This Slow Cooker Apple Sauce Recipe is so easy it practically makes itself! Just toss some apples in your slow cooker and let it cook!
It’s officially apple season! That means apples will be on sale for super cheap, so making homemade apple sauce should be on the top of your list of things to do!
How To Make Homemade Apple Sauce
- Start by peeling and chopping up your apples.
- Place the apples in a slow cooker with just a little bit of water, brown sugar, spices and just a pinch of salt.
- Set the slow cooker to HIGH for 3 to 4 hours and stir occasionally.
That’s it! How easy is that?!
Let’s talk a few logistics when it comes to the types of apples, how to peel them, how big to cut them and how to mash them.
What type of Apples to use for Homemade Apple Sauce:
- You can literally use ANY type of apple you prefer!
- Mealy apples with a more grainy texture are great for apple sauce since the apple’s texture gets broken down anyways.
- I used Jona Gold apples for this because they were on sale and I enjoy the flavor.
- Try using a mix of red and green apples to experiment with the different flavors.
How to Peel Apples Quickly:
- You can use a regular old vegetable peeler or a skilled hand and paring knife.
- My favorite tool is this Apple Peeler/Corer/Slicer that does it all with just a turn of a handle. (pictured above)
- Since the peels don’t break down like the insides of the apples, try and remove as much of the peels as possible. If you’re making your apple sauce on the chunkier side, little bits of peel just add to the texture of the sauce.
I used water as my base for the apple sauce, but I’m thinking it would be great to experiment with some apple juice or apple cider.
You can also reduce the amount of sugar added to your liking, making it sugar free or just lightly sweetened.
Chunky or Smooth Apple Sauce?
- This is really up to your taste preference. The first time I made this apple sauce I cooked it for about 6 hours and then mashed the apples very smooth. My husband didn’t like the texture being so smooth and preferred a little more consistency to his apple sauce.
- The second time I cooked the apple sauce I reduced the amount of cook time and rather than mashing the apples, I simply stirred them throughout the cook time. This let the apples gently break down, but left little chunks of soft apples throughout. We enjoyed this texture.
Not only does the apple sauce taste amazing, but the smells that fill your kitchen are so dreamy! Warm spices and sweet apples linger together, making you feel comfy cozy on a cold winter day.
If you want a real treat – try the apple sauce warm over a scoop of vanilla ice cream… YUM!
Another one of my favorite ways to enjoy the apple sauce is to eat it cold with some plain Greek yogurt for breakfast.
Can You Freeze Homemade Apple Sauce?
- Simply transfer your homemade apple sauce to a freezer safe container and remove as much air as possible.
- Homemade Apple Sauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 5 months!
- If storing the apple sauce in the fridge, consume within one week of making.
- By processing this apple sauce in a water-bath canning method you can make it last up to a year!
That’s a lot of information about apples and apple sauce, but I’m confident you’re going to love this recipe!
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Slow Cooker Spiced Apple Sauce
Ingredients
- 5 lbs. apples, I prefer Jona-Gold apples, but any variety can be used
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 to 2 tsp pumpkin pie spice, you can substitute with ground cinnamon if desired
- pinch salt
Instructions
- Peel, core and chop apples then place them in your slow cooker. Add the water, brown sugar, spices and salt. (no need to stir)
- Cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally throughout the cooking process.
- Once desired texture is reached you can either stir to keep it chunky, or mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender to get a more smooth consistency.
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
PIN THIS IMAGE TO SAVE THE RECIPE:
Pumpkin Pie Spice Waffles
DJ
I used cider and it was great!
Shawn
Awesome! So glad you enjoyed the apple sauce!
Angela
Not our first time making applesauce,but first time with the slow cooker. Going to make this afternoon with orange juice in lieu of the water and start with a little less sugar.
Britney
I made this recipe over the weekend and not only did my house smell amazing, but my kids (and husband) devoured it! I’m planning on making it again this weekend. Thanks!
Shawn
So glad you enjoyed it!