Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

5 from 1 vote

After trying this apple sauce, you'll never have store bought again.

Autumn, with its colorful leaves and cool breeze, brings with it the joy of apple season. And what better way to celebrate this time of year than with a delicious homemade applesauce? Especially when it’s an easy slow cooker apple sauce recipe! Let’s dive into the world of making your own applesauce using simple ingredients and, of course, the best apples from the orchard.

Choosing the Right Apples

What kind of apples are best for applesauce? First things first, choosing the right type of apple plays a pivotal role in getting that perfect consistency and taste. Gala, honey crisp, pink lady, or red delicious are fantastic choices. These sweet apples capture the natural sweetness of the apples, meaning you won’t have to rely on a heap of added sugar. If you’re in the mood for something a bit tangier, try mixing in some granny smith apples.

Preparation and Cooking: Step by Step

Here are the ingredients you need to make this yummy slow cooker apple sauce:

  • 12 sweet apples (like gala, honey crisp, pink lady, or red delicious)
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Pinch of nutmeg

This homemade apple sauce takes a little bit of time to make, but the process is super simple and well worth it! Here’s what you need to do:

  1. Preparation Time: After a fun day of apple picking or even a quick trip to the grocery store, wash your apples, peel them, core, and slice them into quarter chunks.
  2. Into the Slow Cooker: Place your fresh apples and a little water in the slow cooker. This easy recipe asks for only a small amount of water, just enough to get things going.
  3. Slow Cooking Magic: Cover and set your slow cooker to low, letting the apples simmer gently for about 4 hours. The apples should transform into a soft, mashable consistency, which means it’s time to add that delicious cinnamon and a pinch of nutmeg.
  4. Mashing & Blending: Once cooked, some prefer a chunky applesauce while others opt for a smooth applesauce. Using a potato masher will give you a chunkier texture. For a smoother finish, an immersion blender or even a food processor will do the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you have to add lemon juice to applesauce? While this recipe doesn’t call for lemon juice, it’s worth noting that some apple sauces use lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance flavor. It’s up to personal preference, so feel free to experiment.

Can you overcook applesauce? Absolutely. Overcooking can turn your applesauce into an undesired consistency or even a burnt taste. With a slow cooker, however, the gentle, even cooking greatly minimizes this risk.

How do I store slow cooker apple sauce?

  1. Refrigerating: Once cooled, transfer your applesauce into an airtight container or mason jars. When stored properly, you can enjoy it for up to two weeks.
  2. Freezing: If you’ve made a large batch and wish to save some for later, spoon the cooled applesauce into freezer-safe bags or containers. It can be stored frozen for up to two months.

Make this Apple Sauce Recipe Your Own

There you have it: the SkinnyMs guide to crafting the most delicious applesauce right at home, capturing the essence of apple season. It’s a great way to use up those extra apples, and it pairs wonderfully with dishes like pork chops or as a healthy snack. So, whether it’s your first time or you’re a seasoned apple sauce enthusiast, this slow cooker method will undoubtedly become a family favorite.

Remember, the best part about homemade applesauce is the love and personal touch you add. From choosing the apples at your local apple orchard or the grocery store to deciding the desired consistency, every step is an expression of your personal preference. Enjoy the process, cherish the flavors, and spread the joy of a simple yet delightful dish. Happy apple season!

Best Pairings for this Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

pork chops go great with slow cooker apple sauce

Apple sauce is a fantastic healthy snack, but you might like pairing apple sauce with one of these delicious recipes for a well-rounded, flavor-packed meal:

5 from 1 vote

Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

Make your tummy happy with this versatile and nutritious snack that your family will love!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield 12 people
Serving Size 0.5 cup
Course Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine Universal
Author SkinnyMs.

Ingredients

  • 12 sweet apples good choices are gala, honey crisp, pink lady or red delicious
  • 2 teaspoons water
  • 1 teaspoon cinnamon
  • pinch of nutmeg

Instructions

  • Wash apples, peel, core and slice into quarter chunks.
  • lace apples and water in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or until desired consistency.
  • Add cinnamon and nutmeg just before removing from the slow cooker.
  • Allow to cool completely.
  • Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 0.5cup | Calories: 91kcal | Carbohydrates: 23g | Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 19g |
SmartPoints (Freestyle): 5
Keywords Gluten-Free, Kid-Friendly, Plant-Based, Slow Cooker

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5 Comments

  1. I'm entering the contest…..This is one of my favorite recipes because it is simple and healthy. It allows me to control what I feed to my family and be free of preservatives and allergens. I have a 2 year old daughter and a husband that has celiacs and is allergic to peanuts and shellfish, so knowing what is in the food I feed my family is very important!

  2. Awesome recipe! It reminds me of the applesauce my mom made & canned when I was younger. I left the skins on & had to use a hand blender a bit to break them down, but it gave the sauce a great color. My family loves it as well.
    Thank you for the great website!

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