Nothing says fall like apples. This easy slow cooker applesauce recipe is the perfect way to use those fresh apples. Naturally sweetened, easily preserved and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a fall staple in your kitchen. Plus, it makes your house smell amazing!
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Why homemade applesauce?
As with most things, homemade just tastes better! Not to mention, it’s so much less expensive to make your own.
Another reason? Do you really know what is in those applesauce pouches your kids insist on eating?
Believe me, I’ve definitely bought my fair share of those applesauce pouches. But after some recent news on people potentially finding mold in their applesauce pouches….let’s just say I have no desire to buy them anymore!
Luckily, I have recently been gifted with an abundance of farm fresh apples and discovered a new favorite way to make applesauce!
Slow cooker applesauce ingredients
If you’ve read any of my recipes, you know that I LOVE a recipe with minimal ingredients. Bonus points if it involves pantry staples (and minimal prep). This slow cooker applesauce recipe definitely meets those standards with a small list of ingredients and steps:
- Apples – I like using a variety of apples for the best flavor, but you can use whatever kind you prefer. Some of my favorites are honey crisp, granny smith, golden delicious and fuji. But any kind will work!
- Water – seriously, that’s it.
- Lemon juice – fresh squeezed or bottled will work.
- Cinnamon – totally optional, I like to make some with and some without.
How to make slow cooker applesauce
The steps to make applesauce are just as simple as the ingredients.
You have the option to leave the skin on the apples or take it off. I prefer to take it off. Once your apples are peeled, you’ll core them and chop them into chunks. I typically chop mine into quarters, but really any size will work.
Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice and cinnamon (if using it) in your slow cooker.
Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are soft enough to mash.
Once mashed, you can place the applesauce in the container of your choosing and eat!
Storing your applesauce
If you choose to eat your applesauce right away, it will keep for 3-5 days in the refrigerator.
If you’d like to preserve your applesauce, you can either freeze or can it. Either way will work well, it really just depends on how much freezer-space you have and what you prefer to do with it.
I hope to bring a canning tutorial soon! For now, here is my favorite canner.
Another great option for storing your slow cooker applesauce is in reusable pouches! My toddler loves applesauce pouches. Making homemade applesauce and using reusable pouches ensures that I am confident that she is eating a high quality snack and makes her happy too! These are some of my favorite pouches.
Did you try this recipe
I would be so grateful if you left a rating and review below!
Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce
This easy slow cooker applesauce recipe is the perfect way to use those fresh apples. Naturally sweetened, easily preserved and customizable, this recipe is sure to become a fall staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 9 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/3 C water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- If desired, peel apples (or leave the skin on if you'd like).
- Once peeled and cored, chop the apples into chunks. I like to quarter my apples but any size will work.
- Place apples, lemon juice, water and optional cinnamon into your slow cooker.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until the apples become mushy.
- Mash the apples.
- Place into desired containers and enjoy!
Notes
- Applesauce will keep in the refridgerator for 3-5 days.
- This recipe can also be preserved! Can or freeze the applesauce in desired containers and enjoy later.
- Cinnamon is totally optional and adjustable to preference. I like to make some with and some without. You can always add it after cooking too!
Nutrition Information
Yield 16 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 54Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 14gFiber 3gSugar 11gProtein 0g
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