Slow Cooker Applesauce

There’s nothing quite like the warm, comforting aroma of homemade Slow Cooker Applesauce filling the kitchen. This easy crockpot version, shows just how simple it is to make and enjoy. Made with fresh apples, a touch of brown sugar, and apple pie spice, everything is tossed into the slow cooker and simmered low and slow. The result is a sweet, cozy side dish or snack that the whole family will love, that tastes like fall in a bowl.

What You’ll Love About this Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe

• Ridiculously Easy to Make – You basically just slice your favorite variety of apples, toss them in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. No babysitting, just set it and forget it. Once you discover how easy it is to make, you’ll never go back to store-bought.
• Incredible Smell – As it simmers, your whole house will smell like warm apple pie. It’s a smell that’s familiar, cozy and comforting.
• Customizable Flavors – Add cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla, a splash of lemon, or even a bit of ginger or cloves to make it your own. When you make your own apple sauce, you control the texture and taste.
• Great for All Ages – Babies, kids, adults, everyone loves it. It’s smooth, easy to digest, and free from preservatives or weird additives.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Apple season is the ideal time to make a big batch, then store it in the fridge or freezer. It lasts for days and works as a snack, side dish, or dessert.
• Upcycle Your Apples – If you’ve got apples that are a little bruised or past their prime, turn them into something delicious instead of tossing them. It’s all about repurposing and saving money.

Ingredients to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe

Checkout this quick list of simple ingredients you’ll need to make homemade Applesauce in a crockpot: (Scroll down for the full printable recipe card.)

• Apples – 4-5 pounds of Gala apples give applesauce its signature flavor.
• Sugar – Light brown sugar for sweetness.
• Liquid – Apple cider or apple juice for moisture. You can also use water.
• Spices – Apple pie spice or cinnamon amp up the flavor.

How to Make the BEST Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe

• Prep the Apples – Peel, core and slice the apples. Arrange in the crock of a 6 quart slow cooker.
• Add Liquid, Sugar and Spice – Pour cider over the top. Sprinkle with brown sugar and apple pie spice. Stir to coat.
• Slow Cook – Lock the lid in place and cook per the cooking time in the recipe until the apples are tender.
• Mash the Apples – Uncover and use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency.
• Serve – Serve chilled or warm.

Kitchen Equipment to Make Slow Cooked Applesauce

• Large crockpot. I use a 6 quart slow cooker. Crockpots and slow cookers are synonymous, so either one will work.
• Apple corer and peeler and sharp knife and chopping board to prep the apples.
• Measuring cups and spoons.
• Potato masher or food processor for mashing the apples. You could also use an immersion blender.

Recipe Variations, Tips and Substitutions

• Apples – You can use any variety or type of apples to make crock pot applesauce. I typically choose Honeycrisp apples, Granny Smith apples, Gala apples or Braeburn apples. You can also use a mix of sweet apples (like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp) with tart apples (like Granny Smith) for a more complex flavor.
• Liquid – I use sparkling cider and classic cider or apple juice routinely in this recipe. You can also use plain ole tap water or bottled water.
• Flavorings – You can add a splash of lemon juice to balance the flavor or a bit of vanilla extract for warm floral notes.
• Spices – You could use cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice in place of apple pie spice. You could also use cinnamon sticks in place of ground spices.
• Sugar – You can use granulated sugar (white sugar) or Splenda Brown Sugar substitute in place of light brown sugar. Depending on the variety of apples, you may need more, or less to suit your taste. If the apples are a super sweet variety, you may need no extra sugar for unsweetened applesauce.
• Peel or Not? If you like smooth applesauce, peel the apples. If you’re blending it and don’t mind texture, you can skip peeling.
• Texture – You can process this applesauce in a food processor for a smoother texture. I prefer using a potato masher for a chunky applesauce, but this is completely up to you!
• How to Serve Applesauce – You can enjoy this applesauce as a snack all on its own. You can also spoon it over oatmeal, pancakes, ice cream, pound cake or serve it as a side dish alongside savory dishes like pork chops and chicken.
• See how to make my Cinnamon Spiced Apple Butter here.

Storage and Leftovers

• Leftovers – Store leftover Slow Cooker Applesauce in an airtight container chilled in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
• Freezer – You can freeze crockpot applesauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator and enjoy.

More Easy Apple Recipes to Make

• Make dessert in your slow cooker with this Crockpot Apple Dump Cake.
• This old fashioned Apple Crisp never disappoints.
• Treat the family to my Apple Pie Biscuits.
• Apple Cider Glazed Doughnuts melt in your mouth.
• Southern Fried Apples can be served at any meal as a side dish or a dessert.
• This Praline Apple Bread is a fan favorite.
• Drizzle a stack of Apple Pancakes with maple syrup.
• Caramel Apple Poke Cake is filled with fall flavor.
• Start your morning with a slice of Apple Strudel and a cuppa joe.
• Crispy glazed Apple Fritters are a personal favorite. They’re SO good!
• Toffee Apple Dip from Six Sisters Stuff.

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Helpful Kitchen Items:

• Oval Crockpot
• Apple Peeler Corer
• Chopping Board and Knives
• Measuring Set