My grandmother used to make this every fall when the apple trees were loaded, and the smell would fill the entire house for hours. This Crockpot Applesauce is hands-off, naturally sweet, and tastes a million times better than anything from a jar. I started making it when my kids were little because I wanted to control the sugar and ingredients, and now they're teenagers who still request it constantly.
The best part is you just dump everything in the slow cooker and walk away. It's one of those homemade applesauce recipes that makes you wonder why you ever bought store-bought. I make huge batches every October and freeze half for winter baking.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
Crockpot Applesauce is the perfect answer when you need easy applesauce that's healthy, customizable, and fills your house with the most amazing smell. This slow cooker applesauce recipe uses fresh apples and minimal sugar, creating homemade applesauce crockpot style that beats anything from the store. My sister made this crock pot apple sauce for her baby's first foods and hasn't stopped since.
The apple sauce crockpot recipes slow cooker method means no stirring, no watching, just perfect results. Plus, it's one of those apple sauce recipes that works for everything from fall snacks to pumpkin dessert toppings to what to do with fresh picked apples when you have way too many.
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What You'll Need
Just apples and a few simple additions create this crockpot applesauce recipe that's both easy and delicious. I always use the best apples for applesauce, which means a mix of sweet and tart varieties.
Main Ingredients
- 5-6 pounds mixed apples (about 12-15 apples), peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup water or apple juice
- ¼ to ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste, or omit for unsweetened applesauce recipe)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Best Apple Varieties
Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Good combinations include Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious. Mixing varieties creates depth and natural sweetness in your homemade applesauce.
Optional Extras
Make sweetened applesauce recipes by adding brown sugar or honey instead of white sugar. You can create apple pie applesauce by doubling the cinnamon and adding a pinch of cloves. For caramel apple sauce crockpot style, stir in caramel sauce at the end. My mom likes to add vanilla extract for extra warmth in her crock pot cooking.
The full instructions are right in the recipe card.
How to Make Crockpot Applesauce
Prep the Apples
Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't worry about making them perfect, they're going to break down anyway. Toss them directly into your slow cooker as you go. This is what makes how to make applesauce so simple, minimal prep and the crockpot does everything else.
Add Liquids and Seasonings
Pour the water or apple juice over the apples, then add the lemon juice, sugar if using, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Give it a quick stir to distribute everything. The lemon juice keeps the apples from browning and adds a nice brightness to the finished easy apple sauce.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the apples are completely soft and falling apart. The longer cook time on low develops better flavor, but high works great when you're in a hurry for this crockpot applesauce easy method.
Can I leave the peels on?
Yes! Leaving peels on creates a pink-tinted applesauce and adds extra fiber. Just make sure to use a food mill or immersion blender afterward to break them down completely. The peels also add nutrients to your apple treat.
Mash or Blend
Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for smooth. You can also transfer to a regular blender in batches. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed. This homemade applesauce recipes flexibility lets you make it exactly how you like it.
Aliana's Top Tip
The secret to the best crockpot applesauce is using a variety of apples instead of just one type.
Different apples have different sweetness levels and textures, so mixing them creates much more complex flavor.
I usually do half sweet apples like Fuji or Gala and half tart like Granny Smith.
Also, taste your apples before adding sugar, really sweet apples might not need any at all for unsweetened applesauce recipe style.
My husband once used all Granny Smith without tasting first and added the full amount of sugar, it was still too tart and we had to add even more.
Test your apples and adjust accordingly.
Ingredient Substitutions & Variations
Swap the water for apple cider for deeper apple flavor in your applesauce recipes crockpot style. You can make this for crockpot applesauce canning by following proper canning procedures after cooking. Add raisins or dried cranberries for texture in your crock pot apple sauce. For the best apple pie filling, cook it down longer until very thick, then use in pies and pastries. This also works as autumn flavors base for pork dishes or as a side for easy crockpot dinners.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Store homemade applesauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 6 months. You can also can it using proper canning procedures for canned applesauce that lasts up to a year on the shelf. The applesauce doesn't need reheating, it's delicious cold, room temperature, or warmed. If you do want it warm, heat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Follow Aliana on Pinterest →What to Serve With Crockpot Applesauce
This crockpot applesauce works perfectly as a side dish for pork chops, roasted chicken, or holiday meals. Use it as a topping for oatmeal, yogurt, pancakes, or waffles for fall snacks and breakfasts. It's amazing in baking, substitute it for oil in muffins and cakes. Serve it alongside potato latkes, or just eat it straight from the bowl. My kids love it with cinnamon graham crackers for an after-school snack.
FAQs About Crockpot Applesauce
Do I have to peel the apples?
No, but unpeeled apples will need to be processed through a food mill to remove the skins, or blended very well if you want smooth applesauce. Peeling is easier upfront but either way works.
What's the best way to store homemade applesauce?
Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 2 weeks, freeze for up to 6 months, or can following proper procedures for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year.
Can I make this without sugar?
Absolutely! If your apples are naturally sweet, you don't need any added sugar. Taste after cooking and add sweetener only if needed for your preference.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your slow cooker is large enough. A 6-quart slow cooker can handle about 5-6 pounds of apples comfortably without overflowing.
More Recipes You'll Love
If you loved this crockpot applesauce, you'll want to try my Slow Cooker Apple Butter for another amazing apple treat. Or check out my Apple Crisp for a warm dessert using fresh apples. For more slow cooker applesauce variations, my Cinnamon Pear Sauce is always a hit. You'll find all of these and more applesauce recipes stovetop and crockpot options in my DESSERT category.
Made it your way? Tag me on Pinterest @AlianaRecipes; I'd love to see your twist on it!
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Pairing
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