bowl.

2. Mix topping of flour, light brown sugar, rolled oats, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Cut in butter with a fork until crumbly.

pouring apple slices into a crock pot.

3. Spray 3 to 4 quart crock pot with cooking spary and add apple slices.

topping spread evenly over the apple slices.

4. Pour the topping mixture evenly over the apples.

crock pot with the top turned sideways.

5. Cook for 2 hours on high covered, then rotate the lid to allow moisture to vent. Cook one more hour on high until the edges are brown and bubbling.

Apple crisp on a spoon over the crock pot.

6. Allow to cool a little before serving so the apples will set up. This is great with ice cream.

For more details, keep reading. See the Recipe Card below for complete instructions and to print.

๐Ÿค”Tips to make it right every time

I suggest peeling the apples, but you can leave the peels if you wish.

Add more cinnamon to the apples if you wish.

Coat the apples with lemon juice to prevent browning but this recipe moves quickly and I don't see it as needed.

Adjust the sugar in the topping for the sweetness of the apples.

Be sure to vent the top for the last hour of cooking to release the moisture from the apples.

Cook until the edges are browning well and bubbling.

๐ŸŽWhat are the best apples to use

Apples that are firmer and tarter are the best choice here. So, if you are buying apples just for this recipe, some good choices are Granny Smith, Gala, Jonathon, Ida Red, Honey Crisp, and Cortland. Red Delicious Apples are probably the only common poor choice due to the texture when cooked.

Soft apples may release more fluid, and the results may be runny.

โ†•๏ธMaking a mini or large crock pot apple crisp

The full recipe makes 6 servings in a 3 to 4-quart crock pot, which is perfect for our "for two" household since we love leftovers. A half recipe makes 3 servings in a 2-quart mini crock pot, and a double recipe makes 12 servings in a 6 to 7-quart full-size crock pot.

  1. Use the recipe card and adjust the number of servings to half or double.
  2. Use the amount of ingredients in the ingredient list, not the instructionsโ€”those do not adjust.
  3. The half recipe will fit in a 2-quart mini crock pot.
  4. A double recipe fits in a 6-quart or larger crock pot.
  5. Cook until the edges are bubbling and the top is brown. The smaller one should cook faster, and the larger one should cook slower, but it depends on your crock pot, so watch for the endpoints.

๐Ÿ“–Dessert Recipes

Don't miss these other dessert recipes, such as Crock Pot, Apple Cobbler, Homemade Apple Crumb Pie, Berry Crumble, and Berry Crisp for Two.

Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

This easy Old Fashioned Apple Crisp is a small-batch recipe requiring only three apples and a few pantry ingredients. It's easy to make for two or a crowd.

apple crisp on a white plate.

๐ŸดHow to serve apple crisp

While it is excellent cold, it is best served warm, especially when combined with vanilla ice cream. Some will like to drizzle with caramel sauce and sprinkle with walnuts or pecans.

โ„๏ธHow to store apple crisp

Keep your apple crisp covered loosely with foil or plastic wrap. You can generally keep it at room temperature for up to two days. If refrigerated, your pie will keep for 3-4 days. 

Apple crisp may be frozen for 4 months. Cool completely and cut into slices before freezing. Seal airtight with two layers of plastic wrap and/or foil.

Reheat apple crisp in the oven or briefly in a microwave.

โ“FAQs

What is the Difference? Cobblers, Crumbles, and Crisps

Cobblers are easy; they have a biscuit or cake topping. I have a very nice Smaller Crock Pot Apple Cobbler, which uses a cake mix for the topping.

Crumbles and crisps are commonly used interchangeably. The differentiating factor is crisps have oats in the topping and crumble do not. This seems to be not widely accepted.

The recipe name should tell you what you're getting, so in my world, this is crisp. But call it a crumble if you want.

Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect

๐Ÿ“–The Recipe Card

Apple crisp with ice cream.

