Homemade applesauce is as easy as pie thanks to fresh, locally grown apples and a slow cooker that does all the work.
When I tell you making healthy and delicious applesauce from scratch could not be any easier, it literally could. not. be. easier. Apple season is in full swing which means very little needs to be added to result in a vibrant and flavorful end product.
In fact, aside from spices and a bit of water, there is no added sugar or juice. Apples + Spice = Everything Nice.
The variety of apple is up to you! Let the local farm stand, orchard or grocery store guide your decision. The closer the apples were grown to your house, the better the applesauce.
We happened to grab honey crisp at our farmer’s market this past weekend but any variety would work well short of those creepy school house red delicious picked 20 months ago.
Your crock pot is waiting.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 12 in medium apples (cored and cut chunks – leave the skin for extra nutrition!)
- 2 cups water
- 1 tbs cinnamon
- 1 tsp ground ginger
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp ground cloves
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours.
- When apples are tender, use a hand blender to puree until you reach desired consistency. (Alternatively, use a potato masher or place in a blender.)
- Serve warm or refridgerate for up to 3 weeks (if it lasts that long!)
Nutrition
Check out my Pinterest board for more healthy snack recipes!
I have made this recipe for many years with the kids in my classroom. It’s simple enough, has a lovely aroma, and very tasty. I’ve also added some Red Hots to give it a little red color as well as some sweetness.
Thanks for posting! I love your blog!
Oh I’m so glad – thank you for your sweet words Tina!
I do this with no water at all, just quartered (peeled) apples and a cinnamon stick. 4 hours on high, then I stir it around with a fork to break up the apples. Delish!
Great to know!!! I’ll try that next time!
what size slow cooker? i have a 1.5 quart…that seems to small for this recipe to me…any suggestions should i half this recipe? I’m new to cooking with a slow cooker anything you can tell me would be appreciated.
I would cut the recipe in half for that size!!