Sweet, fragrant, and wonderfully simple, this crockpot applesauce is my favorite way to turn fresh apples into a cozy, spoonable treat. I let the slow cooker do all the work while the warm scent of cinnamon fills my kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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I can make a big batch with almost no hands-on time — the slow cooker does all the simmering for me.
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I get to control the sweetness, adjusting sugar to match my apples.
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It’s naturally gluten-free and can be made with no added sugar for a healthier option.
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I can serve it warm for a comforting side or chilled for a refreshing snack.
ingredients
(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
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Apples: 3 pounds, peeled, cored, and chopped (I like a mix of sweet and tart varieties)
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Water: ½ cup
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Granulated sugar or brown sugar: 2–4 tablespoons (optional, adjust to taste)
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Ground cinnamon: ½–1 teaspoon (optional)
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Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, helps preserve color)
directions
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I place the chopped apples into the crockpot.
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I add water, sugar (if using), cinnamon, and lemon juice, then stir to combine.
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I cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the apples are very soft.
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For chunky applesauce, I mash the apples with a potato masher right in the crockpot. For smooth applesauce, I use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree.
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I taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon if needed, then serve warm or cool and refrigerate.
Servings and timing
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Yield: About 6 cups applesauce (6–8 servings)
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Prep time: 15 minutes
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Cook time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
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Total time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
Variations
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No-sugar version: I skip the sugar and rely on naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
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Spiced applesauce: I add nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warm spice blend.
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Pear blend: I swap 1–2 apples for pears for a softer, floral flavor.
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Maple twist: I replace sugar with 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup for a rich sweetness.
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Apple butter starter: I cook the applesauce longer, uncovered, until thick and spreadable.
storage/reheating
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Refrigerate: I store in an airtight container for up to 7–10 days.
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Freeze: I freeze in portions for up to 6 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before serving.
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Reheat: I warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it’s too thick.
FAQs
Do I have to peel the apples?
No — I can leave the peels on for extra fiber, but the sauce will have more texture unless I blend it very smooth.
What apples are best for applesauce?
I like mixing sweet and tart apples — for example, Fuji or Gala with Granny Smith — for balanced flavor.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?
I can. I cook everything in a covered pot on the stove over low heat for 30–40 minutes, stirring occasionally.
How can I make it thicker?
I cook it uncovered for the last hour in the slow cooker or simmer it on the stove to evaporate excess liquid.
Is this safe for canning?
Yes — if I follow safe water-bath canning procedures and use an approved recipe for acidity and sugar content.
Conclusion
I love how this crockpot applesauce delivers big flavor with almost no effort. Whether I serve it warm alongside pork chops, pack it in lunches, or enjoy it by the spoonful, it’s a recipe I make every fall — and often well beyond apple season.
Print
Crockpot Applesauce
- Total Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Yield: About 6 cups (6–8 servings)
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Easy slow-cooked applesauce made with fresh apples, optional cinnamon, and adjustable sweetness. Perfectly cozy, naturally gluten-free, and great served warm or chilled.
Ingredients
3 lbs apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (mix of sweet and tart varieties)
1/2 cup water
2–4 tbsp granulated sugar or brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
1/2–1 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
1 tbsp lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Place chopped apples in crockpot.
- Add water, sugar (if using), cinnamon, and lemon juice; stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until apples are very soft.
- For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher in the crockpot. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a blender and puree.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon as needed. Serve warm or cool and refrigerate.
Notes
For no-sugar applesauce, use naturally sweet apple varieties.
Mix in nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for spiced applesauce.
Swap some apples for pears for a blended fruit sauce.
Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer flavor.
Cook longer uncovered for thicker apple butter-style sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high
- Category: Side Dish, Snack, Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
