Imagine a dessert that combines the warm, gooey comfort of a classic apple crisp with a protein-packed, nutritious twist. This slow cooker quinoa apple crisp is not just a dessert—it's a game-changing culinary experience that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary treat. Whether you're looking for a guilt-free indulgence or a crowd-pleasing dessert that's both delicious and nutritious, this recipe will revolutionize your approach to sweet treats.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups diced apples
- 1 cup cooked quinoa
- 1/2 cup rolled oats
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 cup melted coconut oil
- 1/4 cup chopped nuts (optional)
- 1/4 tsp salt
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by washing, peeling, and cutting them into uniform 1/2-inch dice. Place the diced apples in the bottom of a 4-6 quart slow cooker.
- In a medium mixing bowl, combine the cooked quinoa, rolled oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Pour the melted coconut oil over the dry quinoa mixture and stir until all ingredients are well-coated and slightly clumpy.
- Sprinkle the quinoa-oat topping evenly over the diced apples in the slow cooker. If using, scatter chopped nuts across the top for added crunch.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are tender and the topping is golden and crisp.
- After cooking, let the crisp rest uncovered for 15-20 minutes to allow the juices to set and the topping to firm up slightly.
- Serve warm, optionally topped with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of Greek yogurt for added creaminess.
Tips
- Apple Selection Matters: Choose firm, slightly tart apples like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp for the best texture and flavor balance.
- Quinoa Prep Tip: Use pre-cooked, cooled quinoa to ensure your topping stays crisp and doesn't become mushy during cooking.
- Oil Distribution: When adding melted coconut oil, stir thoroughly to create a clumpy, crisp topping that will give your dessert amazing texture.
- Cooking Time Flexibility: Every slow cooker is different, so start checking your crisp around the 3-hour mark to prevent overcooking.
- Serving Suggestion: Let the crisp rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to set and enhance the overall texture.
- Optional Enhancements: Experiment with adding a sprinkle of nutmeg or a dash of vanilla extract to elevate the flavor profile.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This dessert can be prepared in advance and reheated, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 250kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 5g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 0mg
