Few desserts capture the heart of autumn quite like Apple Butterscotch Crisp—where tender apples meet a buttery oat topping and a hint of sweet butterscotch magic. Enter the Apple Butterscotch Crisp—a recipe that takes everything you love about traditional apple crisp and adds a luscious twist with butterscotch pudding mix. The result? A gooey, caramel-like filling with a golden oat topping that melts in your mouth.
What makes this recipe even better is the slow cooker method. Instead of heating up the oven for an hour, you simply toss everything together and let your slow cooker do the magic. By the time it’s ready, your kitchen smells like autumn in a bakery, and the apples are tender, juicy, and coated in butterscotch goodness. Whether you’re planning a holiday dinner, a Sunday night treat, or just want to curl up with something cozy, this crisp will deliver.
And yes, it pairs perfectly with a scoop of vanilla ice cream—or, for the adventurous, a drizzle of salted caramel sauce.
Apple Butterscotch Crisp
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Mixing Bowl
- Pastry Cutter
Ingredients
Filling
- 3 cups tart apples peeled and thinly sliced
Topping
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup quick-cooking oats
- 1/3 cup butterscotch pudding mix cook-and-serve type
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup cold butter cubed
- vanilla ice cream for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Place the peeled and sliced apples evenly into a 1 ½-quart slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix brown sugar, flour, oats, butterscotch pudding mix, and cinnamon until well combined.
- Add the cold cubed butter to the dry ingredients and use a pastry cutter to cut in until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs.
- Sprinkle the topping evenly over the apples in the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and bubbling.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with vanilla ice cream.
Notes
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this crisp to life, plus ideas for swaps if you’re feeling creative:
- Tart Apples (3 cups, about 3 medium): Granny Smith apples are a classic choice because their tartness balances the sweet butterscotch. Don’t have them? Honeycrisp or Pink Lady work beautifully, too. For a milder sweetness, mix in some Gala apples. (Check out the health benefits of apples).
- Brown Sugar (1/3 cup): Adds caramel-like depth. You can lighten it up with coconut sugar or a sugar substitute like monk fruit for a lower-sugar version.
- All-Purpose Flour (1/4 cup): Helps bind the topping. For gluten-free needs, swap with almond flour or a 1:1 gluten-free baking blend.
- Quick-Cooking Oats (1/4 cup): Provide that signature crisp texture. Rolled oats can also work, though the topping will be a bit chewier.
- Cook-and-Serve Butterscotch Pudding Mix (1/3 cup): The secret star of this dessert. It gives a buttery, caramel-like richness that transforms the apples. If you can’t find it, try vanilla pudding mix with an extra tablespoon of brown sugar and a splash of caramel extract.
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Warmth in every bite. Feel free to add nutmeg or allspice if you want more spice complexity.
- Cold Butter, Cubed (1/4 cup): Creates that crumbly, buttery topping. Plant-based butter works for a vegan version.
- Vanilla Ice Cream (optional): Because every crisp is better à la mode.
How to Make Apple Butterscotch Crisp in a Slow Cooker
- Layer the Apples
Place your peeled, thinly sliced apples into a 1 ½-quart slow cooker. Spread them evenly to create the base. - Mix the Dry Ingredients
In a bowl, combine brown sugar, flour, oats, butterscotch pudding mix, and cinnamon. Stir until everything is evenly distributed. - Cut in the Butter
Add the cold, cubed butter to the dry mix. Use a pastry cutter (or two knives) to cut the butter into the mixture until it looks like coarse crumbs. - Sprinkle & Cook
Sprinkle the crumb topping evenly over the apples. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 2 ½ to 3 ½ hours, until the apples are tender and bubbling and the topping is golden. - Serve Warm
Spoon into bowls and top with vanilla ice cream for the ultimate comfort dessert.
Why This Recipe Works
- Hands-Off Cooking: Slow cooker means no oven babysitting—just set it and let it work.
- Butterscotch Magic: Pudding mix enhances both texture and flavor, giving a caramel-like sauce without extra steps.
- Perfectly Balanced: Tart apples, buttery topping, and warm spice keep it from being overly sweet.
- Small Batch Friendly: Makes just 3 servings—ideal for a cozy dessert without endless leftovers.
Variations & Add-Ins
- Nutty Crunch: Add ¼ cup chopped pecans or walnuts to the topping for extra crunch.
- Cranberry Twist: Toss in ½ cup dried cranberries with the apples for a tart-sweet burst.
- Caramel Boost: Drizzle caramel sauce over the crisp before serving for a double-layered treat.
- Bigger Batch: Double the recipe and use a larger slow cooker for gatherings.
How to Store & Reheat
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Reheat: Warm in the microwave in 30-second intervals or reheat in a 350°F oven for 10–12 minutes for a crisp topping.
Perfect Pairings
- Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or whipped cream.
- Pair with a warm cup of chai tea or apple cider.
- Looking for another fall favorite? Try this Pumpkin Spice Chex Mix for a crunchy, spiced snack.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Can I make Apple Butterscotch Crisp in the oven instead of a slow cooker?
Yes! Layer the apples in a greased 8×8-inch baking dish, top with the crumb mixture, and bake at 350°F for 35–40 minutes until golden and bubbly.
What are the best apples for this recipe?
Granny Smith apples are classic for crisps because of their tartness, but Honeycrisp and Pink Lady work well, too. Mixing varieties adds complexity.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Absolutely. Swap the all-purpose flour for almond flour or a gluten-free blend, and make sure your pudding mix is gluten-free.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
You can assemble the topping in advance and refrigerate it. When ready, layer over apples and cook. Leftovers also reheat well.
Is butterscotch pudding mix necessary?
It’s the secret ingredient! But if unavailable, you can substitute with vanilla pudding mix plus a splash of caramel extract and extra brown sugar.
What’s the difference between apple crisp and apple crumble?
They’re very similar, but crisps usually contain oats in the topping, while crumbles use more of a streusel topping without oats.
Wrapping It Up
Apple Butterscotch Crisp is the perfect mix of tradition and twist. It’s simple, budget-friendly, and absolutely bursting with cozy fall flavors. The butterscotch makes it unique, while the slow cooker makes it effortless. Whether you’re whipping it up for family dessert, a holiday spread, or just because apples are calling your name, this recipe guarantees warm bowls and happy smiles.
Want more cozy desserts? Try this Pumpkin Pie Dump Cake or this creamy Coconut Custard Pie. For seasonal inspiration and updates, follow me on Facebook and Pinterest.