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!
Fall is just around the corner! Can you believe it? I am utterly in love with all things fall, especially the delicious apple desserts. 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. Like, ridiculously easy. Apples plus a few other easy ingredients, only FIVE to be exact. 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!
Ingredients
- 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, pumpkin pie spice, cloves or cardamom.
How to make applesauce in crockpot
Scroll down for the printable recipe.
- SLICE. Peel and core the apples. Then slice them into fourths and place in the crockpot.
- 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.
- COOK. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until apples are very soft.
- BLEND. Allow to cool slightly and then mash with a potato masher or put in the blender for a smoother texture.
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.
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!
More fresh apple recipes:
Crockpot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 12 medium golden delicious apples (about 4-5 pounds)
- 1/4-1/2 cup granulated sugar (more if you prefer sweeter)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and core apples. Cut into fourths and place in crockpot. Toss apples in lemon juice and then add in sugar and cinnamon (if desired), stirring to combine. Add in water and then cover with the lid.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or until apples are very soft.
- Allow to cool slightly and then mash with a potato masher or put in the blender for a smoother texture. Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don't forget to give it a star rating below!
Very good but very sweet. Next time I’ll only use 1/4 cup of sugar.
I’m peeling/ coring my apples as we speak ? I’ve been side tracked on my meal prepping but this is a great snack option I can prep ahead of time and portion out in containers for the week!!?? and also have leftover for whenever
Hope you enjoy! Homemade applesauce is the best!!
About how many cups of sliced apples should go into the slow cooker? I picked apples off my tree and they very in size. I just want to make sure that the measurements are correct for the right taste. Thank you!
I didn’t measure the cups, but I’m guessing between 18-20 cups since apples yield 1.5-2 cups sliced apples per apple! :)
I made your applesauce and my husband went crazy over it. I was over the moon crazy too..lol. I used half granulated sugar and half light brown sugar and little more cinnamon. My question is “How would I go about canning the applesauce” Any help you could give me would be greatly appreciated. I overheard hubby tell someone he’d never buy applesauce again. I was AWESOME! Thank you for sharing.
I’m so glad you both loved it! You definitely could can this! There are a ton of tutorials online, but you will need to buy the right equipment to can it. :)
I belong to a csa and they have been giving us a crazy amount of apples. I’ve never made applesauce but this seems like a great way to use up all those apples. I think I’ll pair it with my oatmeal. Been trying to eat healthier and cooking more. Thanks for the great recipes
Homemade applesauce is the best! Hope you enjoy! :)
if i decide to make flavored applesauce i add no sugar. when cooked and soft. i mash then i add some jello. i like peach or raspberry. i add until i get the taste i want. depends on your apples. i usually get two batches out of a small box of jello. i also free this in small bags. so i have regular and flavored applesauce in my freezer. its so good. worth the effort.
What is the serving size? I have to account for the carbs for someone who is diabetic.
There are 12 servings!
Love this recipe, I can’t wait to try it out.
Nothing beats homemade applesauce! Always so delicious!
It’s been YEARS since I’ve made homemade applesauce. This looks so easy I have to try this recipe.