Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe: Spiced, Slow-Cooked Comfort (Print Version)
Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe that's gently spiced and slow-cooked for ultimate homemade flavor. A simple, comforting snack or dessert.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
6-8 medium apples (about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 -
1/2 cup water
→ Sweeteners & Spices
03 -
1/4 to 1/2 cup packed brown sugar (adjust to taste)
04 -
1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
05 -
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
→ Flavor Boosters
06 -
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
07 -
Pinch of salt
08 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those apples ready! I wash them really well, then peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Honestly, I don't stress too much about perfect uniformity; a little variation in size is fine. It just means some bits will be softer and some a little chunkier, which I actually prefer. This step usually takes me about 15-20 minutes, depending on how many apples I've got and if I'm distracted by a podcast. Don't worry if they start to brown a tiny bit; the lemon juice will help later.
02 -
Now, dump all those lovely apple pieces into your crockpot. Add the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, salt, and vanilla extract. Give everything a good stir to make sure the spices and sugar are distributed. I usually use a big spoon for this, and sometimes a few apple pieces escape onto the counter – totally normal, just scoop 'em back in! Make sure your crockpot isn't more than 3/4 full, or you'll have a bubbling mess later, and nobody wants that clean-up.
03 -
Cover your crockpot and set it to LOW for 4-6 hours, or HIGH for 2-3 hours. I usually go for low and slow because it really lets those flavors meld and deepen, and the whole house starts smelling incredible. You'll know they're ready when the apples are super soft and easily pierced with a fork. Honestly, I peek a few times, just because the smell is so intoxicating! This is where the magic happens, folks.
04 -
Once the apples are tender, turn off the crockpot. Now, here's where you decide your texture. If you like it chunky, grab a potato masher and go to town until it's just how you like it. For a smoother applesauce, you can use an immersion blender right in the pot (careful, it's hot!), or transfer it in batches to a regular blender. I tend to mash it by hand because I love those little bits of apple. Give it a taste and add more sugar or cinnamon if you think it needs it. Trust your gut here!
05 -
Let your glorious homemade applesauce cool down a bit in the crockpot, uncovered, before transferring it to jars or an airtight container. This step is important because it helps prevent condensation and keeps it fresh longer. I always sneak a spoonful (or two!) when it's still warm. It's just too good to resist. The aroma as it cools is honestly one of my favorite parts of making this Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe.
06 -
Once it's cooled to room temperature, or chilled in the fridge, your Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe is ready to be devoured! It should be sweet, tangy, and bursting with warm apple and cinnamon flavors. The color should be a lovely, natural golden-brown. Serve it warm or cold, however you like. I often find myself just eating it straight from the spoon, no judgment here!
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip the lemon juice; it's essential for brightness and preventing browning.
02 -
Resist the urge to add too much liquid; apples release a lot of their own as they cook down.
03 -
Adjust sweetness and spice at the end, after mashing, for the truest flavor.
04 -
For a chunkier applesauce, mash by hand; for smoother, use an immersion blender.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Crockpot (slow cooker)
02 -
potato masher or immersion blender
03 -
airtight containers/jars
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 150 calories
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 38g
Protein: 0.5g