Comforting Applesauce Made in the Slow Cooker
This easy slow cooker applesauce recipe is one of my favorite ways to use fresh apples because the slow cooker does almost all of the work.
With just a handful of simple ingredients, you can turn fresh apples into a warm, flavorful homemade applesauce that is delicious on its own or served alongside your favorite meals. The combination of cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of lemon juice gives this applesauce a classic homemade flavor that tastes especially good during apple season.
The best part is that you do not have to stand over the stove stirring a pot. Simply prepare the apples, add the ingredients to your slow cooker, and let everything cook until the apples are soft and tender. Then mash or blend the applesauce to your desired consistency.
Whether you enjoy your applesauce warm from the slow cooker or chilled from the refrigerator, this simple recipe is an easy way to enjoy fresh apples.
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Easy to make with simple ingredients.
- The slow cooker does most of the work.
- Your kitchen will smell amazing while the apples cook.
- You can make the applesauce smooth or chunky.
- It is a great way to use fresh apples.
- The recipe can easily be adjusted to make it sweeter or less sweet.
- Homemade applesauce is delicious served warm or cold.
What You’ll Need
Apples: You will need 8 or 9 medium apples for this recipe. You can use one variety or combine several different types of apples for a more complex flavor.
Water, apple juice, or apple cider: The liquid helps the apples begin cooking and prevents them from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker. Apple juice or apple cider can also add extra apple flavor.
Lemon juice: A little lemon juice adds brightness to the applesauce and helps balance the sweetness.
Ground cinnamon: Cinnamon gives the applesauce that warm, comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with apples.
Salt: Just a small amount of salt helps enhance the other flavors.
Sugar: The sugar adds sweetness. Depending on the type of apples you use, you may be able to adjust the amount to your personal taste.
Vanilla: Vanilla adds a subtle sweetness and warmth to the finished applesauce.
How to Make Applesauce in the Slow Cooker
Making homemade applesauce in the slow cooker is incredibly simple.
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash your apples well. Peel them if desired, then remove the cores and cut the apples into cubes or chunks.
Try to cut the apples into relatively even pieces so they cook at approximately the same rate.
Step 2: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Place the cubed apples into your slow cooker.
Add the water, apple juice, or apple cider along with the lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and vanilla.
Give everything a gentle stir so the ingredients are combined.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Apples
Cover the slow cooker and cook until the apples are very soft and tender.
Depending on your slow cooker, you can cook the apples on LOW for approximately 4 to 6 hours or on HIGH for approximately 2 to 3 hours. Cooking times may vary depending on the type and size of your slow cooker and the variety of apples you use.
Step 4: Mash or Blend the Applesauce
Once the apples are very soft, stir them well. You can use a potato masher for a chunkier applesauce or blend the apples for a smoother consistency.
If you prefer completely smooth applesauce, an immersion blender works especially well.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve your homemade applesauce warm, or allow it to cool and refrigerate it before serving.
What Are the Best Apples for Applesauce?
One of the great things about homemade applesauce is that you can use different varieties of apples. Sweet apples will naturally create a sweeter applesauce, while tart apples can add a little more tang.
Some good options include:
- Honeycrisp
- Fuji
- Gala
- Golden Delicious
- McIntosh
- Granny Smith
I especially like using a combination of sweet and tart apples. Mixing varieties can give your applesauce a wonderful depth of flavor.
Do You Have to Peel the Apples?
No, peeling the apples is optional.
If you leave the peels on, the applesauce may have more texture and small pieces of peel throughout it. If you prefer smooth, traditional applesauce, peeling the apples before cooking is the best option.
If you use an immersion blender or another blender after cooking, the peels may blend into the applesauce, depending on the type of apples you use.
Slow Cooker Applesauce Variations
One of the things I love about this recipe is how easy it is to change the flavor.
Cinnamon Spice Applesauce
Add a pinch of nutmeg and allspice along with the cinnamon for a warm fall-inspired applesauce.
Apple Cider Applesauce
Use apple cider instead of water for even more delicious apple flavor.
Brown Sugar Applesauce
Replace some or all of the granulated sugar with brown sugar for a deeper, caramel-like flavor.
