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A bowl of homemade slow cooker applesauce with fresh apples on the kitchen counter in the background.
ThymeToSauté

Slow Cooker Applesauce

This easy slow cooker applesauce is made with fresh apples, cinnamon, vanilla, and a touch of lemon juice. The slow cooker does most of the work, creating a delicious homemade applesauce that can be served smooth or chunky.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 120
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 –9 medium apples peeled, cored, and cubed
  • 1/2 cup water apple juice, or apple cider
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

  • Slow cooker or crockpot
  • Cutting board
  • Knife or apple corer
  • Measuring cups
  • Measuring spoons
  • large spoon
  • Potato masher for chunky applesauce
  • Immersion blender for smooth applesauce

Method
 

  1. Wash the apples. Peel and core them, then cut them into cubes or chunks.
  2. Add the cubed apples to the slow cooker.
  3. Pour in the water, apple juice, or apple cider.
  4. Add the lemon juice, cinnamon, salt, sugar, and vanilla. Stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours or HIGH for 2–3 hours, or until the apples are very soft and tender.
  6. Stir the apples well. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender until smooth.
  7. 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.