There’s something incredibly cozy about homemade applesauce made effortlessly in a slow cooker, and this Crockpot Applesauce Recipe is pure comfort in a jar. Imagine tender, perfectly spiced apples slowly simmering until they melt into a naturally sweet, velvety sauce that’s bursting with the warmth of cinnamon and a hint of lemon brightness. Whether you enjoy it as a wholesome snack, a side dish, or a backyard fall treat, this recipe brings out the best flavors with minimal effort. I can’t wait to share how simple it is to create your own batch of this classic, homemade delight that’s both vegan and gluten-free!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Using simple, everyday ingredients is the secret behind this recipe’s charm. Each item plays a key role—from the perfect blend of apples for balanced sweetness and tartness to the splash of lemon juice that keeps the flavor fresh and vibrant.
- 3 pounds apples: About 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped—this mix will determine your applesauce’s natural sweetness and texture.
- 1/2 cup water: Just enough moisture to help the apples cook down without watering them down.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional): Adjust to taste, or skip entirely if you prefer a naturally sweet version.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional): Adds that classic warm spice that makes the sauce feel like a cozy hug.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps your applesauce bright and helps prevent browning.
- A pinch of salt: Small but mighty—enhances all the flavors and rounds out the sweetness.
How to Make Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into roughly even pieces. This helps them cook evenly in the crockpot, ensuring every bite is perfectly soft. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith adds wonderful depth to the flavor.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Dump your chopped apples into the slow cooker and pour in the water, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar, and a pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir so the flavors blend together right from the start. This simple combination is all you need to create that luscious base.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
Set your crockpot to Low and let the magic happen for 6 to 8 hours, or on High for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time. The slow cooking process softens the apples beautifully, allowing their natural sweetness to emerge and the spices to infuse perfectly.
Step 4: Mash or Puree to Your Preference
Once the apples are soft and falling apart, you can choose your texture. For chunky applesauce, simply mash with a potato masher—it keeps a satisfying, rustic feel. If smooth applesauce is your thing, an immersion blender or a food processor will transform the mix into creamy perfection.
Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the applesauce cool completely before transferring it into jars or airtight containers. This step is crucial for freshness and keeps your homemade applesauce tasting just right for days to come.
How to Serve Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon or a tiny drizzle of honey on top when serving to add a fresh burst of aroma that makes every spoonful feel extra special. A few toasted nuts or a dollop of yogurt also make beautiful garnishes, turning simple applesauce into an elegant treat.
Side Dishes
This Crockpot Applesauce Recipe pairs wonderfully with roasted meats like pork or chicken, cutting through savory richness with its sweet tang. It’s equally fantastic alongside breakfast favorites such as oatmeal, pancakes, or even as a light dessert on its own.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering the applesauce in parfait glasses with granola and whipped cream for an easy dessert or snack. It also makes a delicious filling for turnovers or a topping for ice cream. The options are endless when you have a fresh batch of this homemade goodness ready to go!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover applesauce fresh by storing it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to one week. It’s a great grab-and-go snack or a quick addition to meals during the week.
Freezing
This Crockpot Applesauce Recipe freezes beautifully! Simply portion the cooled sauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will last for up to three months. Thaw in the fridge overnight for a ready-to-use treat whenever you want.
Reheating
To warm leftovers, simply heat the applesauce gently on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short bursts, stirring occasionally. Heating slowly helps preserve the lovely texture and prevents scorching.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apple for this recipe?
Yes! Mixing sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith creates a well-balanced flavor, but feel free to use whatever you have on hand. Different varieties will slightly change the taste and sweetness, adding a personal touch.
Do I have to add sugar?
Not at all. The sugar is optional and can be adjusted or omitted entirely if you prefer your applesauce naturally sweet. The slow cooking brings out enough sweetness in the apples themselves.
How thick will the applesauce be?
The texture depends on how much water you use and how you mash or blend it. For chunkier applesauce, less blending and less water help keep it thick, while more water and pureeing create a smoother sauce.
Can I add other spices?
Absolutely! Nutmeg, cloves, or even a touch of ginger make lovely additions that complement the warm cinnamon flavor perfectly. Just add them along with the cinnamon before cooking.
How long does it take to cook in a crockpot?
Cooking on Low takes about 6 to 8 hours, while High speed takes 3 to 4 hours. I recommend Low cooking to develop the richest flavor and tenderest texture.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for a simple yet incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the taste of fresh apples all year round, this Crockpot Applesauce Recipe is a must-try. It feels like a warm, homemade hug in every spoonful, with minimal effort and maximum comfort. Trust me, once you make your own slow cooker applesauce, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours (Low setting)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This Crockpot Applesauce recipe offers a simple, hands-off way to make delicious homemade applesauce using your slow cooker. With just a few ingredients like fresh apples, lemon juice, and optional cinnamon and sugar, you can enjoy a naturally sweet and flavorful applesauce perfect as a side dish or a snack. Choose your preferred texture by mashing for chunky or blending for smooth applesauce. It’s vegan, gluten-free, and easy to store for later enjoyment.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples (about 8 medium, peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Combine ingredients: Add the peeled, cored, and chopped apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), sugar (if using), and a pinch of salt to your slow cooker. Stir gently to mix all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the apples: Cover the slow cooker and cook the mixture on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, until the apples are very soft and have broken down substantially.
- Mash or blend: For a chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples directly in the slow cooker. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Cool and store: Allow the applesauce to cool completely before transferring it into jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples such as Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith for a richer and more complex flavor.
- Sugar can be omitted entirely for a naturally sweet version depending on the apples used.
- Consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for additional warm spice notes to your applesauce.
