Slow Cooker Amish-Style Glazed Carrots

Slow Cooker Amish-Style Glazed Carrots (Amish Sweet Harvest Joy)

These Amish-Style Glazed Carrots, sometimes called Amish Sweet Harvest Joy, transform humble carrots into a silky, caramelized side dish. Cooked gently in a slow cooker with brown sugar, butter, apple cider vinegar and warm spices, the carrots become tender and deeply flavored — a perfect complement to holiday roasts, Sunday dinners, or any meal that deserves a comforting vegetable side.

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Origins & Cultural Background

The Amish culinary tradition emphasizes simplicity, seasonality, and foods that celebrate the harvest. Dishes are often passed down through families and adapted to local gardens. This glazed carrots recipe reflects those values: it uses a plentiful, homegrown vegetable and elevates it with straightforward pantry ingredients into a dish fit for community gatherings and family tables.

Whether called Amish Sweet Harvest Joy or simply glazed carrots, this recipe honors the spirit of shared meals and gratitude for the season’s bounty.

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Ingredients

Below is a clear table of ingredients with quantities and brief notes on their purpose.

Ingredient	Amount	Why it’s used
Fresh carrots (peeled and sliced)	2 pounds	Main ingredient — sweet, tender when slow-cooked
Brown sugar	½ cup	Caramelizes and adds deep sweetness
Unsalted butter (melted)	¼ cup	Richness and glossy finish
Water	¼ cup	Thin the glaze so it distributes evenly
Apple cider vinegar	1 tablespoon	Brightens flavor and balances sweetness
Salt	½ teaspoon	Enhances overall flavor
Ground black pepper	¼ teaspoon	Mild warming note
Ground cinnamon	¼ teaspoon	Warm spice that complements sweetness

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Equipment & Prep Notes

• Slow cooker (crockpot) — 4–6 quart recommended.
• Vegetable peeler, sharp knife, and cutting board for prepping carrots.
• Mixing bowl for the glaze and a whisk or fork to combine.
• Tip: Cut carrots into uniform slices (about 1/4"–1/2") so they cook evenly.

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How to Make Amish Sweet Harvest Joy (Step-by-Step)

Step 1 — Prepare the Carrots

Peel the carrots and slice them into even rounds or diagonal slices (about 1/4"–1/2" thick). Place the sliced carrots into the slow cooker in an even layer.

Step 2 — Make the Glaze

In a small bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, melted butter, water, apple cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon until smooth. The mixture should be pourable but not watery.

Step 3 — Combine and Cook

Pour the glaze over the carrots in the slow cooker, stirring gently to coat all pieces. Cover and cook on:

• LOW for 4–5 hours — yields very tender, lightly caramelized carrots, or
• HIGH for 2–3 hours — for a quicker finish with still-tender results.

Step 4 — Finish & Thicken (Optional)

If the glaze is thin at the end of cooking and you prefer a thicker, more glossy coating, remove the lid and cook on HIGH for another 10–15 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, whisk 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon cold water and stir into the slow cooker, cooking uncovered for 5–10 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 5 — Taste & Adjust

Taste a carrot and adjust seasoning if needed — add a pinch more salt, a splash more cider vinegar for brightness, or a touch more brown sugar if you want it sweeter.

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Variations & Add-Ins

• Maple Glaze: Replace half the brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, woodsy flavor.
• Orange-Ginger: Add 1 tablespoon orange juice and 1/2 teaspoon grated fresh ginger to the glaze for brightness.
• Bourbon Glaze (adult): Stir in 1 tablespoon bourbon at the end of cooking for depth.
• Herb Finish: Stir in 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley or thyme before serving for freshness.
• Roasted Nuts: Sprinkle toasted pecans or chopped walnuts on top for crunch just before serving.

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Serving Suggestions

These glazed carrots make an exceptional side for roasted or baked proteins: turkey, ham, roast chicken, pork loin, or brisket. They pair beautifully with mashed potatoes, stuffing, or a simple green salad to balance the sweetness. Serve warm, spooning extra glaze over the carrots and surrounding sides.

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Storage, Make-Ahead & Reheating

Make-ahead: You can prepare the carrots and glaze in advance and store them (uncooked) in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When ready, pour into the slow cooker and cook as directed.

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezer: While the texture may soften after freezing, you can freeze for up to 2 months in a freezer-safe container.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in 30–60 second intervals until warmed through. If the glaze has thickened too much, add a splash of water and stir to loosen.

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Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Uniform pieces: Cut carrots to similar sizes so they cook evenly.
• Reduce bitterness: Young or very fresh carrots are naturally sweeter; older carrots sometimes need a touch more brown sugar to balance.
• Too thin glaze: Reduce uncovered on HIGH or use the cornstarch slurry trick (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) to thicken.
• Too sweet: Add an extra splash of apple cider vinegar or a pinch of salt to balance sweetness.
• Smoky note: Add 1/4 tsp smoked paprika for a subtle smoky layer that contrasts the sweetness.

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Nutrition Estimate (Per Serving)

Approximate values (per 1/6 recipe serving):

• Calories: ~120–140 kcal
• Fat: ~6–8 g
• Carbohydrates: ~16–20 g
• Sugar: ~12–14 g
• Fiber: ~3 g
• Protein: ~1–2 g

These are estimates — actual values depend on exact ingredient brands and portion sizes.

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Conclusion

Amish Sweet Harvest Joy is a simple yet elegant way to showcase carrots — sweet, tender, and lovingly glazed. The slow cooker method makes it nearly effortless, while the combination of brown sugar, butter, and cider vinegar creates layers of flavor that make this side dish stand out. Try a variation or two to match your menu, and don’t forget to save the recipe for holidays and special dinners.

If you make this recipe, share a photo or leave a comment with any tweaks — I’d love to hear how you made it your own.