As a busy mom, I’m always on the hunt for recipes that are both simple and rewarding, plus uses what we have on hand or in season.
One great way to use up the fresh apples our family picks in the fall is to make Crockpot Applesauce! It’s so easy, and the results are delicious!
This recipe not only makes use of all those fresh apples but also allows me to create a homemade snack that my family loves.
It’s one of those “set it and forget it” recipes that gives me more time to focus on other things while the house fills with the comforting smell of cinnamon and apples.
I made a batch of this, and I can put it together in just under 10 minutes! Then, I let the slow cooker do all the work.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: 8 hours (plus 10 minutes prep)
- Main Ingredients: Apples, Cinnamon, Water
- Servings: 8-10
- Extras: Try it with yogurt, pancakes, pork chops, or even as a dip for graham crackers!
Quick Crockpot Applesauce: Easy Dump & Go Snack
The beauty of this recipe is how little effort it takes to transform apples into a delicious, homemade snack.
Once I have my apples from our weekend apple-picking adventure, I get to work peeling and coring them.
I first start by taking 10 – 15 apples, then I use my apple corer and peeler to peel, core, and cut my apples. This took me about 8 minutes to do all 15 apples.
I used to peel and cut our apples into wedges, but that took me upwards of 20+ minutes- so this tool has saved me hours every fall now!
If you’re looking into one of these handy tools, I recommend the clamp version for the best stability.
As you can see, it clamps to my table, rather than the suction cups, which would become ineffective after the stickiness of the suction cup wears off.
Anywho, in just a few minutes, the apples are ready to go, and I can load up the crock pot.
I toss the apples in, sprinkle in a generous 1/4 cup of cinnamon, and add just a few tablespoons of water to help the apples break down.
I’ll also add lemon juice on hand, if I have it, to make the apples more tender and add some brightness to the sauce, but it’s okay if you don’t have any.
You can add other spices, fruit, and seasonings at this time, too, and I’ll share some recipe variations below to give you some suggestions!
Eight hours later, I returned to find the apples perfectly soft and ready to be mashed.
If I’m in the mood for a chunky applesauce, a fork works great or you can use a potato masher to get it done quick. If I want a smoother applesauce I use my Cuisinart Stick Blender, which makes it just like the jarred stuff at the store.
There’s something so satisfying about seeing the applesauce come together with minimal effort, knowing I’ve made a snack that’s fresh, wholesome, and free of any added sugars or preservatives.
Plus, I love that my kitchen smells like fall! And who can resist good smells and a tasty snack on a cold fall day?
We’re ready to dish it up hot at the end of a long day!!
Ingredients
- 15 large Apples
- 1/4 cup Cinnamon
- 4 TBSP water
- 1-3 tsp lemon juice optional, makes apples more tender and gives a bit of tartness
Instructions
- Peel, core, and cut 15 apples.
- Put the apple rings into a crockpot.
- Top the apples with 1/4 cup of Cinnamon.
- Add in 4 TBSP of water.
- Cook on low for 8 hours.
- Mix together for a chunky applesauce. Use a hand blender for a smoother sauce, or put it into a standing blender.
Nutrition
Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Applesauce
Crockpot applesauce can be an amazing side for a meal or an easy snack- for kids and adults!!
I love serving it alongside pork chops or roasted chicken for dinner—the sweet and savory pairing is always a hit, and it always surprises me how much I like dunking the meat into applesauce.
It’s also perfect as a side for peanut butter sandwiches or any lunch you feel like.
It also works perfectly as a topping for breakfast, whether spooned over a bowl of oatmeal or yogurt. On the weekends, it’s delicious spread on warm pancakes or waffles for a naturally sweet, fruity touch.
For snacks, I like to scoop a bit of applesauce into a bowl and add a sprinkle of granola or nuts for extra crunch.
My kids enjoy dipping graham crackers into it, or I’ll stir it into their favorite vanilla Greek yogurt for an afternoon treat.
On cooler days, I’ve even warmed up a small dish of applesauce and drizzled it with a bit of caramel for a cozy, comforting snack. On warm ones, I can spoon it over vanilla ice cream to make it an apple pie treat!
And if I’m packing lunches for the kids, a small container of applesauce paired with a cheese stick or hard-boiled egg rounds out their meal nicely.
Fun Flavors For Crockpot Applesauce: Creative Twists on a Classic
One of the best things about making a delicious homemade applesauce is how easy it is to customize the flavor to suit your tastes or whatever ingredients you have on hand.
