Crock Pot Applesauce flavored with brown sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of nutmeg is so delicious. It’s an incredibly easy recipe because the slow cooker does all the work! Once you taste homemade applesauce, you’ll never buy the stuff from the store again.
In This Post
I’ve been making homemade applesauce for years, and to be honest, I’ve never really thought much about the recipe until a reader asked me if I had one. I guess it slipped my mind because it’s one of those dishes that’s just become a staple in my “go-to” recipe list.
Not only that, but I started making applesauce when the boys were little because they ate so much that it was easier to make a big batch and then enjoy it throughout the week. Then, over time, it became part of our Thanksgiving and Christmas dinner lineup because homemade applesauce with holiday ham is absolute perfection!
Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe Ingredients
- Apples – like use Granny Smith. You can use a combination of different apples depending on your desired level or sweetness.
- Butter
- Vanilla Extract
- Brown Sugar
- Ground Cinnamon – you can also use pumpkin pie spice for a more intense flavor.
- Ground Nutmeg
- Kosher Salt
Scroll Down For Measurements
Best Apples For Homemade Applesauce
For this recipe, you can use almost any kind of apple. I use Granny Smith apples, which give great flavors and textures to my dish. Other varieties to consider:
- Gala or Golden Delicious– sweet with a soft texture.
- Fuji – readily available in the grocery store and great for cooking, baking, or eating as a snack.
- Granny Smith – crisp and tart with a firm, crunchy texture.
- Jonagold – mellow flavor that’s not too sweet and wonderful for baking and cooking.
- Honeycrisp – juicy, sweet, and super crunchy.
How To Make Apple Sauce In The Crock Pot
- Peel and chop apples, then place in slow cooker. Cut the butter into chunks and place on top of the apples. Sprinkle on the vanilla extract, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Place lid on crock pot and set to 3 hours on high.
- At the end of cooking time, stir the apples, mash with the back of a spoon, then mix again. If a smoother texture is desired, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up apples to the desired consistency.
How To Store And Save
Homemade crockpot applesauce will last for up to a week stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can You Freeze Applesauce?
Yes, you sure can! Make the applesauce per the directions and let it cool. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
What To Serve With Applesauce
It’s one of the best “make ahead” side dishes ever, especially for the holidays. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve this yummy recipe:
Side Dish with Crock Pot Country Style Pork Ribs, Air Fryer Whole Chicken, or Skillet Beef Stew.
Holiday Dinners And Sunday Supper with Copycat Honey Baked Ham, Crock Pot Roasted Turkey, or Slow Cooker Balsamic Brown Sugar Pork Roast.
More Great Apple Recipes
- Skillet Cinnamon Apples
- Crock Pot Mulled Cider
- Crock Pot Apple Butter
- Apple Cinnamon Pull Apart Bread
- Apple Strudel
- Apple Crostata
If you tried this Crock Pot Applesauce Recipe or any other recipe, please leave a 🌟 star rating and let me know how it went in the comments below. Thanks!
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples (about 8 cups when cut up)
- ¼ cup butter
- ½ teaspoon vanilla
- ½ cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg (optional)
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Peel and chop the apples, then place in the slow cooker. Cut butter into chunks and place on top of the apples. Sprinkle on vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Place lid on crock pot and set to 3 hours on high.
- At the end of cooking time, stir the apples, mash with the back of a spoon, then mix again. If a smoother texture is desired, use a potato masher or immersion blender to break up apples to the desired consistency.
Video
Notes
- For Leftovers: Homemade crockpot applesauce will last for up to a week stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
- How To Freeze: Make the applesauce per the directions and let it cool. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers and store it in the freezer for up to three months. To serve, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition
Want To Know More About Slow Cooking?
If you are new to cooking with a Crock Pot or just don’t know where to start, I’ve got something to help. I’ve put together a helpful guide with tips and recipes to get you using a slow cooker like a pro!
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Don
We love homemade apple sauce and sometimes, which we found out is quite popular with our family, is to add, quantity determined by quantity of apples added, several spoonfuls of red hot cinnamon candies. This alone provides the cinnamon flavor.
Angie
Hi Donya, can I use this recipe for canning? Thank you in advance 😉
Donya
Hey there Angie!
Thank you so much for your interest in this recipe, I think you’re going to love it! Canning is not my personal area of expertise, unfortunately I’ve never tried to can this recipe. That being said, I’ve seen other Crock Pot Apple Sauce recipes being used for canning so I think it’s definitely worth a try. Let me know how everything turns out, I hope you enjoy this recipe!
~Donya
Michael
Delicious!
Claudine in Fort Worth, TX
Oh, YUM! I Love applesauce, especially homemade. Now a dumb question, what kind of apples would be best to use in this recipe?
Thanks for sharing your wonderful recipes.
Hey Claudine, no worries. I used a combination of Granny Smith and Gala. I like a little bit of tartness from the green apples. Hope this helps!
XO,
~Donya
Claudiine in Fort Worth, TX
Thank you Donya! These apples are just I happen to have on hand. Now I don’t have to make a trip to buy apples,
Thank you again for all your great recipes. I do so enjoy getting your newsletter filled with delightful recipes.