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

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
Cool and Serve: Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before serving. Enjoy it fresh or store appropriately.
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.