I can get creative by adding different spices or even mixing in other fruits to create unique applesauce combinations that make it fun and something new when we’re in a rut.
Here are some ideas to take my base Crockpot Applesauce recipe and turn it into something extra special:
- Spiced Applesauce – We can go a bit further into fall than just cinnamon! A dash of nutmeg, ground cloves, or even apple pie spice can add a warm, cozy flavor to the applesauce. Just a teaspoon of each will do the trick.
- Vanilla Applesauce – Stirring in a teaspoon of vanilla extract (and some brown sugar!) at the end of cooking can give your applesauce a sweet, smooth flavor. It makes it feel a little more like dessert-y and indulgent.
- Apple-Peach Sauce – If your kid’s a fan of peaches or those little apple sauce pouches, add two or three peeled and chopped peaches to the crockpot with the apples. Even the canned ones add their special sweetness!
- Apple-Banana Sauce – For a creamy texture and a touch of tropical sweetness, add one or two ripe bananas to the apples. Bananas break down nicely and blend in for a smooth, almost pudding-like consistency.
- Maple Cinnamon Applesauce – Swap out the water in the recipe for a couple of tablespoons of maple syrup if you like maple-flavored treats- this will hit the spot!
- Cinnamon Raisin Applesauce – Toss in a handful of raisins while the apples are cooking; I did this within the last 30 minutes or so. The raisins will plump up as they cook, adding little bursts of sweetness throughout the sauce.
- Apple-Cherry Sauce – Dried or fresh cherries can be added for a tart and fruity twist. I love the tang that comes from cherries, and as a fan of sour, this has just the right tartness level that makes my brain happy.
- Apple-Pumpkin Sauce – Add a cup of pumpkin puree and a sprinkle of pumpkin pie spice for a fall-inspired applesauce variation. This combination is perfect for autumn meals and tastes like a cross between applesauce and pumpkin pie filling.
- Honey-Apple Sauce – Instead of water, try using a few tablespoons of honey to sweeten your applesauce. Honey adds a floral sweetness that enhances the flavor of the apples without making the sauce too sugary.
- Spiked Applesauce – If you’re making applesauce for a grown-up crowd, try adding a tablespoon or two of your favorite spirits like bourbon, rum, or brandy. This creates a rich, indulgent applesauce with deep, complex flavors.
These simple additions can completely transform your applesauce, making it perfect for different occasions or moods. Whether you’re looking for something fruity, spiced, or even indulgent, there’s a variation here to suit your cravings!
FAQs
Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make applesauce in an Instant Pot for a quicker version of this recipe.
Just peel, core, and slice the apples as you would for the crockpot, then add them to the Instant Pot with the cinnamon and water.
Cook on high pressure for about 5-7 minutes and use a quick release. Once done, you can mash or blend the apples to your preferred consistency.
How can I change the taste of my crockpot applesauce?
If you want to mix things up, consider adding different spices or flavors. Nutmeg or cloves can bring a warm, spiced flavor, or you could toss in some vanilla extract or lemon juice to brighten it up.
If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, you could also stir in a bit of honey or maple syrup at the end of cooking.
What types of apples work best for applesauce?
A mix of apples usually works best for depth of flavor. I like to use a combination of sweeter apples, like Fuji or Gala, with tarter varieties like Granny Smith for a balanced sweetness and tang.
But honestly, you can use any apples you have on hand—they all cook down nicely!
Can I freeze slow cooker applesauce?
Absolutely! This recipe makes a large batch in the slow cooker, so if you don’t think you’ll eat it all right away, freezing is a great option.
Just portion the applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and store it for up to six months.
When you’re ready to use it, just thaw it in the fridge.
Do I need to add sugar?
No, this recipe doesn’t need any added sugar—the natural sweetness from the apples and the cinnamon gives it a great flavor.
However, if you prefer a sweeter taste, you can always add a little sugar, honey, or maple syrup at the end.
Final Thoughts
Making Crockpot Applesauce is one of the easiest ways to create a healthy, homemade snack that everyone in the family enjoys.
My girls are excited to go apple picking and get back home to get the applesauce started right away, and I’m happy to open to it!
This simple recipe not only delivers on taste but also saves you money when you skip the store-bought jarred versions.
Plus, it’s incredibly satisfying to know you’ve made something from scratch that your kiddos can enjoy.
Whether you’re serving it with dinner or as a snack, Crockpot Applesauce is sure to become a family favorite! I hope you enjoy it this fall season, or any season you like!
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