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Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Avatar photoBySusan Miller
Jump to Recipe· 4.5 from 102 reviews
Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of making a comforting and naturally sweet treat that fills your kitchen with the cozy aroma of cinnamon and apples, then you’re going to absolutely adore this Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe. It’s simple, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying to make—perfect for cozying up on a chilly afternoon or adding a homemade touch to your meals all year round.

Why You Should Make This Recipe

Effortless Cooking: Toss everything in your slow cooker and let it do the magic while you enjoy your day—minimal hands-on time required.
Pure, Real Ingredients: No added sugars or preservatives, just natural apples and warm spices that bring out the best flavors.
Customizable Flavor: Whether you like it cinnamon-spiced or simple and fruity, you can adjust the seasoning exactly to your taste.
Versatile Use: Perfect as a snack, side dish, or ingredient in both sweet and savory recipes—it’s a kitchen staple you’ll reach for again and again.

The image shows a small clear glass jar filled with smooth, thick brownish-orange apple sauce. The jar has a rounded shape and no lid. Behind it, there is another similar jar filled with the same apple sauce placed on a wooden board. Two whole apples with pale green and pinkish colors are slightly out of focus on the white marbled surface near the jars. The overall scene is softly lit with a light and cozy feel, and the background is blurred. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, healthy applesauce, natural homemade applesauce, cinnamon applesauce

Ingredients & Substitutions

This Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe relies on a handful of simple, fresh ingredients that come together beautifully. Each apple variety brings a unique sweetness and texture, the cinnamon adds warmth, and the lemon juice keeps the flavors bright and balanced.

Flat lay of bright red and green Macintosh apples, some whole and some quartered with cores removed, a small pile of warm brown cinnamon sticks, a fresh lemon half with vibrant yellow flesh, and a few sprigs of green herbs scattered around, all carefully arranged with drops of lemon juice glistening on the fruit, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, healthy applesauce, natural homemade applesauce, cinnamon applesauce
  • Apples: I used Macintosh, but feel free to mix it up with Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness to suit your preference.
  • Water: Just a little helps the apples soften perfectly without turning mushy or watery.
  • Cinnamon: Adds that cozy, aromatic touch—totally optional, but I love how it complements the apples.
  • Lemon Juice: Keeps the applesauce from browning and adds a subtle zestiness for a fresh balance.
  • Salt: A pinch enhances all the flavors and prevents the sweetness from becoming cloying.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Apples

This is the fun part where your kitchen starts to smell amazing! Peel each apple carefully, then quarter them through the stem and remove the cores. Chop the pieces into roughly 1- to 2-inch chunks so they cook evenly and break down beautifully in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Place all those apple chunks into your slow cooker, then add the water, cinnamon (if using), lemon juice, and salt. Give everything a good stir so the flavors mingle right from the start. This simple mix promises a naturally flavored applesauce that’s far superior to store-bought options.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Set your slow cooker to high and let it work its magic for about 4 hours. The apples will soften, spices blend, and you’ll be treated to a kitchen filled with a sweet, warm scent that’s downright irresistible.

Step 4: Blend for Desired Texture

Once cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce for a silky smooth texture. If you prefer your sauce chunky, feel free to skip blending completely—both textures are delicious in their own right!

Step 5: Cool and Store

Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before serving or storing. It’ll thicken slightly as it cools, making spoonfuls even more delightful. Pour into airtight containers and refrigerate or freeze as desired.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Five small glass jars filled with smooth, orange-brown applesauce sit on a wooden round cutting board. The applesauce has a soft, thick texture with some slight shine on its surface. Around the board, on a white marbled surface, are two whole apples with a light green and pink blush color. A soft gray cloth is partly visible near the top left corner. The jars are filled close to the brim, showing the applesauce’s slightly uneven surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 - Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, healthy applesauce, natural homemade applesauce, cinnamon applesauce

Garnishes

Elevate your applesauce with a sprinkling of chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans for crunch, a dash of extra cinnamon, or a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and freshness.

Side Dishes

This applesauce pairs perfectly with roasted pork chops, crispy chicken, or even as a side to a hearty breakfast of pancakes and waffles. It’s like a little hug for your palate alongside your meal!

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your applesauce in charming mason jars with a cinnamon stick tucked inside or layered in a parfait with granola and yogurt for a stunning and tasty breakfast or snack display.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pop your applesauce into airtight glass containers and store in the refrigerator where it will stay fresh for up to 7 days—perfect for enjoying throughout the week.

Freezing

For longer storage, freezing is your best friend! Transfer the applesauce to freezer-safe bags or containers and freeze for up to 3 months without losing flavor or texture.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave just until warm, stirring occasionally. The applesauce warms up beautifully and tastes fresh as ever.

FAQs

  1. Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?

    Absolutely! While Macintosh apples provide a soft texture and balanced sweetness, feel free to mix varieties like Granny Smith for tartness or Fuji for extra sweetness to create your own perfect blend.

  2. Do I have to peel the apples?

    Peeling is recommended to achieve a smooth texture and avoid bits of peel in the applesauce, but if you don’t mind a more rustic, chunky texture, leaving the peel on is totally fine—just be sure to wash them well!

  3. Can I add sweeteners like sugar or honey?

    This sweets naturally thanks to the apples, but you can add a bit of honey or sugar if you like your applesauce on the sweeter side. Adjust according to taste once the sauce is cooked.

  4. How do I prevent the applesauce from turning brown?

    Adding lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also prevents oxidation, keeping your homemade applesauce looking fresh and vibrant after cooking and during storage.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe enough for anyone who loves simple, delicious, and wholesome homemade treats. It’s cozy, comforting, and a genuine pleasure to make and enjoy—go on, give it a try and let the sweet scents and flavors brighten your day!

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Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Slow Cooker Homemade Applesauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 102 reviews
  • Author: Susan
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 4 hours
  • Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 6 cups 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe provides a simple and delicious way to prepare homemade applesauce using Macintosh apples. With minimal ingredients and effort, the slow cooking method brings out the natural sweetness and flavors of the apples, enhanced by cinnamon and lemon juice. Perfect as a snack, side dish, or dessert, this applesauce can be made smooth or chunky according to preference.

Ingredients

Scale

Applesauce Ingredients

  • 3 lbs Macintosh apples
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Apples: Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler. Quarter each apple through the stem and carefully remove the cores. Dice the apples into 1- to 2-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
  2. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Place the diced apples into the slow cooker. Add water, cinnamon, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and salt. Stir all the ingredients well to combine them evenly.
  3. Cook: Set the slow cooker to the high setting and cook the mixture for 4 hours, allowing the apples to soften thoroughly and the flavors to meld.
  4. Puree the Applesauce: Using an immersion blender, blend the cooked apples until the applesauce reaches a smooth consistency. For chunky applesauce, you can skip this step.
  5. Cool and Serve: Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy it fresh or store appropriately.
  6. Storage: Store the applesauce in airtight containers, preferably glass, in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months to maintain freshness.

Notes

  • While Macintosh apples were used in this recipe, feel free to use any apple variety or a mix for varied flavor and texture.
  • Dice apples uniformly to promote even cooking in the slow cooker.
  • Ensure no apple cores or seeds are included as they can impart bitterness to the applesauce.
  • Since this recipe contains no preservatives, store refrigerated applesauce in airtight containers and consume within one week.
  • You can freeze applesauce in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to three months.
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