Easy Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce: Your Ultimate Fall Recipe
Embrace the crisp, cozy vibes of autumn with a batch of homemade crock pot applesauce! This incredibly simple recipe requires just five basic ingredients and is the perfect way to utilize an abundance of fresh fall apples. Forget the bland, store-bought versions; this slow cooker applesauce delivers a rich, flavorful taste that will remind you of grandmother’s kitchen. It’s not just a recipe; it’s an experience that fills your home with the sweet, comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples.
Embracing the Magic of Fall
Ah, the unmistakable arrival of autumn! Even here in Southern California, where snow is a distant dream, there’s a subtle shift in the air, a delightful crispness that signals the season. While folks in other regions might be bundling up against early snowfalls, we Angelenos are finally reaching for our cozy sweaters and boots. And it’s about time!
There’s something truly special about this time of year. Each season has its charm, but fall and winter hold a particularly warm place in my heart. Perhaps it’s because I’ve never experienced harsh, snowy winters, which makes the gentle change of seasons even more precious. For me, fall means:
- **Pumpkin Everything:** From lattes to pies, and everything in between, pumpkin-flavored treats are an absolute must. The earthy sweetness of pumpkin spice just screams autumn.
- **Warm, Comforting Drinks:** There’s nothing quite like curling up with a mug of hot chocolate or a steaming cup of homemade hot wassail as the evenings grow cooler. These beverages are liquid hugs!
- **Fall Fashion:** Boots, chunky sweaters, soft scarves – I adore every aspect of fall clothing. It’s all about layering and comfort.
- **Delicious Apple Recipes:** The abundance of fresh apples during this season opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Apples are incredibly versatile, perfect for both sweet and savory dishes.
This time of year is a celebration of harvest, warmth, and gathering. And at the heart of many fall traditions, you’ll find the humble apple.
Why Homemade Applesauce is a Must-Try
With supermarkets brimming with amazing, affordable apple varieties right now, it’s the perfect opportunity to make something truly special. And what better way to celebrate these fabulous fruits than by transforming them into homemade applesauce? Specifically, making homemade applesauce in your crock pot is a game-changer.
The Unbeatable Ease of Slow Cooker Applesauce
Have you ever tried making applesauce in a slow cooker? It’s almost unbelievably easy. Seriously, it’s hardly even a traditional “recipe” in the complicated sense! You simply combine apples with a handful of other simple ingredients – just five, to be exact – and let your crock pot do all the hard work. A few short hours later, you’ll be rewarded with the most flavorful, aromatic, and undeniably delicious applesauce you could ever imagine. It surpasses any store-bought version by a mile.
One of the best parts? No need for intricate dicing or constant stirring. A quick peel, core, and slice, and your apples are ready to go into the slow cooker. It’s truly that simple. Boom. Delicious Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce is yours for the enjoying.
Beyond Convenience: The Benefits of Making Your Own
- Superior Flavor: Homemade applesauce boasts a fresh, vibrant apple flavor that store-bought versions often lack due to processing and preservatives. You can truly taste the essence of the apples.
- Control Over Ingredients: You decide exactly what goes into your applesauce. Adjust the sugar to your preference, or skip it entirely if your apples are sweet enough. No artificial flavors, colors, or high-fructose corn syrup here. This makes it a fantastic healthy snack option for both kids and adults.
- Amazing Aroma: As your applesauce simmers gently in the slow cooker, your entire home will be filled with the most inviting scent of baked apples and cinnamon. It’s a sensory experience that instantly makes any house feel more like a home.
- Cost-Effective: During apple season, you can often find great deals on bulk apples. Turning them into applesauce is an economical way to preserve their deliciousness and enjoy them for weeks to come.
- Perfect for Using Up Extra Apples: Have a bushel of apples from an orchard visit or a good sale? This slow cooker applesauce recipe is the ideal solution for using them all before they spoil.
