Oh my goodness, have you ever tried slow cooker bloomin baked apples? They’re like a warm hug on a chilly day! Imagine biting into a tender apple, bursting with sweet spices and gooey goodness. The way the cinnamon mingles with the brown sugar and oats is just heavenly. I remember the first time I made these—I had friends over for a cozy dinner, and the smell of these apples wafting through my kitchen was pure magic. Everyone couldn’t wait to dig in! Trust me, this recipe is a delightful twist on a classic dessert that brings a smile to your face with every bite. You’ll absolutely love how simple it is to whip them up, too!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Bloomin Baked Apples
- 4 medium apples, cored and cut into sections without slicing all the way through
- 1/4 cup packed brown sugar, for that rich sweetness
- 1/4 cup old-fashioned oats, to add a nice texture
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, for warm, cozy flavor
- 1/4 cup raisins, because they add a lovely chewiness
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, to dot on top for richness
- 1/2 cup apple juice, to ensure those apples get super tender and flavorful
How to Prepare Slow Cooker Bloomin Baked Apples
Now, let’s dive into the fun part—making these delectable slow cooker bloomin baked apples! It’s a straightforward process that will fill your kitchen with the most amazing aroma, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you!
Step 1: Core and Cut the Apples
First things first, grab those beautiful apples! Using a sharp knife, carefully core each apple. Be gentle—you want to remove the center without slicing all the way through the bottom. Next, make a few vertical cuts along the sides of each apple, about halfway down. This will help them bloom and soak up all that lovely filling!
Step 2: Mix the Filling
In a medium bowl, combine the brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and raisins. Give it a good stir to ensure everything is evenly mixed. You want every bite to have that perfect balance of sweetness and spice, so don’t skip this step! The oats add a delightful texture that pairs beautifully with the tender apples.
Step 3: Stuff the Apples
Now comes the fun part—stuffing those apples! Take a spoon and pack the filling into the cuts of each apple. Don’t be shy! Press it in a bit to make sure they’re filled to the brim. The more filling, the better, right? This is where all the flavor magic happens!
Step 4: Arrange in the Slow Cooker
Place the stuffed apples upright in the slow cooker. Make sure they fit snugly but aren’t overcrowded. Dot each apple with a little butter on top—it adds a lovely richness. You want them to cook evenly, so a little space between each apple is key!
Step 5: Add Apple Juice
Carefully pour the apple juice over the apples, making sure to cover them well. This juice is essential for keeping the apples moist and infusing them with flavor as they cook. It’s like a cozy bath for your apples!
Step 6: Cooking Time
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for about 4 hours. You’ll want to check them for tenderness around the 3.5-hour mark. They should be soft and slightly caramelized. If they need a bit more time, no worries—just let them go a little longer! Once done, resist the urge to dive in right away; let them cool for a few minutes to make sure you enjoy every gooey, delicious bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy days!
- Packs a punch of flavor with warm spices and sweet fillings.
- Healthy dessert option that satisfies your sweet tooth.
- Made in the slow cooker for a hands-off cooking experience.
- Impressive enough for gatherings yet simple enough for any weeknight!
Tips for Success
To really nail these slow cooker bloomin baked apples, here are some of my favorite pro tips! First, choose apples that are firm and sweet, like Honeycrisp or Fuji—they hold up beautifully during cooking. If you prefer a little extra zing, try adding a splash of lemon juice to the filling to brighten the flavors. For added crunch, toss in some chopped nuts with the oats and raisins. And remember, the cooking time can vary based on your slow cooker, so keep an eye on those apples around the 3.5-hour mark. If you find they’re not quite tender yet, just let them go a little longer. Trust me, the wait is worth it for that gooey, spiced goodness!
Serving Suggestions
These slow cooker bloomin baked apples are delightful on their own, but why not take them to the next level? Serve them warm with a generous scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream on top—trust me, the combination is heavenly! You could also drizzle a little caramel sauce or sprinkle some chopped nuts for added texture. Get creative and enjoy them however you like; the possibilities are endless!
Nutritional Information
These slow cooker bloomin baked apples are not just delicious; they’re also a guilt-free treat! Each serving (that’s one apple) has approximately 180 calories, 5g of fat, 1g of protein, and 34g of carbohydrates. Plus, you get 4g of fiber, which is always a bonus! Keep in mind, these numbers are estimates and can vary based on the specific ingredients you use. Enjoying a sweet dessert doesn’t have to derail your healthy eating goals!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! While I love using Honeycrisp or Fuji, you can experiment with any firm apple variety. Just make sure they’re sweet and hold their shape while cooking!
What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
No worries! You can bake these bloomin baked apples in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 30-40 minutes. Just place them in a baking dish, cover with foil, and pour the apple juice over them.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftover apples in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. They make for a delicious snack or breakfast treat!
Can I make these ahead of time?
Yes! You can prepare the apples and filling ahead of time. Just stuff them and store in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly if they’re cold from the fridge!
Slow Cooker Bloomin Baked Apples: 5 Steps to Comfort Bliss
- Całkowity Czas: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Ustępować: 4 servings 1x
- Dieta: Wegańskie
Opis
This slow cooker recipe creates delicious bloomin baked apples filled with spices and sweetness.
Składniki
- 4 medium apples
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup oats
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup raisins
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup apple juice
Instrukcje
- Core the apples and make cuts around each apple, without cutting all the way through.
- Mix brown sugar, oats, cinnamon, and raisins in a bowl.
- Stuff the mixture into the cuts of each apple.
- Place the apples in the slow cooker and dot with butter.
- Pour the apple juice over the apples.
- Cook on low for 4 hours or until tender.
Uwagi
- Serve warm with ice cream or whipped cream.
- Adjust sugar based on apple sweetness.
- Czas Przygotowania: 15 minutes
- Czas gotowania: 4 hours
- Kategoria: Dessert
- Sposób: Slow Cooker
- Kuchnia: American
Zasilanie
- Wielkość porcji: 1 apple
- Kalorie: 180
- Cukier: 25g
- Sód: 5mg
- Kwasy: 5g
- Nasycony tłuszcz: 3g
- Tłuszcze Nienasycone: 2g
- Tłuszcze trans: 0g
- Węglowodany: 34g
- Włókno: 4g
- Białko: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
Słowa kluczowe: slow cooker bloomin baked apples, baked apples, slow cooker dessert
