Table of Contents: Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe
Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe
Imagine your kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon-spiced apples simmering to perfection—all while you go about your day. This Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe is the ultimate homemade applesauce crockpot solution for busy home cooks who crave a healthy fruit snack without the fuss.
Introduction: Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe
There’s something undeniably nostalgic about homemade applesauce. Unlike store-bought versions packed with added sugars and preservatives, this Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe lets you control the ingredients while delivering rich, velvety-smooth texture and natural sweetness.
Perfect for fall gatherings, holiday meals, or a quick weeknight side dish, this easy applesauce requires minimal effort—just toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic. Whether you’re serving it alongside roasted pork, spooning it over yogurt, or enjoying it as a healthy fruit snack, this recipe is a must-try.
Using a slow cooker ensures the apples break down perfectly without constant stirring, making this homemade applesauce crockpot method foolproof. Plus, with just five simple ingredients, including fresh apples, cinnamon sticks, and lemon juice, you’ll have a wholesome treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious.
Alternate Names & Variations
This recipe is also known as:
– Crockpot Applesauce
– Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce
– No-Sugar-Added Applesauce
For a twist, try adding:
– Brown sugar or honey for extra sweetness
– Nutmeg or cloves for deeper spice
– Peeled pears for a mixed fruit variation
Ingredients: Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe

- – 3 pounds large apples (about 6), any variety – A mix of sweet (Fuji, Gala) and tart (Granny Smith) works best.
- – ½ cup water – Helps prevent sticking and aids in softening.
- – 2 (3-inch) cinnamon sticks (optional) – Adds warm, aromatic depth.
- – 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice – Balances sweetness and prevents browning.
- – ¼ teaspoon salt – Enhances natural flavors.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prep the Apples
– Wash, peel (optional), core, and roughly chop the apples into 1-inch chunks. Leaving the peel on adds fiber and texture.
2. Combine in Slow Cooker
– Add apples, water, cinnamon sticks, lemon juice, and salt to the crockpot. Stir gently.
3. Cook on Low Heat
– Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples should be fork-tender.
4. Mash or Blend
– For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher. For smoother texture, blend briefly with an immersion blender.
5. Adjust Consistency & Serve
– If too thick, stir in a splash of water. Remove cinnamon sticks before serving.
Chef’s Tip: For extra richness, stir in a pat of butter before serving.
Recipe Card Block
Prep Time: 10 mins | Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high) | Total Time: 6 hours 10 mins | Servings: 4 | Calories: ~120 per serving
Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips
✅ Effortless & Hands-Off – The slow cooker does all the work while you relax.
✅ Naturally Sweetened – No refined sugar needed; the apples caramelize beautifully.
✅ Versatile Uses – Great for baking, oatmeal topping, or baby food.
Pro Tip: Freeze in small portions for an easy grab-and-go healthy fruit snack.
Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips
– Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
– Freezer: Portion into jars or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
– Reheat: Warm gently on the stove or microwave with a splash of water.
People Also Ask: Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe

How Do You Make Applesauce in a Slow Cooker?
Making homemade applesauce crockpot style is simple: chop apples, add water and spices, then slow cook until tender. Mash or blend for desired texture. No constant stirring needed—just set it and forget it!
What Kind of Apples Are Best for Applesauce?
A mix of sweet (Honeycrisp, Fuji) and tart (Granny Smith, Braeburn) apples gives balanced flavor. Softer varieties like McIntosh break down faster.
Do You Peel Apples for Applesauce?
Peeling is optional—skins add fiber and texture. If you prefer ultra-smooth easy applesauce, peel them first.
How Long Does Slow Cooker Applesauce Last?
Stored properly, it keeps 1 week in the fridge or 3 months frozen. Always cool before sealing to prevent condensation.
Conclusion: Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe
This Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe is the ultimate homemade applesauce crockpot hack—simple, healthy, and irresistibly delicious. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting a holiday dinner, or just craving a healthy fruit snack, this recipe delivers every time.
Try it today and share your results in the comments!
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Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups 1x
Description
This slow cooker applesauce is deliciously sweet, naturally flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Just toss in your apples and spices, let it cook low and slow, and enjoy homemade applesauce with zero fuss!
Ingredients
- 10 medium apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Add the chopped apples to the slow cooker.
- Pour in water, lemon juice, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, and nutmeg.
- Stir gently to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, until apples are very soft.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to reach desired consistency—chunky or smooth.
- Let cool slightly and transfer to jars or containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for later.
Notes
Adjust sweetness by skipping or reducing the sugar. This applesauce makes a great snack, side, or topping for oatmeal and pancakes!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 23g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: applesauce, slow cooker, homemade, easy, fall recipe