Choosing the Best Apples for Your Crock Pot Applesauce
The type of apple you choose can significantly impact the flavor and texture of your homemade applesauce. While many varieties work well, some are particularly suited for slow cooking. For this recipe, ‘Golden Delicious’ apples are recommended, known for their sweet flavor and soft texture when cooked, which makes for a smooth, naturally sweet applesauce.
However, don’t limit yourself! Here are a few other excellent choices and combinations:
- Sweet & Mellow: Golden Delicious, Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp. These apples break down beautifully and offer a naturally sweet flavor, requiring less added sugar.
- Tart & Tangy: Granny Smith, Braeburn. If you prefer a more tart applesauce or want to balance the sweetness of other varieties, add a few Granny Smiths. They’ll lend a bright, zesty note.
- Balanced Blend: A mix of sweet and tart apples often yields the most complex and satisfying flavor profile. Try combining Golden Delicious with a couple of Granny Smiths, or Fuji with a Braeburn.
When selecting apples, look for firm, unblemished fruit. A quick sniff can also tell you if they’re fragrant and ripe.
Once your crock pot applesauce is ready, you absolutely must try making Applesauce Pancakes with Cinnamon Syrup! It’s an autumnal breakfast dream come true.
Homemade Crock Pot Applesauce
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15 minutes
4 hours
4 hours 15 minutes
Jenn
Ingredients
- 12 golden delicious apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1/2 tsp. cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 Tbsp. lemon juice
Instructions
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Peel and core your chosen apples. Cut them into quarters (no need for perfect dicing!) and place them directly into your crock pot. Toss the apples with the lemon juice – this helps prevent browning and brightens the flavor. Then, sprinkle in the sugar and cinnamon, stirring gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated. Finally, add the water.
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Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on HIGH for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are incredibly tender and easily mashed. For a smoother applesauce, you can mash them directly in the crock pot with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a silky-smooth consistency. Enjoy immediately, warm or chilled, or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Applesauce
While this recipe is incredibly straightforward, a few tips can help you achieve applesauce perfection:
- Achieving Your Desired Consistency:
- Chunky: For a rustic, chunky applesauce, simply mash the softened apples with a potato masher directly in the slow cooker after cooking. Don’t overdo it if you like texture!
- Smooth: For a silky-smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender right in the crock pot. Alternatively, transfer the cooked apples to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- Adjusting Sweetness: The amount of sugar needed will depend on the natural sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. Taste the applesauce after cooking and add more sugar, honey, or maple syrup if desired. You can also omit sugar entirely if using very sweet apples.
- Spice It Up: Cinnamon is a classic for a reason, but feel free to experiment with other warm fall spices. A pinch of nutmeg, a dash of allspice, or a tiny bit of ground cloves can add wonderful depth to your slow cooker applesauce. A touch of vanilla extract can also be a delightful addition.
- Storing Your Homemade Applesauce:
- Refrigerator: Store your fresh applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
- Freezer: For longer storage, applesauce freezes beautifully! Allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before use.
Serving Suggestions for Your Delicious Applesauce
Homemade applesauce isn’t just for eating plain – though it’s certainly delicious on its own! Here are some fantastic ways to enjoy your crock pot applesauce:
- Classic Topping: Serve warm over pancakes, waffles, or French toast for a comforting breakfast.
- With Savory Dishes: Applesauce is a traditional and perfect accompaniment to pork chops or roasted chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and moisture.
- Breakfast Bowl Booster: Stir a spoonful into your oatmeal, yogurt, or overnight oats for natural sweetness and apple flavor.
- Baking Ingredient: Substitute applesauce for oil or butter in many baking recipes to make them healthier and add moisture. It works wonderfully in muffins, cakes, and quick breads.
- Healthy Snack: Enjoy a bowl of applesauce as a light, refreshing, and naturally sweet snack any time of day.
- Dessert Enhancement: Top vanilla ice cream with warm applesauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon for a simple yet satisfying dessert.
Looking for more delicious apple recipes? Check these out:
Homemade Apple Chips
35+ Apple Recipes
Crock Pot Caramel Hot Apple Cider
This recipe was originally shared on I Heart Nap Time on October 16, 2014.