Unsweetened Applesauce
If you are using naturally sweet apples, try reducing or completely leaving out the sugar. Taste the applesauce after cooking and add sweetener only if needed.
Maple Applesauce
Replace some of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a delicious fall flavor.
Chunky Applesauce
Instead of blending the apples completely smooth, mash them lightly with a potato masher and leave some larger pieces of apple.
Extra Cinnamon Applesauce
If you really love cinnamon, you can add a little more to suit your taste. Start with a small additional amount and adjust as needed.
Ways to Serve Homemade Applesauce
Applesauce is delicious by itself, but there are plenty of other ways to enjoy it.
Try serving it:
- Warm or chilled as a snack
- Alongside pork or chicken
- With pancakes or waffles
- As a topping for oatmeal
- Mixed into yogurt
- Served with a fall breakfast
- As a simple dessert with a sprinkle of cinnamon
Homemade applesauce is also a great addition to a fall gathering or holiday meal.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade applesauce last?
Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It is best enjoyed within several days. Always check for changes in smell, appearance, or texture before eating leftovers.
Can I freeze homemade applesauce?
Yes! Applesauce freezes well. Allow it to cool completely, then place it in freezer-safe containers, leaving a little room for expansion.
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely. In fact, using a mixture of apple varieties can create a more interesting flavor.
Why is my applesauce too thin?
Different apples release different amounts of liquid while cooking. If your applesauce is thinner than you prefer, you can leave the lid slightly ajar and cook it a little longer to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. You can also continue cooking it uncovered for a short time while watching it carefully.
Why is my applesauce too thick?
Simply stir in a small amount of water, apple juice, or apple cider until it reaches the consistency you prefer.
Can I make this applesauce without sugar?
Yes. The sweetness of your applesauce will depend on the apples you use. Sweet varieties may not need much added sugar at all. You can reduce the sugar or leave it out completely if desired.
Can I make chunky applesauce?
Yes! Use a potato masher instead of blending the apples completely smooth. Mash only until you reach your preferred consistency.
Do I need an immersion blender?
No. A potato masher works perfectly for chunky applesauce. You can also use a regular blender if you want smooth applesauce, although you may need to blend it in batches.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Applesauce
Choose apples you enjoy eating because their flavor will come through in the finished applesauce.
If possible, use a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
Cut the apples into similar-sized pieces so they cook evenly.
Start with the amount of sugar in the recipe, or adjust it depending on how sweet your apples are.
For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender.
Let the applesauce cool before transferring it to storage containers.
Final Thoughts
Making applesauce in the slow cooker is such an easy and comforting way to enjoy fresh apples. With warm cinnamon, a touch of vanilla, and your favorite variety of apples, this simple recipe makes a delicious homemade applesauce without much effort.
If you have extra apples left after making this recipe, be sure to try my Apple Crisp recipe for another delicious way to enjoy fresh apples. The warm apples and cozy fall flavors make it a perfect dessert to serve during apple season!
Whether you serve this applesauce warm from the slow cooker or chilled from the refrigerator, I hope this easy homemade recipe becomes one of your favorite ways to use fresh apples.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the apples. Peel and core them, then cut them into cubes or chunks.
- Add the cubed apples to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the water, apple juice, or apple cider.
- Add the lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and vanilla. Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, or until the apples are very soft and tender.
- Stir the apples well. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
- Serve warm or allow the applesauce to cool before refrigerating.
Notes
- Cooking times may vary depending on your slow cooker and the type of apples used.
- Sweet apples may require less sugar.
- Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for more complex flavor.
- For a thinner applesauce, add a small amount of additional water, apple juice, or apple cider.
- For a thicker applesauce, cook uncovered for a short time to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
Kitchen Tools I Like to Use
- Peels, cores, and slices apples in one step
- Creates even ¼-inch apple slices for consistent baking
- Strong suction base secures to smooth countertops
- Durable metal construction for long-lasting use
- Great for apple crisp, pies, applesauce, and more
- 7-quart capacity serves 8+ people
- Programmable with 5 cooking time options
- Automatically switches to Warm when cooking is complete
- Removable stoneware crock and glass lid are dishwasher safe
- Great for roasts, soups, chili, pulled pork, and casseroles
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