Description
This Crockpot Apple Sauce recipe is a simple, comforting way to enjoy homemade applesauce using a variety of apples slow-cooked to perfection. It’s naturally sweet with optional brown sugar and warm spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, perfect as a side dish or snack. The slow cooker does all the work, resulting in tender applesauce that can be mashed chunky or blended smooth depending on your preference.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and chopped – use a mix like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith)
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Peel, core, and chop 3 pounds of a mix of apples such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith to create a balanced sweet and tart flavor base.
- Add to Crockpot: Place the chopped apples, ½ cup of water, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar (if using), 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, ¼ teaspoon of ground nutmeg (optional), and a pinch of salt into the crockpot. Stir gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. Cook until the apples are very soft and breaking down, signaling they are ready for mashing or blending.
- Mash or Blend: For chunky applesauce, mash the cooked apples with a potato masher to your desired texture. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot or transfer the apples to a regular blender and puree until smooth.
- Cool and Store: Let the applesauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage to enjoy later.
Notes
- No sugar is needed if you’re using sweet apples—taste after cooking and adjust as needed.
- You can add vanilla extract or cloves for extra warmth and flavor.
