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
Scale
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.
