Slow Cooker Candied Carrots: A Healthy & Easy Weight Watchers Delight

Are you searching for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly easy side dish that will impress your family and friends without derailing your dietary goals? Look no further! These Slow Cooker Candied Carrots are an absolute game-changer, offering a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors, all while being incredibly simple to prepare. Best of all, they come in at a mere 2 WW points per serving, making them a fantastic addition to your Weight Watchers journey or any health-conscious meal plan.

Imagine tender carrots, perfectly glazed in a rich, warm sauce made from pure maple syrup and a touch of brown sugar. The sweetness is beautifully complemented by the bright, citrusy notes of fresh orange zest and a hint of richness from a light butter substitute. This harmonious blend creates a comforting and irresistible flavor profile that pairs wonderfully with a wide array of main courses. Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a festive holiday feast, these candied carrots are sure to be a showstopper.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the magic of the slow cooker. Forget about standing over a hot stove, constantly stirring and monitoring. With this crockpot method, all you need to do is a little peeling and chopping, then toss everything into your slow cooker. The appliance does all the hard work, slowly simmering the carrots to tender perfection and infusing them with that delectable glaze. It’s a truly forgiving recipe, ensuring evenly cooked carrots every time, allowing you to focus on other aspects of your meal or simply relax.

Why These Slow Cooker Candied Carrots Deserve a Spot on Your Table

Beyond their incredible taste and low WW points, there are several compelling reasons why this recipe should become a staple in your kitchen:

• Unmatched Convenience: Slow cooker recipes are synonymous with ease. Simply combine your ingredients, set the timer, and let your appliance do the heavy lifting. This drastically reduces your active cooking time, allowing you to manage other tasks or enjoy more leisure time. Plus, cleanup is often a breeze!
• Minimal Ingredients, Maximum Flavor: You don’t need a pantry full of exotic items for this dish. A handful of basic, readily available ingredients transform humble carrots into a gourmet-tasting side. The combination of maple, brown sugar, and orange zest creates a complex flavor that belies its simple ingredient list. For an adventurous twist, consider adding a dash of cayenne pepper for a delightful sweet and spicy kick!
• Healthy & Wholesome: Carrots are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber. By cooking them in a slow cooker with a light glaze, you retain their nutritional value while keeping the added sugars and fats in check. This recipe is designed to be Weight Watchers friendly, proving that healthy eating can still be incredibly flavorful and satisfying.
• Versatile Pairing Options: These candied carrots are incredibly adaptable. They pair beautifully with a wide variety of main dishes, from everyday meals to special occasions. We’ll delve into some specific pairing ideas further down.

Recipe Overview: Quick Facts for Your Planning

Before we dive into the detailed steps, here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect:

• Serving Size: Approximately 90g
• Number of Servings: 6
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1.5 – 2.5 hours on High (or 3-5 hours on Low)
• Total Time: Approximately 2 hours 15 minutes
• WW Points Per Serving: 2 points (Based on original recipe. Click here to view the recipe in the WW app – WW login required.)

Essential Ingredients for Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Candied Carrots

Gathering your ingredients is the first step to culinary success. Here’s what you’ll need for this delightful recipe:

• 2 lbs Carrots: Fresh, firm carrots are key. You can use standard carrots or opt for baby carrots for even quicker prep.
• Zest of ½ Orange: This provides a wonderful bright and aromatic lift, cutting through the sweetness and adding a layer of sophisticated flavor.
• 2 ½ tbsp Pure Maple Syrup: Choose good quality pure maple syrup for the best flavor. It provides a natural, rich sweetness.
• To Taste, Kosher or Table Salt: A pinch of salt enhances all the other flavors. Don’t skip it!
• 2 tbsp Light Butter Substitute: Using a light butter substitute helps keep the fat content and WW points low without sacrificing richness. Regular butter can also be used if not tracking points strictly.
• 1 tbsp Brown Sugar (or Sugar-Free Replacement): Brown sugar adds depth and a caramel-like note. A sugar-free alternative works perfectly for those monitoring sugar intake even more closely.
• Optional: Cornstarch Slurry: (2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) – This is used if you prefer a thicker glaze.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Making Weight Watchers Slow Cooker Candied Carrots

