Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe: Sweet & Simple (Print Version)
Make fresh Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe at home! This slow cooker method brings warm, spiced apple goodness with minimal fuss.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Apple Blend
01 -
Apples (6-8 medium, about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 -
Water (1/4 cup)
→ Sweetness & Spice
03 -
Brown Sugar (1/4 cup, packed)
04 -
Ground Cinnamon (1 teaspoon)
05 -
Ground Nutmeg (1/4 teaspoon)
06 -
Lemon Juice (1 tablespoon, fresh is best)
→ Optional Warmth
07 -
Vanilla Extract (1 teaspoon)
→ Make It Special
08 -
Pinch of Salt
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those apples ready! I usually peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Honestly, I've skipped peeling a few times when I'm feeling lazy, and it still works, especially if you have a powerful immersion blender later. But for that super smooth texture, peeling is key. This step can get a little messy, with apple peels everywhere, but it's part of the fun, right?
02 -
Toss all those beautiful apple chunks into your slow cooker. Add the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, vanilla extract (if you're using it), and that little pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure the spices are evenly distributed. I always make sure the lid is on tight at this point; you don't want any steam escaping!
03 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours, or on HIGH for 2-3 hours. I usually go for the longer, slower cook; it just seems to develop a deeper flavor, and the apples get super tender. You'll start to smell that amazing apple-cinnamon aroma wafting through your house, and honestly, that's when you know it's working!
04 -
After a few hours, check the apples. They should be incredibly soft and easily mashable with a fork. If they're still a bit firm, just let them cook a little longer. I once got impatient and mashed them too early; the result was chunky, but not in a good way. Learn from my oops!
05 -
Once tender, it's mashing time! You can use a potato masher right in the crockpot for a chunkier applesauce, which I love. Or, for a super smooth version, carefully transfer the apples to a blender or use an immersion blender. Be careful if blending hot liquid; it can be splashy! I usually go for somewhere in the middle – a little chunky, a little smooth.
06 -
Let your homemade Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe cool down a bit before serving or storing. The flavors really meld and deepen as it cools. It should look like a warm, inviting, slightly rustic apple concoction, smelling like pure autumn. I love to sneak a spoonful right out of the pot when it's still warm!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd your slow cooker; it affects cooking time and consistency.
02 -
Different apple varieties yield different textures and sweetness levels; experiment!
03 -
Always stir well before mashing to ensure even flavor distribution.
04 -
For a chunkier sauce, use a potato masher; for smoother, blend!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
Vegetable peeler (optional)
03 -
Apple corer (optional)
04 -
Knife
05 -
Cutting board
06 -
Potato masher or immersion blender/blender
07 -
Airtight containers
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 150
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 0.5g