Imagine a dessert that transforms ordinary apples into a heavenly, melt-in-your-mouth experience that will make your taste buds dance with joy! Our Slow Cooked Pecan Spiced Apples are not just a recipe—they're a culinary journey that combines the warm, rich flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and caramelized brown sugar with tender, perfectly cooked apples. Whether you're looking for a show-stopping dessert or a comforting side dish, this recipe promises to elevate your cooking game with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and sliced
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 cup pecans, chopped
- 1/4 cup butter
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by washing, peeling, and slicing them into uniform 1/4-inch thick wedges. Toss the apple slices with lemon juice to prevent browning and maintain their fresh appearance.
- In a separate mixing bowl, combine brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and nutmeg. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Grease the interior of a slow cooker with a small amount of butter to prevent sticking and enhance flavor.
- Layer the apple slices in the slow cooker, sprinkling the spice and sugar mixture evenly between each layer to ensure complete coverage.
- Cut the remaining butter into small cubes and distribute them across the top of the apple layers.
- Sprinkle chopped pecans over the top of the apples, ensuring even distribution for consistent flavor and texture.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 4 hours, allowing the apples to become tender and caramelize slowly.
- After cooking, gently stir the apples to ensure the spices and pecans are well integrated.
- Let the dish cool for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Serve warm as a dessert, side dish, or topping for vanilla ice cream or yogurt.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: Opt for firm, slightly tart varieties like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp that hold their shape during slow cooking.
- Prevent Browning: The lemon juice isn't just for flavor—it helps keep your apple slices looking fresh and prevents oxidation.
- Layer Strategically: Alternate apple slices with spice mixture for even flavor distribution throughout the dish.
- Don't Rush the Cooking: Low and slow is the key to developing deep, rich caramelization and tender apples.
- Customize Your Spices: Feel free to experiment with additional spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve over vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes or waffles for an extra indulgent treat.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 303kcal
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 2g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 17mg
