Skip to content

Homemade Crockpot Applesauce

Crockpot applesauce made with only a few ingredients and SO delicious! Once you’ve made this homemade version, you’ll never go back to store bought. So easy and fresh!

Applesauce in a white bowl with a spoon.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read disclosure policy.

Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce

Fall is just around the corner! Can you believe it? I am utterly in love with all things fall, especially all the delicious apple desserts. You just can’t beat a slice of dutch apple pie or a plate full of apple cobbler.

There are so many great apple varieties for great prices at the supermarket during the fall months. One great way to use those apples is by making homemade applesauce.

Have you ever made applesauce in the slow cooker? It is so easy to do. Stick it all in the crockpot and a few short hours later, the most flavorful, delicious homemade applesauce you could ever imagine. So much better than store bought. It can double as a dessert or snack and is super family-friendly. My kids love it!

Recipe Ingredients

Applesauce ingredients in white crockpot.

Find the full printable recipe with specific measurements below.

  • Apples: In my opinion, the best apples to use are golden delicious. They’re sweet, firm and crisp, which makes them perfect for applesauce.
  • Sugar: Although the applesauce is naturally sweet, I like to add in a small amount of sugar for an extra boost of sweetness. Feel free to add as much or as little sugar as preferred.
  • Water: This is added to help give it the perfect consistency. The juices from the apples will also create some liquid, so you don’t need to add a lot of water.
  • Lemon juice: This helps to brighten and balance out the flavors.
  • Cinnamon: Mixing in spice is optional, but I love the flavor it adds. Cinnamon is my favorite, but feel free to mix in others like nutmeg, allspice, apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, cloves or cardamom.

How to Make Crockpot Applesauce

Showing how to make applesauce in a 4 step collage.
  1. SLICE. Peel and core the apples. Then slice them into fourths and place in the crockpot.
  2. MIX. Toss the apples in lemon juice and then add in sugar and cinnamon (if desired), stirring to combine. Pour in the water and then cover with the lid.
  3. COOK. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until apples are very soft.
  4. BLEND. Allow to cool slightly and then mash with a potato masher or put in the blender for a smoother texture.
Spoonful of applesauce.

Helpful Tips

  • Size of apples. I used 12 medium apples, which weighed about 4 to 5 pounds total. Because the size of each apple can differ so greatly, you may want to weigh your apples to ensure you have enough. You should be able to make about 6 cups of applesauce with this amount.
  • Consistency. For a smoother consistency, transfer the apples to a blender (or use an immersion blender in the crockpot). For a chunkier consistency, mash the apples with a potato masher.
  • Sweetness. I like to add in a small amount of sugar to give it the perfect sweet taste. Start with about 1/4 cup, then taste and adjust as needed. If you add too much at first, it could be overly sweet for your taste and then you can’t fix it. You could also omit the sugar all together for a sugar-free version.
Jar full of applesauce.

Recipe FAQs

What else can I add to this applesauce?

There are so many ways to make this recipe your own. Try it with maple syrup, dried fruit (like apricots or cranberries), cayenne pepper, or browned butter.

What is the difference between apple sauce and apple butter?

The two are made from the same ingredients, but apple butter is cooked longer, which removes water content and leads to a richer, creamier product.

Could you use apple juice instead of water?

You could, although it will make it a lot sweeter. If you do, I would cut out the sugar.

Storing

This applesauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if stored in a sealed container (I prefer mason jars). I like to write the date on the lid so that I know how long it will keep, although my family usually eats it right up in a couple of days!

This apple sauce can also be frozen in a ziptop bag for up to 3 months.

Favorite Ways to Use Applesauce

More Fresh Apple Recipes

HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!

Jar full of applesauce.

Crockpot Applesauce

4.98 from 38 votes
↑ Click stars to rate now!
Author: Jamielyn Nye
Crockpot applesauce made with only a few ingredients and SO delicious! Once you've made this homemade version, you'll never go back to store bought. So easy and fresh!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
Total Time: 4 hours
Servings: 12

Ingredients 

  • 12 medium golden delicious apples (about 4-5 pounds)
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar (more if you prefer sweeter)
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon , optional

Instructions

  • Peel and core apples. Cut into quarters and place in crockpot. Toss apples in lemon juice. Stir in sugar and cinnamon, if using, until combined. Add water and cover with the lid.
  • Cook on high for 3 to 4 hours, or until apples are very soft.
  • Let cool slightly and mash with a potato masher to reach the desired consistency or blend in the blender for a smoother texture. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!

Video


Notes

Puree: You can also use a food mill or food processor to puree the apples, if you prefer. 
Quantity: Makes about 6 cups. 
Storage: This applesauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 2 weeks if stored in a sealed container (I prefer mason jars).

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal | Carbohydrates: 29g | Protein: 0.5g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 196mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 23g | Vitamin A: 99IU | Vitamin C: 9mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.2mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Dessert, Snacks
Cuisine: American

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Spoon of applesauce.

Let’s connect

Join our community of over 5 million!

Featured on

  • Taste of Home
  • Martha Stewart
  • Country Living
  • BuzzFeed
  • Yahoo
  • Food Network
  • Today