Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

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Tender, sweet, and effortlessly delicious, these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are the ultimate hands-off side dish. Whether you’re planning a cozy holiday meal or a comforting weeknight dinner, this crockpot carrot recipe brings rich autumnal flavor with minimal effort. Made with real maple syrup, warm cinnamon, and buttery brown sugar glaze, these glazed carrots are guaranteed to win over even the pickiest eaters.

A Warm, Flavorful Side Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Without the Fuss

What makes this slow cooker glazed carrot recipe truly shine is its combination of ease and deep, satisfying flavor. Using a slow cooker allows the carrots to slowly soak up the sweet maple and brown sugar glaze, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth tenderness. This dish is ideal for busy holidays, potlucks, and family dinners — it frees up oven space, travels well, and can be made ahead of time. Plus, it’s vegetarian, gluten-free, and budget-friendly.

What You’ll Need for the Perfect Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

• Baby Carrots: Provide a soft, sweet bite and cook evenly in the slow cooker
• Maple Syrup: Adds rich, caramel-like sweetness and seasonal depth
• Brown Sugar: Enhances sweetness while contributing a slight molasses flavor
• Salted Butter: Infuses richness and balances the sweetness
• Ground Cinnamon: Introduces warm, aromatic notes that pair beautifully with maple
• Salt: Rounds out and enhances all the other flavors

Smart Ingredient Swaps for Every Kitchen

• Whole Carrots: Peel and slice into coins or sticks if baby carrots aren’t available
• Maple Syrup Alternatives: Honey, pancake syrup, or corn syrup can substitute in a pinch
• Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut oil or a plant-based butter substitute
• Refined Sugar-Free: Swap brown sugar for coconut sugar or increase maple syrup to ¾ cup

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Prepare the Carrots
Add 2 pounds of baby carrots to the insert of a 6-quart slow cooker.
Add the Flavors
Sprinkle in ½ teaspoon each of salt and cinnamon, along with ¼ cup packed brown sugar. Stir to coat the carrots evenly.
Maple Glaze Time
Pour in ¼ cup of real maple syrup and toss everything together so the syrup coats the carrots.

Butter It Up
Top the carrots with ⅓ cup cubed salted butter, distributing it evenly.
Set and Forget
Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3 hours or low for 5–6 hours. Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
Thicken the Glaze (Two Methods)
- Method 1: Remove lid in the final 30 minutes, switch to high, and cook until glaze thickens.
- Method 2: Transfer carrots to a bowl. Pour cooking liquid into a saucepan, simmer over medium-high heat, whisking until thickened (about 5 minutes). Then return glaze to carrots before serving.
  Tip: The stovetop method yields a thicker, more luxurious glaze.

Pro Tips for the Best Crockpot Glazed Carrots

Use real maple syrup for the most authentic fall flavor

Cut whole carrots evenly to ensure they cook at the same rate
Don’t skip the butter — it makes the glaze silky and rich
Use a liner or cooking spray in your crockpot for easier cleanup

Avoid overcooking by sticking to the recommended time and using a fork to check tenderness

Perfect Pairings and Flavor Variations

These slow cooker maple & brown sugar glazed carrots are incredibly versatile. Here are some ways to serve and adapt them:

Pair With: Roasted turkey, glazed ham, baked chicken, stuffing, or mashed potatoes

Toppings: Add chopped pecans or walnuts for crunch
Spicy Twist: Mix in a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes for sweet heat
Citrusy Zing: Add a squeeze of orange juice or zest for brightness
Make-Ahead Tip: Reheat gently in a slow cooker on “warm” or in the oven covered with foil at 300°F

Why This Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Works for Every Occasion

Beyond just holidays, this slow cooker glazed carrots recipe is your go-to for any event where oven space is tight or prep time is short. From Thanksgiving and Christmas to Easter, potlucks, and Sunday dinners, it travels well, reheats beautifully, and tastes even better the next day.

Planning a healthier meal? It’s gluten-free, vegetarian, and easily adaptable for dairy-free or refined sugar-free diets. Looking for a crowd-pleaser? The sweet, buttery flavor wins over kids and adults alike.

Whether you’re hosting or bringing a dish to share, Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots will become a signature favorite — no oven required.

Conclusion

Whether you’re prepping for Thanksgiving, hosting a casual dinner, or need a reliable potluck side dish, Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots deliver on flavor, convenience, and comfort. The slow cooking process allows the carrots to become tender and infused with sweet, buttery glaze while you focus on more important tasks (or simply relax). With flexible substitutions and minimal prep, this recipe is a must-have for your holiday or weekly meal rotation. Make it once, and it’s bound to become a family favorite.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Can I make glazed carrots ahead of time?

Yes, Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are perfect for making ahead. Cook them fully, let them cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container. When ready to serve, reheat them in the slow cooker on “warm” or in the oven covered with foil at 300°F until heated through.

What if I don’t have baby carrots?

You can substitute baby carrots with peeled and sliced whole carrots. Cut them into uniform coins or sticks to ensure even cooking. Keep the total weight around 2 pounds, and adjust cooking time slightly if the pieces are thicker.

How do I keep the carrots from becoming mushy?

To avoid mushy carrots, don’t overcook them. Stick to 3 hours on high or 5–6 hours on low. If your slow cooker runs hot, reduce time slightly. Also, try to stir only once or twice during cooking to maintain texture.

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