If you’re searching for a side dish that practically cooks itself, fills your kitchen with the coziest aroma, and adds a pop of color to any meal, these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are an absolute gem. Think tender carrots slicked in a buttery, glossy glaze that manages to be both sweet and deeply warming, thanks to maple syrup and a hint of cinnamon. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels both special enough for holidays and easy enough for a weeknight treat—once you try them, you’ll wonder how you ever hosted a dinner without them.

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The lineup for Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots couldn’t be simpler—each ingredient brings its own magic to the party. From the natural sweetness of carrots to rich butter and that irresistible maple-brown sugar duo, every component matters and helps turn an everyday veggie into something spectacular.

Baby carrots (2 pounds): These bite-sized carrots cook evenly and soak up the glaze beautifully with no peeling or chopping needed.
Unsalted butter (1/4 cup, cut into pieces): Melts into the slow cooker, giving the sauce its luscious, silky finish without overpowering the natural flavors.
Pure maple syrup (1/4 cup): Adds a warm, earthy sweetness—skip the imitation syrups for that authentic flavor!
Packed light brown sugar (1/4 cup): Brings a mellow, caramelized sweetness that pairs perfectly with both the carrots and maple.
Ground cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon): Offers a gentle warmth and aromatic note that makes the glaze feel homey and comforting.
Salt (1/4 teaspoon): Balances the sweetness, making all the flavors pop.
Ground black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): Adds just a hint of bite to cut through the sweet glaze.
Chopped fresh parsley (1 tablespoon, optional): A sprinkle just before serving brightens the whole dish with a pop of green and garden-fresh taste.

How to Make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Step 1: Load Up the Slow Cooker

Start by piling those crisp, vibrant baby carrots straight into your slow cooker. There’s something so quick and satisfying about skipping the chopping and peeling—just pour them in and you’re already halfway to delicious.

Step 2: Add Butter, Maple, and Brown Sugar Magic

Scatter the pieces of unsalted butter all over the carrots. Next, slowly drizzle the maple syrup right across the top, letting it seep in. Sprinkle on that generous handful of brown sugar, and finish up by adding cinnamon, salt, and black pepper right over everything. These layers are the secret to that luxurious glaze.

Step 3: Mix It All Together

Use a big spoon to gently stir, making sure each carrot is slicked in buttery sweetness and all those spices. It doesn’t have to be perfect—just get most of them coated so the glaze starts working its magic as soon as the slow cooker heats up!

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 5 hours, or crank it up to high if you’re in a bit more of a hurry (it’ll take about 2 to 3 hours). Give them a gentle stir or two along the way if you can—it helps everything stay super glossy. The carrots are done when they’re completely tender and the kitchen smells like sweet, spiced heaven.

Step 5: Glaze & Serve

Right before serving, give the carrots one last stir. You’ll see that luscious glaze clinging to each piece. Move everything into your favorite serving dish, and if you’re feeling fancy, scatter over a handful of chopped parsley for a fresh punch of color and flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots

Garnishes

For a pretty presentation, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top for a vibrant green pop, or try a pinch of chopped chives or thinly sliced green onions if you like a bit more bite. A dusting of extra cinnamon or even a crumble of toasted walnuts can add an exciting twist.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are absolutely dreamy next to classic roasts, turkey, ham, or even a hearty vegetarian loaf. Their sweet-and-savory flavor balances out rich main dishes and fits right into any holiday spread—or elevates a simple chicken dinner to something memorable.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, transfer the glazed carrots to a rustic platter and let them shine in their glossy glaze. For a dinner party, plate servings individually for a bistro-style look. You can even skewer the carrots for a playful appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots will keep beautifully in the fridge. Simply transfer them (along with all that yummy glaze) to an airtight container—they’ll stay fresh and flavorful for up to four days, making them perfect for meal prep or next-day snacking.

Freezing

If you want to freeze them, allow the carrots to cool completely first. Portion them into freezer-safe bags or containers with a bit of glaze, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results; the carrots may soften slightly, but the flavor is just as wonderful.

Reheating

To warm leftovers, simply pop them back into the slow cooker for an hour on low, or use a saucepan over gentle heat, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick. You can also microwave single servings for a quick, delicious side in minutes. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the glaze.

FAQs

Can I use whole carrots instead of baby carrots?

Absolutely! Just peel and cut them into uniform sticks or rounds so they cook evenly. Whole carrots have fantastic flavor and you can adjust the size to fit your presentation style.

Is it possible to prepare Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots in advance?

Yes, you can assemble everything in the slow cooker insert, cover, and refrigerate overnight. In the morning, simply set the insert in the slow cooker and cook as usual—super convenient for busy days or holiday prep!

What if I don’t have pure maple syrup?

While pure maple syrup delivers the best flavor, you can swap in honey or agave for a different twist. The caramel notes will vary, but the carrots will still turn out sweet and glazed.

How do I double the recipe for a crowd?

Doubling is easy! Just use a larger slow cooker if possible and add about 30 minutes to the cooking time. Stir once or twice to ensure all the carrots cook evenly and get plenty of that delicious glaze.

Can I make Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots vegan?

You sure can! Swap out the butter for a plant-based alternative and double-check your brown sugar is vegan-friendly, then proceed as usual. You won’t lose any of the sweet, glossy flavor that makes this dish irresistible.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re dressing up the holiday table or just brightening an average dinner, these Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are sure to become a new favorite. They’re so easy, so comforting, and always a hit—just give them a try and watch everyone come back for seconds!

Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots Recipe

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4.7 from 22 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Slow Cooker Maple & Brown Sugar Glazed Carrots are a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any occasion. The sweet glaze complements the tender baby carrots, making them a crowd-pleaser at any meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Baby Carrots:

2 pounds baby carrots

Glaze:

1/4 cup unsalted butter (cut into pieces)
1/4 cup pure maple syrup
1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Garnish:

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Prepare the Carrots: Place the baby carrots in a slow cooker.
Make the Glaze: Dot the carrots with pieces of butter, then drizzle with maple syrup. Sprinkle brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and pepper over the carrots. Stir gently to coat evenly.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4 to 5 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours until carrots are tender. Stir occasionally.
Finish: Before serving, stir carrots to coat them in the glaze. Garnish with parsley if desired.