Small Crock Pot Apple Crisp

4.34 from 39 votes
From Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan
This small-batch crock pot apple crisp recipe is simple to make and one of the best homemade apple desserts with crispy oat topping and apple pie flavor. It is versatile; use half the recipe for a mini apple crisp for two in a 2-quart crock pot or double it in a full-size slow cooker for a crowd.
Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours hours
Total Time: 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
Servings #/Adjust if desired 6

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Ingredients

US Customary - Convert to Metric
  • 4 cups apple slices - about 4-5 medium apples
  • ยฝ cup flour
  • ยฝ cup light brown sugar
  • ยฝ cup rolled oats
  • ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ยผ teaspoon nutmeg
  • 4 tablespoons butter

Instructions
 

  • Apples with oats and crisp ingredientsโ€”labeled.
    Start with the apples of your choice. You will need about four medium apples to make four cups of apple slicesโ€”peel and slice.
  • mixing topping for crisp in a metal bowl.
    Mix a topping of ยฝ cup each of flour, light brown sugar, and rolled oats in a medium bowl. Add ยฝ teaspoon cinnamon and ยผ teaspoon nutmeg. Add 4 tablespoons of softened butter and cut into the topping with a fork until combined thoroughly. It will be crumbly-looking.
  • spraying a small crock pot with PAM cooking spray.
    Give a smaller 3 to 4 quart crock pot a heavy spray of PAM.
  • pouring apple slices into a crock pot.
    Add 4 cups of apple slices.
  • topping spread evenly over the apple slices.
    Smooth the apples, then pour the topping mixture evenly over the apples.
  • crock pot with the top turned sideways.
    Cook for 2 hours on high covered, rotate the lid to allow moisture to vent, and cook one more hour on high until edges are brown and bubbling.
  • Apple crisp on a spoon over the crock pot.
    Allow to cool a little before serving so the apples will set up some. Great with ice cream.

Recipe Notes

Pro Tips

  1. Use the apples of your choice. A firmer tarter apple is a better choice. The only apples I would not use are red delicious apples due to texture issues when cooked.
  2. This recipe is for a 3 to 4 quart crock pot. A half recipe fits in a 2-quart mini crock pot, and a double recipe fits a 6-7 quart crock pot.
  3. Vent the crock pot top by rotating the top for the last hour of cooking. This will help the top crisp up better.

Your Own Private Notes

Click here to save your own private notes only you will see. These will print and be saved for your next visit.
Blue ribbon divider used for visual effect.

To adjust the recipe size:

You may adjust the number of servings in this recipe card under servings. This does the math for the ingredients for you. BUT it does NOT adjust the text of the instructions. So you need to do that yourself.

Nutrition Estimate

Calories : 253 kcal (13%)Carbohydrates : 45 g (15%)Protein : 2 g (4%)Fat : 9 g (14%)Saturated Fat : 5 g (25%)Polyunsaturated Fat : 0.3 gMonounsaturated Fat : 2 gCholesterol : 22 mg (7%)Sodium : 2 mgPotassium : 117 mg (3%)Fiber : 3 g (12%)Sugar : 30 g (33%)Vitamin A : 300 IU (6%)Vitamin C : 5.8 mg (7%)Calcium : 20 mg (2%)Iron : 1.4 mg (8%)
Serving size is my estimate of a normal size. All nutritional information are estimates and may vary from your actual results. To taste ingredients such as salt will be my estimate of the average used.

ยฉ 101 Cooking for Two, LLC. All content and photographs are copyright protected by us or our vendors.

Originally published October 3, 2015. Updated with expanded options, refreshed photos, and a table of contents to help navigation.

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  1. James says

    November 08, 2023 at 8:18 pm

    5 stars
    Let me start by saying this is a wonderful recipe. I have made it twice now. The first time was better than the second time I believe. The apples were different. The first time I made it I used Envy apples purchased at Aldi (could buy individual apples). The second time I made it with Granny Smith apples purchased at Meijer (entire bag). The Envy apples kept their shape and a 'soft' firmness to them. The GS apples turned to almost applesauce. I was not impressed. Moral of the story is to choose your apples wisely! Now I've got a half bag of GS apples that I will have to find another recipe to cook them in.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      November 08, 2023 at 9:44 pm

      Hi James,

      Welcome to the blog and I so glad the recipe is working well for you.

      Now, about the apple choice, I have never cooked with Envy apples although I would think they would be good. Granny Smith apple are always the top recommend apple for any pie/cobbler/crumble recipeโ€”specifically since they hold their shape and are a bit tangy. I usually have Gala, Honey crisp and Cortlands around (I will try more Envy soon).

