Applesauce is a classic favorite of mine, offering a sweet and tangy treat that’s healthy and easy to make. Our recipe for Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce couldn’t be easier!
There’s just something comforting about homemade applesauce. The aroma of cooking apples with a hint of cinnamon can make any home feel cozy and inviting.
But the best part? You don’t need to babysit a pot on the stove. With this simple recipe, you can make delicious homemade crock pot applesauce!
I think every home needs a good crock pot. The ability to just set it and forget it, as they say, makes it so appealing. Along the way, the slow cooking fills your whole house with the smell of sweet apples (or whatever else you’re cooking).
One of my family’s favorite things to do in the fall is to visit local orchards and pick apples.
Very little is more satisfying than picking your own fruit and turning it into something yummy. It’s the perfect way to make memories, and I’m so glad I get to do it with my Lily every year!
One great thing about making your own applesauce is that you get to determine the texture of it. Want it a little thicker? Keep cooking! It will be reduced to your liking.
Do you feel like you cooked it too long? No problem! Add a little water, and you can thin it out. This method is simple and easy.
Later on in this post, I’ll give you some fantastic additions to try out. My advice would be to try out my original recipe first.
Then, once you’ve gotten a feel for the method and the flavor of our Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce, go ahead and change things up. The best part about cooking is trying out new things!
Some of our other favorite slow cooker recipes we have on our site include: St Louis Ribs in Slow Cooker Recipe (Honey Chipotle), Slow Cooker Baked Potatoes, and Slow Cooker Chicken and Dumplings.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- Convenience: Using a crock pot makes this recipe an easy and hands-off cooking experience. You can go about your day while the slow cooker does all the work.
- Flavor: The combination of tart Granny Smith and sweet Fuji apples creates a perfect balance of flavors.
- Healthy Snack: With no added sugars (unless you want it a bit sweeter), this applesauce is a healthy snack for all ages.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Granny Smith apples
- Fuji apples
- Water
- Fresh squeezed lemon juice
- Ground cinnamon
- Optional: Light brown sugar
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE CROCK POT APPLESAUCE:
- Place the cubed apples into a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker.
- Add the water, lemon juice, and cinnamon and stir to combine.
- Place on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn along the edges.
- Once the apples are very soft, break them up with a fork or potato masher if you like chunky applesauce, or use an immersion blender to make it smooth.
- Taste and add brown sugar if desired; I suggest adding up to ¼ cup. Serve warm or allow it to come to room temperature, place in an airtight container, and chill.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
WHAT KIND OF APPLES SHOULD I USE?
Granny Smith and Fuji apples are recommended for their mix of tart and sweet. However, feel free to experiment with other types like McIntosh, Golden Delicious, or Honeycrisp.
There are so many great apple varieties out there, though! If you want to get adventurous, try some others like Pink Lady or mutsu apples. The possibilities are endless these days.
WHAT SIZE CROCK POT SHOULD I USE?
A 6 to 8-quart slow cooker is recommended for this recipe.
DO I HAVE TO PEEL THE APPLES?
Yes, for the best texture and consistency, it’s suggested to peel the apples.
However, this recipe will still work with the peels on, so if you prefer that, leave it on.
ANY ADDITIONS?
Oh, the possibilities are endless!
- Maple syrup for additional sweetness
- Vanilla ice cream, for serving
- Nutmeg for extra flavor
- Cinnamon sticks for more intense flavor
- Different types of apples for varied flavors
- Raisins for added texture and sweetness
- A bit of salt to enhance the sweetness
- Chopped nuts for extra crunch
- A touch of honey for natural sweetness
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Try these ideas on for size. Maybe they’ll even cause some new ones to pop up in your own imagination!
- Substitute lemon juice with apple cider or orange juice.
- Replace ground cinnamon with cinnamon sticks.
- Substitute brown sugar with maple syrup.
- Use a variety of apples other than Granny Smith or Fuji.
- Use apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice instead of cinnamon.
HOW TO STORE:
Refrigerator: Store your homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Freezer: You can also freeze the applesauce in a freezer-safe container or a freezer bag for up to 3 months.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Weigh the apples after they have been peeled and cored for the correct ratios.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference.
- Keep in mind that the longer the applesauce cooks, the more it will reduce.
- If you like your applesauce chunky, simply break the apples up with a fork.
- Taste the applesauce before adding sugar; some apples are sweeter than others.
- Remember, applesauce can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Applesauce made in a crock pot is an easy recipe and a great way to use extra apples during apple season. The slow cooking process will fill your home with a wonderful aroma. No expensive scented candles are needed, haha!
Whether served as a simple side dish or an afternoon snack, this homemade crock pot applesauce recipe will surely become a favorite! So, gather those apples, and let’s create something delicious!
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this HOMEMADE CROCK POT APPLESAUCE, let me know how it turned out in the comments! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Easy Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 & 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples peeled, cored, and cut into cubes
- 1 & 1/2 pounds Fuji apples peeled, cored, and cut into cubes
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ – ¼ cup light brown sugar packed, optional
Instructions
- Place the cubed apples into a 6 to 8-quart slow cooker.1 & 1/2 pounds Granny Smith apples, 1 & 1/2 pounds Fuji apples
- Add the water, lemon juice, and cinnamon and stir to combine.1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Place on low heat for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally so it doesn’t burn along the edges.
- Once the apples are very soft, break them up with a fork or potato masher if you like chunky applesauce, or use an immersion blender to make it smooth.
- Taste and add brown sugar if desired; I suggest adding up to ¼ cup. Serve warm or allow it to come to room temperature, place in an airtight container, and chill.⅛ – ¼ cup light brown sugar
Notes
- Weigh the apples after they have been peeled and cored for the correct ratios.
- Adjust the amount of sugar to your personal preference.
- Keep in mind that the longer the applesauce cooks, the more it will reduce.
- If you like your applesauce chunky, simply break the apples up with a fork.
- Taste the applesauce before adding sugar; some apples are sweeter than others.
- Remember, applesauce can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Equipment
- slow cooker 6 to 8-quart
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