If you are craving a dish that radiates warmth and comfort, the Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This delightfully cozy recipe brings together tender sweet potatoes, the crisp tartness of Granny Smith apples, and the crunchy, nutty goodness of toasted pecans, all slowly melded into a rich, creamy, and naturally sweet side dish. It’s a perfect blend of flavors and textures that feels like a hug on your plate, making it a heartfelt addition to any family meal or holiday spread.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this recipe lies in its beautifully simple ingredients, each chosen to complement and enhance the natural sweetness and creaminess that slow cooking brings out. Every item plays a key role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, texture, and color that makes this dish so special.
- 4 large sweet potatoes: Peeled and cut into 1-1/2-inch cubes; they form the hearty, sweet base of the dish.
- 1 large Granny Smith apple: Peeled and chopped; adds a fresh tart bite to balance the sweetness.
- 1 (14-oz) can chicken broth: Provides moisture and savory depth during slow cooking.
- ½ cup whipping cream: Adds luscious creaminess that transforms the texture beautifully.
- ¼ cup firmly packed light brown sugar: Brings a subtle caramel-like sweetness that enhances the flavors.
- 2 Tbsp butter: Infuses richness and smoothness that rounds out the dish.
- ½ tsp salt: Balances and elevates all the flavors.
- ¾ tsp ground cinnamon: Adds warm spice notes for cozy depth and aroma.
- ¾ cup chopped toasted pecans: Offers a crunchy contrast with their nutty flavor.
How to Make Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Slow Cook the Base
Start by placing the sweet potatoes, chopped Granny Smith apple, and chicken broth into your 6-quart slow cooker. Cover it tightly and set the cooker to LOW. Let these ingredients soften and mingle for 6 to 8 hours, which allows the sweet potatoes and apple to become irresistibly tender while soaking up that savory broth—this slow-cooking step truly enhances the natural sweetness and depth of the dish.
Step 2: Drain and Return to Slow Cooker
Once the cooking time is up, carefully drain the softened sweet potatoes and apples to remove excess liquid. Return them to the slow cooker bowl — this preps the dish for the next delicious step where creaminess and flavor blending begin.
Step 3: Blend and Add the Flavors
Now comes the fun part. Add the whipping cream, light brown sugar, butter, salt, and ground cinnamon to the slow cooker. Using a handheld electric mixer, beat everything at medium speed until the mixture becomes smooth and splendidly creamy. Finally, fold in the chopped toasted pecans to contribute that wonderful nutty crunch that brings texture to every bite of the Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe
Garnishes
For a show-stopping presentation, sprinkle a few additional toasted pecans on top just before serving. A light dusting of cinnamon or a drizzle of warm honey can also add visual appeal and amplify the cozy flavors.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with roasted meats like turkey, chicken, or ham, making it a natural companion for festive dinners. It’s also fantastic alongside leafy salads or green vegetable sides that bring freshness to the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the sweet potatoes in cute individual ramekins or hollow out small mini pumpkins to use as edible bowls. You can even layer the dish in a clear glass casserole to highlight its rich, creamy texture and colorful ingredients—a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer leftovers to an airtight container and keep them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This allows you to enjoy the comforting flavors without any rush and ensures the texture remains creamy and delightful.
Freezing
The Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe freezes well, making it a handy make-ahead option. Store portions in freezer-safe containers, leaving some headroom for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in short bursts to preserve the creamy texture and avoid drying out. If needed, add a splash of cream or broth to refresh the consistency.
FAQs
Can I substitute another type of apple?
Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples are ideal for their tartness, you can use Fuji or Honeycrisp apples for a sweeter, milder flavor; just keep in mind the balance of tart versus sweet may shift slightly.
Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, it can be made vegetarian by swapping the chicken broth for vegetable broth. This tweak maintains the savory depth while keeping the dish plant-based friendly.
Can I add other spices to the recipe?
Definitely! Nutmeg or ground ginger make lovely additions that complement the cinnamon and elevate the warmth of the dish. Adjust to your taste to create your perfect flavor profile.
What type of slow cooker is best for this recipe?
Any standard slow cooker with a 6-quart capacity is ideal. Whether you have a manual or programmable model, the gentle, even heat will ensure the sweet potatoes and apples cook to tender perfection.
Can I make this dish ahead for a holiday meal?
For sure! It’s a fantastic make-ahead side dish that you can prepare a day or two in advance, then gently reheat before serving. This saves time and lets the flavors deepen wonderfully overnight.
Final Thoughts
The Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe is one of those rare dishes that feels like a warm embrace from a dear friend—comforting, nourishing, and absolutely delicious. It brings together simple ingredients in a way that’s both elegant and effortless, making it a must-try for cozy family dinners or special occasions. Give it a whirl in your slow cooker and prepare to fall in love with a new favorite side that’s bound to be requested again and again.
Print
Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes with Apple and Pecans Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Sweet Potatoes recipe offers a creamy, comforting side dish perfect for any occasion. Tender sweet potatoes and Granny Smith apples are slow-cooked to perfection, then blended with rich cream, brown sugar, cinnamon, and toasted pecans for a deliciously smooth and flavorful treat.
Ingredients
Sweet Potato and Apple Base
- 4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1–1/2-inch cubes
- 1 large Granny Smith apple, peeled and chopped
- 1 (14-oz) can chicken broth
Mix-ins and Seasoning
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1/4 cup firmly packed light brown sugar
- 2 Tbsp butter
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 3/4 cup chopped toasted pecans
Instructions
- Prepare and Cook Sweet Potatoes and Apples: Place peeled and cubed sweet potatoes, peeled and chopped Granny Smith apple, and the chicken broth into a 6-quart slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until the sweet potatoes and apples are tender.
- Drain and Return to Slow Cooker: Once cooked, drain the sweet potatoes and apples to remove excess liquid. Return them back to the slow cooker vessel for mixing.
- Add Cream and Flavorings: Add the whipping cream, brown sugar, butter, salt, and ground cinnamon to the slow cooker with the sweet potatoes and apples.
- Blend Until Smooth: Using an electric handheld mixer at medium speed, beat the mixture until smooth and fully blended, ensuring all ingredients are incorporated evenly.
- Incorporate Pecans and Serve: Stir in the chopped toasted pecans for a delightful crunchy texture. Serve warm as a delicious side dish.
Notes
- For a dairy-free alternative, substitute whipping cream and butter with coconut cream and coconut oil.
- Be sure to toast pecans lightly in a dry skillet to enhance their flavor before adding.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with roasted meats and holiday meals.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated.
- Adjust sweetness according to taste by varying the amount of brown sugar.
