Slow Cooker Apple Cranberry

This slow cooker apple cranberry dish is perfect for a cozy afternoon treat or a simple side that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. It uses very few ingredients but delivers a balanced mix of sweet and tart flavors with minimal effort from start to finish.

I first made this on a chilly weekend when I needed something easy yet festive. It quickly became a family favorite that I now make to brighten up busy days.

Ingredients

• Apples: peeled and diced provide natural sweetness and a soft but not mushy texture when cooked. Choose crisp varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp for the best flavor.
• Fresh cranberries: add a bright tartness and a beautiful ruby color. Look for firm, plump berries with no signs of shriveling.
• Brown sugar: balances the tart fruits with a warm caramel note. Use light brown sugar for a more subtle sweetness or dark brown sugar for a richer molasses flavor.
• Ground cinnamon: warms up the fruit mix with familiar cozy spice. Use freshly ground if possible for the best aroma.
• Nutmeg: rounds out the spice blend with a hint of earthiness. A little goes a long way so measure carefully.
• Water: is the liquid base that prevents drying and helps everything blend during slow cooking. Using filtered water improves the final flavor.

Instructions

Place Fruit In Slow Cooker:

Peel and dice four cups of apples into uniform pieces about one inch thick to ensure even cooking. Rinse one cup of fresh cranberries removing any stems or bad berries. Layer the apples and cranberries evenly in the bottom of your slow cooker.

Add Sugar And Spices:

Sprinkle one half cup of brown sugar over the fruit followed by one teaspoon of ground cinnamon and one quarter teaspoon of ground nutmeg. Measure carefully for balanced flavors and sprinkle evenly so all fruit gets a touch.

Add Water And Stir:

Pour one half cup of water over the fruit and spices. Use a spoon or spatula to gently stir everything together so the sugar and spices start to meld without bruising the fruit too much.

Cook Low And Slow:

Set your slow cooker to the low setting and cover. Let it cook undisturbed for four hours. This slow heat will soften the fruit while allowing the flavors to deepen fully without turning mushy.

Serve Warm Or Chill:

After cooking, you can serve this dish warm right from the cooker or let it cool and refrigerate for a lovely chilled dessert or side. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute any juice.

This dish shines in fall and winter when fresh apples and cranberries are at their best. Cinnamon is my favorite ingredient here because it brings that unmistakable cozy feeling and aroma that always makes the house smell like holiday magic. My family always remembers this as a special warm treat on cold afternoons.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave adding a splash of water if it seems too thick. This also freezes well& just thaw in the fridge overnight before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

If cranberries are not available, you can substitute with frozen or dried cranberries but adjust sugar accordingly as dried berries tend to be sweeter. Apples can be swapped with pears for a slightly softer texture and delicate pear flavor.

Serving Ideas

Serve this apple cranberry dish alongside roasted pork or turkey for a simple fruity complement. It also works beautifully spooned over vanilla ice cream or with a dollop of Greek yogurt for dessert.

This classic slow cooker recipe is both comforting and easy to prepare making it a perfect go-to for chilly days.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ Can I use frozen cranberries instead of fresh?

Yes, frozen cranberries work well and can be added directly without thawing. They may release more liquid, so consider that when cooking time is adjusted.

→ How can I make the dish thicker?

To thicken the mixture, stir in a cornstarch slurry made of 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.

→ Is it possible to prepare this without a slow cooker?

You can simmer the ingredients gently in a pot over low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally until the fruit softens.

→ What can I serve with this apple and cranberry blend?

It pairs nicely with vanilla ice cream, whipped cream, or alongside pancakes and oatmeal for added warmth and flavor.

→ How should leftovers be stored?

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently before serving.