Looking for a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy apples? This Crockpot Applesauce recipe is exactly what you need! Forget the store-bought stuff with added sugars and preservatives. Making your own applesauce in the crockpot is incredibly easy, requires minimal effort, and results in a naturally sweet and flavorful treat the whole family will love.
This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, fall gatherings, or whenever you crave a taste of comforting homemade goodness.
What is Crockpot Applesauce?
Crockpot applesauce is a simple and incredibly satisfying way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples without any added fuss. It’s made by slowly cooking chopped apples in a crockpot or slow cooker until they become soft and easily mashable. The slow cooking process allows the apples to release their natural sugars, resulting in a naturally sweet and incredibly delicious treat. Unlike store-bought applesauce, this homemade version avoids artificial sweeteners and preservatives, offering a healthier and tastier alternative.
You can customize it with spices like cinnamon and nutmeg to enhance the flavor, making it a truly versatile and comforting dish. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or even dessert, crockpot applesauce is a convenient and wholesome way to enjoy the goodness of apples. Ready to try it out? Let’s get started!
Key Ingredients for Crockpot Applesauce:
- 6 pounds Apples: A mix of varieties like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and McIntosh is recommended for a layered flavor profile. Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples into 1-inch pieces.
- 1/2 cup Water: This helps to prevent the apples from burning at the bottom of the crockpot during the initial cooking phase.
- 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice: This brightens the flavor and helps to prevent the apples from browning. Freshly squeezed is best!
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon: Adds a warm and comforting spice. Adjust to your preference.
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg: Complements the cinnamon and adds a subtle depth of flavor. (Optional)
- 1/4 cup Maple Syrup or Honey (Optional): Only add if you prefer a sweeter applesauce. Taste and adjust after cooking.
- Pinch of Salt: Balances the sweetness.
- 1 Tablespoon Butter (Optional): Adds a richness and depth of flavor
How to Make Crockpot Applesauce:
This crockpot recipe is incredibly simple and quick to prep. Just peel and chop the apples, toss them in the slow cooker with a few spices and a touch of liquid, and then let the crockpot do all the work! In about 4-6 hours, you’ll have a batch of warm, fragrant applesauce that’s perfect for snacking, baking, or enjoying as a side dish.
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Here’s how to create this delicious Crockpot Applesauce:
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. It’s not essential to be perfect – just get them into relatively uniform sizes so they cook evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: In your crockpot (at least 6-quart size), combine the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), salt, and optional butter. Stir well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cook the Applesauce: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashable. The cooking time will vary depending on your slow cooker.
- Mash or Blend: Once the apples are cooked through, you have a couple of options. For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to gently mash the apples to your desired consistency. For smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the crockpot, or transfer the cooked apples in batches to a regular blender or food processor. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
- Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the applesauce and add maple syrup or honey to your desired sweetness. Stir well to combine.
- Cool and Serve: Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Applesauce:
This Crockpot Applesauce is a game-changer for so many reasons. First, the taste is incredible! The slow cooking process intensifies the natural sweetness of the apples and infuses them with warm, comforting spices, creating a depth of flavor way beyond store-bought versions. Second, it’s budget-friendly. Making your own applesauce at home is significantly cheaper than buying jars from the store, especially when apples are in season. Finally, you can customize the flavor with your favorite toppings and ingredients. Add a sprinkle of granola, a dollop of Greek yogurt, or a drizzle of caramel for a truly indulgent treat.
If you love this easy fruit based recipe, you might also enjoy making fruit leather in your oven at a low temperature, it’s another great way to use seasonal abundance! Ready to experience the magic of homemade applesauce? Grab your crockpot and let’s get cooking!
What to Serve Crockpot Applesauce With:
Crockpot applesauce is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving suggestions:
- As a Side Dish: Pairs perfectly with pork chops, roasted chicken, or grilled cheese sandwiches.
- As a Snack: Enjoy it warm or chilled by the spoonful for a healthy and satisfying snack.
- As a Breakfast Topping: Top your oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes with a scoop of delicious applesauce.
- In Baking: Use it as a substitute for oil or applesauce in cakes, muffins, and breads to add moisture and flavor.
- With Ice cream: Serve warm applesauce over a scoop of vanilla ice cream for an unbelievably delicious dessert.
Top Tips for Perfecting Crockpot Applesauce:
- Choose the Right Apples: Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite combination. A mix of sweet and tart apples will give you the best flavor.
- Don’t Overcook: Check the applesauce periodically and don’t overcook them, or they will become too mushy.
- Adjust the Spices: Feel free to adjust the amount of cinnamon, nutmeg, or other spices to your personal taste.
- For Thicker Applesauce: If your applesauce is too thin, remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. Or add some apple pectin.
- Use an Apple Peeler/Corer: Save time and effort by using a peeler/corer/slicer to prep your apples quickly and efficiently.
- Skip added sweetener: If you are trying to lower your sugars, skip adding sweetener! The apples will be sweet on their own.
5 Facts about Crockpot Applesauce:
- Ancient Origins: Applesauce dates back to ancient times when it was used as a way to preserve apples before refrigeration. The earliest applesauce recipes involved cooking apples with honey or spices.
- Nutrient-Rich: Applesauce is a good source of fiber, vitamin C, and antioxidants.Homemade applesauce made without added sugar retains most of its nutritional benefits.
- Digestive Aid: Applesauce is often recommended for people with digestive issues due to its easy-to-digest fiber content. It can help to soothe the stomach and alleviate symptoms like diarrhea or constipation.
- Baby Food Staple: Applesauce is a popular first food for babies because of its soft texture and mild flavor. It’s a healthy and safe way to introduce fruits into a baby’s diet.
- Versatile Ingredient: Beyond being a tasty snack or side dish, applesauce can be used in various recipes. It can replace oil in baking recipes, act as a binding agent in sauces, or be added to smoothies for extra flavor and nutrients.
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Refrigerating: Allow the applesauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- Freezing: For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Leave some space at the top of the container as the applesauce will expand when frozen. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Reheating: To reheat refrigerated applesauce, simply microwave it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until heated through. You can also reheat it in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. To reheat frozen applesauce, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Once thawed, reheat as you would refrigerated applesauce.
Final Thoughts:
Making crockpot applesauce is a delicious way to take advantage of apple season. You are in complete control of the ingredients and it is incredibly easy! Use in baking recipes, eat straight, or as a side to your favorite dish!
try also : Easy Pumpkin Dump Cake Recipe and find more in pinterest