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If you think all applesauce is created equal, you probably haven’t tried this Crockpot Applesauce recipe. Pile sliced apples into your slow cooker, add some cinnamon and lemon juice, and in a few short hours, you’ll be digging into the best applesauce you’ve ever had (plus your house will smell amazing!)
The smell of warm apples and cinnamon is a hallmark of the fall season, and what better way to enjoy this seasonal aroma than by making a delicious cinnamon applesauce? It makes a great snack, or you use it in recipes that call for applesauce to take them to delicious new heights.
Table Of Contents
Slow Cooker Applesauce Ingredients
Apples
This applesauce crockpot recipe consists primarily of — you guessed it — apples. They’re an excellent source of fiber and antioxidants, and, when cooked, are easy to digest. Dietary fiber and pectin are good for your gut, making applesauce a healthy and nutritious food.
Cinnamon
Cinnamon is prized for its warm, spicy aroma and flavor, and it has powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory qualities.
Lemon Juice
The acid in lemon juice helps protect the freshness of the apples and balances their natural sweetness. It gives the applesauce a delicious hint of bright citrus flavor.
How To Make Crockpot Applesauce
Ingredients:
- 3 lbs apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 1/2 Tbsp lemon juice
Directions:
Start by peeling, coring, and slicing the apples. (I highly recommend using an apple peeler/corer/slicer for this step — it’s a huge time-saver!)
Since each apple comes out of the machine sliced in a spiral, all you need to do is cut it in half down the middle and you’ll have perfectly uniform slices with minimal waste and effort. (If you want to make applesauce with peels, disengage the peeler mechanism to keep them intact.)
Place the apple slices in your crockpot, add the cinnamon and lemon juice, and stir to combine.
Cook the apples on high heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. (Once an hour should be plenty.)
After cooking, you may need to mash the apples a bit to achieve your desired applesauce consistency. Use a potato masher for a chunky texture, or an immersion blender if you want it to be smooth.
“How fantastic! I can’t wait to try this. I use applesauce in place of oil in many recipes. Thanks for this easy tip!”
– OGT Reader Mary
How to Enjoy Leftovers
More Ideas You'll Love
Store your homemade applesauce in an airtight container at the back of your refrigerator for up to a week, or in your freezer for 6-9 months.
Freeze leftover applesauce in ice cube trays or in an airtight freezer bag.
To eat or use your frozen applesauce, thaw it in your fridge and enjoy.
Applesauce Ingredient Substitutes
| Ingredient | Substitutes |
|---|---|
| Apples | Pears, peaches, or apricots |
| Cinnamon | Ground cardamom, ginger, or nutmeg |
| Lemon juice | Orange, pineapple, or grapefruit juice |
Applesauce Serving Suggestions
Applesauce makes a great snack, dessert, or topping for French toast, pancakes, waffles, donuts, or banana bread. Enjoy it for breakfast, as an afternoon snack, or at parties or family get-togethers.
Here are some other tasty ways to enjoy your homemade applesauce:
- Add it to plain or vanilla-flavored yogurt.
- Top it with nuts and fruit.
- Mix it into oatmeal.
Apple lovers, don’t miss these delicious apple recipes:
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is The Difference Between Apples And Applesauce?
Applesauce is made by slowly cooking apples over low heat until they form a thick, slightly chunky sauce. So the primary difference is that apples are raw while applesauce is cooked.
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How Can I Thicken Crockpot Applesauce?
You can thicken crockpot applesauce by cooking it uncovered on your stovetop until it reaches the right consistency. Another option is to add a couple of tablespoons of a thickening agent like cornstarch or tapioca starch.
Why Is My Homemade Applesauce So Watery?
Some apple varieties, like Cortland and McIntosh, contain more water than others, so using those varieties in this recipe may cause your applesauce to turn out watery. But as I mentioned in the previous answer, you can thicken homemade applesauce fairly easily (see above).
How Is Applesauce Used In Baking?
There are several ways to use applesauce in baking, depending on your goals. Applesauce makes a great low-fat substitute for oil or butter in cakes, muffins, and brownies, and you can use it to make things sweeter without adding more sugar.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot applesauce recipe shouldn’t be missed, especially if you live in an area known for its apples! Sprinkle some brown sugar on top and enjoy this transcendent homemade applesauce as a snack or side dish.
How do you use applesauce in your kitchen?
Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Apple corer/peeler/slicer
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1½ Tbsp lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Place the sliced apples in your crockpot with the cinnamon and lemon juice. Stir well to combine.
- Cook on high heat for 3 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Mash the applesauce, if desired, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
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