      Again, thanks for the note and rating.
      Dan

  2. Catherine says

    October 21, 2023 at 2:13 am

    5 stars
    Aloha Dr. Dan, Catherine here. Thank you very much for your advice on Not using honey instead of brown sugar. My husband brought home some brown sugar and this afternoon and our dessert was Fabulous tonight. I see where the honey was not a good idea. We Loved this apple crock pot dessert. Wish I knew how to send you a pic of our dessert. We Love your pics of your Girls. Love our Fur Babies
    Love all your recipes I have tried. White chicken chile is soooo yummy.
    Aloha and Peace Catherine

    Reply
  3. Catherine says

    October 15, 2023 at 11:52 pm

    Aloha Dr Dan I was hoping I can use honey instead of brown sugar??
    This sounds fabulous..Mahalos Peace Catherine C.

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      October 16, 2023 at 8:07 am

      Hi Catherine,

      The normal substitute is 1/3 cup of honey for 1/2 cup of brown sugar. But I believe you will have a clumpy mess with the honey, oats and flour and it will not spread out well. So not a substitute I would suggest doing.

      Dan

  4. Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

    October 26, 2021 at 3:33 pm

    Thanks for the proofread. It got lost during the rewriting multiple times. Bake for about 45 minutes until golden brown.

    Reply
  5. ROBERT HENG says

    October 26, 2021 at 11:58 am

    Can I do this crock pot apple crisp and leave out the OATS and make it a crumble instead

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      October 26, 2021 at 12:04 pm

      Hi Robert,

      Welcome to the blog.

      Yep that should be fine I believe. You might find this recipe interesting https://www.101cookingfortwo.com/smaller-crock-pot-apple-cobbler/

      Dan

  6. Amy H says

    January 20, 2020 at 3:45 pm

    Hello Dan, I followed the directions exactly however, I mixture did not come out crumbly rather pasty. Do you use quick oats? I am not sure how it will turn out but I am awaiting.

    Reply
  7. Merry says

    October 26, 2019 at 11:20 pm

    I don't understand what you mean by "rotating the lid?"

    Reply
    • Dan Mikesell AKA DrDan says

      October 26, 2019 at 11:29 pm

      Hi Merry,
      See the picture in the post. I rotate the lid a bit to allow the humidity to vent some. It is not required.
      Dan

  8. Curt Bray says

    April 21, 2019 at 4:00 pm

    5 stars
    I have a little trick that grandma showed me. She just loved cooking in crock pots. At her age it made it easier for her to put it in turn it on and leave it and timer would shut it off. Well the apple crisp where ya'll say the last hour to rotate lid. If u put a news paper in between last hour the news paper absorbs the stream. Just thought I'd try to keep her idea alive. She past last year.

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      May 01, 2019 at 12:58 pm

      Hi Curt,
      Welcome to the blog. Sorry for the delayed response.
      I have done that with heavy kitchen towels and paper towels. It does work fairly well and thanks for reminding me.
      Thanks for the note and rating.
      DrDan

    • Lucy Chipman says

      December 07, 2021 at 1:31 pm

      Be careful using newspaper or similar items for any purposes common even 15 years ago. The ink and paper is much different now, and can in many cases add unhealthy or even toxic affects when the by products (such as would be in the food if newspaper is used in the manner that grandma used to do) are consumed.
      Iโ€™m looking forward to years of new cooking hacks as we adjust to the technological advances surrounding recycling and sustainability.

  9. Bylli says

    February 28, 2017 at 10:03 am

    What is the serving size?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      March 01, 2017 at 8:19 pm

      About one cup I believe. I look at the cooking at the end and decide on what is a reasonable serving. I don't weigh or measure.

  10. RossC says

    February 11, 2016 at 6:28 pm

    Our kind of dessert.. This will be put together before the weekend... I'm certain this will rate all 5 stars...

    Reply
  11. Kate Kyleen says

    October 20, 2015 at 3:43 pm

    Oooo yum! Do you think coconut flour could substitute for regular flour?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      October 20, 2015 at 9:28 pm

      While I have never used coconut flour, I would think it would be fine.
      DrDan

  12. Lyn Brauer says

    October 17, 2015 at 2:27 pm

    Sounds great! Would this work if doubled and cooked in a 6 quart?

    Reply
    • DrDan says

      October 17, 2015 at 5:01 pm

      It should be fine.
      DrDan

  13. Dahn@savorthebest.com says

    October 10, 2015 at 10:33 am

    I love apple crisp, it is so easy to make and it is such a healthier choice than a pie with all that extra fat laden crust.

    Reply
  14. Joan says

    October 06, 2015 at 8:30 am

    I have this on my "to try" list and will buy some apples today. It is my husband's favorite dessert so I don't think I will have much in the way of leftovers. I can "taste" a recipe when I read it so I am leaving a rating before making it and this is going to be really good.

    Reply

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