Follow these simple steps to create perfectly tender and deliciously glazed carrots:

1. Prepare the Carrots: Begin by peeling your carrots. Once peeled, chop them on a bias (at an angle) into ¼-inch to ½-inch thick slices. This not only looks appealing but also helps them cook evenly and absorb the glaze beautifully.
2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer all the chopped carrots into your slow cooker. Add the orange zest, pure maple syrup, salt to taste, light butter substitute, and brown sugar (or sugar-free replacement). Remember to hold off on the cornstarch slurry for now, as that’s an optional step for thickening later.



3. Mix and Cook: Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until the carrots are well coated with the maple syrup and brown sugar mixture. Place the lid on your slow cooker and cook on high for 1.5 to 3 hours. Cooking times can vary significantly between different slow cooker models, so it’s a good idea to check for fork-tenderness around the 1 hour 45 minute mark. Alternatively, you can cook them on low for 3 to 5 hours. The goal is perfectly tender carrots that are soft but not mushy.
4. Thicken the Glaze (Optional): Once the carrots are cooked to your desired tenderness, you might notice that the glaze mixture is a bit thin. If you prefer a thicker, more syrupy glaze, now is the time to make a cornstarch slurry. In a small bowl, whisk together about 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with approximately 1 tablespoon of cold water until completely smooth, forming a thin paste. Pour this slurry into the slow cooker with the carrots and stir well. The glaze should begin to thicken within about a minute as it heats through.



5. Taste and Serve: Taste the carrots and the glaze. Adjust seasonings as needed – you might want a little more salt to balance the sweetness, or perhaps an extra drizzle of maple syrup or a sprinkle of brown sugar if you desire more sweetness. Serve your warm, delicious slow cooker candied carrots immediately and enjoy!

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve with Your Candied Carrots

These versatile candied carrots make an excellent accompaniment to a wide range of meals. Here are some ideas to inspire your next dinner:

• Weeknight Wonders: For a quick and healthy weeknight meal, pair these carrots with lean proteins. My Air Fryer Salmon or Pork Tenderloin recipes are fantastic choices. The sweetness of the carrots beautifully complements the savory flavors of these dishes.
• Family Favorites: They are also a wonderful side for comforting family meals like Cornflake Chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and vibrant color.
• Holiday Feasts & Dinner Parties: Elevate your holiday table or dinner party spread with these elegant yet effortless candied carrots. They are sophisticated enough for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any special gathering, adding a festive touch and delectable flavor that everyone will love.
• Vegetarian & Vegan Options: For a vegetarian meal, serve them alongside a hearty lentil loaf or a wild rice pilaf. Most of the ingredients are naturally vegan; simply ensure your butter substitute is plant-based, and this dish fits perfectly into a vegan diet.

Customizing Your Candied Carrots: Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible, allowing for creative twists to suit your taste preferences or what you have on hand:

• Candied Carrots with Honey: If you’re out of maple syrup or simply prefer the taste, honey makes an excellent substitute. It will lend a slightly different but equally delightful floral sweetness that truly highlights the carrots’ natural flavors.
• Candied Carrots with Pecans: To add a textural contrast and a nutty aroma, sprinkle some toasted pecans over the carrots just before serving. A quick toast in a dry skillet brings out their flavor and crunch, elevating both the presentation and the taste. Walnuts or slivered almonds would also be delicious!
• Using Baby Carrots for Faster Prep: If you’re looking to minimize chopping, use a 2-pound bag of baby carrots. While they save on prep time, be aware that they are generally thicker than chopped regular carrots and will likely require a longer cooking time, estimated around 3 hours on high, to reach optimal tenderness. Always check for doneness with a fork.
• Real Sugar vs. Substitute: Given the small amount of brown sugar used in this recipe (just 1 tablespoon for 6 servings), using a sugar-free replacement won’t significantly alter the Weight Watchers points. Feel free to use either regular brown sugar or a sugar-free alternative based on your preference and pantry availability. The overall impact on points is minimal, so choose what works best for you!
• A Touch of Spice: For those who enjoy a little heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a tiny amount of grated fresh ginger to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients. This adds an unexpected warmth and depth to the sweet glaze.

Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Candied Carrots

Achieve consistently perfect results with these helpful tips and tricks:

• Storage: Allow any leftover candied carrots to cool completely before transferring them to an airtight container. Store them in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. They reheat beautifully in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat.
• Stirring (Optional): While the slow cooker is designed to cook evenly without constant attention, an occasional stir (once or twice during the cooking process, perhaps after an hour or two) can help ensure all carrots are thoroughly coated in the glaze. However, it’s not strictly necessary, and the recipe works well even without stirring.
• Adjusting Sweetness: Everyone has a different preference for sweetness. After the carrots have cooked, taste the glaze. If you desire a sweeter outcome, feel free to stir in a little extra maple syrup or brown sugar (or their sugar-free counterparts). Remember that you can always adjust the recipe within your WW app’s recipe builder to reflect any changes.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Slow Cooker: For best results and even cooking, avoid overfilling your slow cooker. The recipe is designed for a standard 4-6 quart slow cooker. If you double the recipe, consider using a larger slow cooker or splitting it into two batches.
• Fresh Orange Zest is Key: While orange juice could technically be added, the zest provides concentrated citrus oil and aroma without adding excessive liquid that could thin out the glaze. For the best flavor, always use fresh orange zest.

Nutrition Information (Per Serving)

Here’s a breakdown of the approximate nutritional values for one serving of these Slow Cooker Candied Carrots. Please note that these are approximations and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.

• Serving Size: 90g
• Calories: 63 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 14g
• Protein: 0.7g
• Fat: 1.9g
• Saturated Fat: 0.4g
• Sodium: 185mg
• Potassium: 256mg
• Fiber: 2.1g
• Sugar: 7.6g
• Calcium: 32mg
• Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation. It is not a substitute for professional dietary advice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Candied Carrots

Can I use baby carrots instead of regular carrots?

Yes, absolutely! Baby carrots are a great time-saver as they don’t require peeling or chopping. However, because they are typically thicker, they may need a slightly longer cooking time, usually around 3 hours on high, to become fork-tender. Always check for doneness before serving.

How do I make the glaze thicker?

If your glaze is too thin after the carrots are cooked, you can easily thicken it with a cornstarch slurry. Mix 2 teaspoons of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth. Stir this mixture into the slow cooker and cook for another minute or two until the glaze thickens to your desired consistency.

Can I make these candied carrots ahead of time?

Yes, these carrots are excellent for meal prep! Cook them as directed, let them cool, and then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-5 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Is this recipe suitable for a vegan diet?

This recipe can easily be made vegan by ensuring your butter substitute is plant-based. All other ingredients (carrots, maple syrup, brown sugar, orange zest, salt, cornstarch) are typically vegan-friendly.

More Wholesome Carrot Recipes to Explore

If you love carrots as much as we do, be sure to check out these other fantastic recipes:

• Crispy Carrot Fries: A healthier alternative to potato fries!
• Creamy Roasted Carrot and Pumpkin Soup: A comforting and nutritious soup.
• Sweet Honey Roasted Butternut Squash: Another delightful roasted vegetable side.

We hope you enjoy this easy and delicious recipe for Slow Cooker Candied Carrots. They’re a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with the convenience of a slow cooker, can create truly memorable and healthy dishes. Give them a try and let us know what you think!