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#### **5. Pink Lady Apples**
Pink Lady apples are crisp, slightly tart, and have a distinctive pink color that can add a touch of vibrancy to your dish. They cook up nicely, offering a tender texture that is perfect for creating a delicious, saucy base. They are ideal for those who prefer a more tart apple flavor with just enough sweetness.
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### **The Guilt-Free Apple Slices Slow Cooker Dessert Recipe**
Now that we understand the benefits of slow cooking apple slices and know the best apples to use, let’s get into the recipe. This slow cooker apple dessert is incredibly simple, yet it delivers big flavor. It’s perfect for those who want to indulge in something sweet without feeling guilty.
#### **Ingredients**
– **6 large apples** (any of the recommended varieties, peeled and sliced)
– **1/4 cup maple syrup** (or honey, agave, or any preferred natural sweetener)
– **1/2 teaspoon cinnamon** (or more, depending on your taste preference)
– **1/4 teaspoon nutmeg** (optional)
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice** (to prevent browning and add a touch of brightness)
– **1/4 cup water** (or unsweetened apple juice for extra flavor)
– **Pinch of salt**
#### **Optional Add-ins**
– **1/4 cup chopped nuts** (walnuts, pecans, or almonds)
– **1/4 cup raisins or dried cranberries**
– **1 tablespoon coconut oil** (for extra richness)
– **1 tablespoon cornstarch** (to thicken the sauce, if you prefer a thicker consistency)
#### **Instructions**
1. **Prepare the Apples**: Begin by peeling and slicing the apples. You can use a mandolin slicer for uniform slices or simply cut them by hand. The slices should be about 1/4-inch thick to ensure they cook evenly and maintain some texture.
2. **Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker**: Place the sliced apples into your slow cooker. Drizzle the maple syrup over the apples, followed by the cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir everything together to ensure the apple slices are evenly coated with the spices and sweeteners. Add the water or apple juice, and sprinkle in a pinch of salt.
3. **Cook the Apples**: Set the slow cooker to low and cook the apples for 3-4 hours. If you prefer a softer, more sauce-like consistency, you can cook them for up to 5 hours. Check the apples periodically to ensure they don’t overcook. You want them to be tender but still hold their shape.
4. **Optional Add-ins**: If you’re adding nuts or dried fruits, add them about 30 minutes before the cooking time is complete. This allows them to soften and infuse the dish with additional flavor and texture.
5. **Serve**: Once the apples are cooked to your liking, serve them warm in bowls. You can enjoy them as is, or pair them with a scoop of low-fat vanilla ice cream, Greek yogurt, or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra treat.
6. **Optional Thickening**: If you prefer a thicker syrup, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with a little water to create a slurry, and stir it into the slow cooker in the last 30 minutes of cooking. This will help thicken the apple sauce without altering the flavor.
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### **Why This Recipe Works**
This slow-cooked apple slices recipe is a win for several reasons:
– **Simple and Healthy Ingredients**: With just apples, spices, and a natural sweetener, this dessert is wholesome and easy to prepare. It’s a great way to enjoy a sweet treat without any added sugars or unhealthy fats.
– **Customizable**: You can easily customize this recipe by adjusting the level of sweetness, adding your favorite nuts or dried fruits, or even making it vegan by using coconut oil or vegan butter.
– **Rich, Comforting Flavor**: The slow cooking process enhances the flavors of the apples and spices, resulting in a dessert that tastes far more indulgent than it actually is.
– **Versatile**: This dessert is as delicious on its own as it is served with a scoop of ice cream or yogurt. It’s perfect for breakfast, an afternoon snack, or a light dessert after dinner.
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### **Final Thoughts**
If you’re someone who loves the taste of apple desserts but wants to avoid the excess sugar, butter, and calories found in traditional pies or crisps, this slow-cooked apple slices recipe is the answer. Not only is it easy to make, but it also highlights the natural flavors of apples and spices, creating a dessert that’s comforting, sweet, and guilt-free. With the slow cooker doing most of the work for you, it’s a hassle-free way to enjoy a healthy indulgence that you can feel good about eating.
Whether you’re serving it to guests, preparing it for a family treat, or simply enjoying it yourself, this simple yet delicious dessert will soon become one of your favorites. “Yummy, yummy in my tummy” has never been
so guilt-free and satisfying!
