Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce: Simple Slow Cooker Batch (Print Version)
Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is a breeze! Make a sweet, tangy batch with minimal effort. Perfect for snacks, breakfast, or as a dessert topping. So easy, even I can't mess it up... usually.
# 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:
→ Base Fruits
01 -
6-8 medium apples (mix of sweet & tart)
02 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
→ Sweeteners & Spices
03 -
1/4 cup packed brown sugar (adjust to taste)
04 -
2-3 cinnamon sticks
05 -
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
06 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
→ Liquid Base
07 -
1/2 cup water
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, wash those apples! I usually just core them and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. You can peel them if you really want that super smooth applesauce, but honestly, I leave a lot of the skin on for extra fiber and a more rustic texture. Plus, it's less work, and who doesn't love that? Just toss them right into your slow cooker. I remember one time, I was so excited I chopped them too big, and they took forever to soften. Learn from my mistake – aim for consistent, medium-sized chunks!
02 -
Now for the good stuff! Sprinkle your brown sugar over the apples. Then, nestle those cinnamon sticks right in amongst the apple pieces. Pour in the lemon juice and the water. Give it a gentle stir – nothing too crazy, just make sure everything is somewhat combined. This is where the magic starts to happen, honestly. I always take a deep breath here, imagining how amazing my kitchen is going to smell in a few hours. I once forgot the lemon juice, and the applesauce turned a sad, brownish color. Never again!
03 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to LOW for 4-6 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours. The exact time really depends on your crockpot and how soft you like your applesauce. I usually go for the longer, lower setting because it seems to develop a deeper flavor. Peek in occasionally if you're curious, but try not to lift the lid too much; it lets out all the precious heat! You’ll start to notice the apples getting really soft and the whole house will smell like an autumn dream.
04 -
Once the apples are super tender and easily pierced with a fork, it's time to mash! Remove the cinnamon sticks – they've done their job. You can use a potato masher right in the crockpot for a chunky, homestyle applesauce (my personal favorite!). If you prefer it smoother, you can use an immersion blender or carefully transfer it to a regular blender. Be careful if blending hot liquid, though! I once splattered hot applesauce all over my kitchen trying to blend a too-full batch – total chaos!
05 -
Now, stir in your freshly grated nutmeg and vanilla extract. This is where you taste and adjust! Is it sweet enough for you? Do you want a little more cinnamon? Add a tiny bit more brown sugar or a pinch of ground cinnamon if you think it needs it. I always taste a spoonful right then and there, still warm and glorious. It's truly a moment of pure bliss, honestly.
06 -
Your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is ready! Serve it warm or chilled, however you like. It's so versatile. Spoon it into bowls, over oatmeal, with pork chops, or just eat it straight from the pot (no judgment here, I've done it!). The texture should be wonderfully soft, with that sweet-tart balance and a warm cinnamon embrace. It’s truly just the best, most comforting homemade treat.
# Notes:
01 -
My secret for truly flavorful applesauce? Don't peel all the apples! Leaving some skin on adds a lovely rustic texture and more nutrients, honestly.
02 -
For make-ahead magic, I often double the batch and freeze half in small portions. It thaws beautifully for quick breakfasts or a last-minute dessert.
03 -
If you're out of brown sugar, a mix of white sugar and a tiny bit of molasses works surprisingly well. I tried it once when I was desperate, and it was a decent stand-in!
04 -
Serving this warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola? Chef's kiss! It’s my favorite way to enjoy it for breakfast.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
potato masher (optional)
03 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 120
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 0.5g