My Crockpot Applesauce is lightly sweetened so the fresh apple flavor of fall can really shine through.
If you enjoy this recipe, try my Air Fryer Apples and Pork Chops and Applesauce next!
I’ve been making this simple slow cooker applesauce since my son was two — and he’s nearly 20 now. Over the years I’ve tested stovetop, food mill, and microwave methods, but for me the slow cooker yields the tastiest, most concentrated applesauce. With the flavor focused by slow cooking, only a touch of sugar is needed. You can easily reduce or omit added sweetener if your apples are naturally sweet.
More recipes with apples
- Apple Dapple Cake
- Pork Apple Meatballs with Hard Cider Gravy
- French Country Apple Cake
Ingredients for homemade crockpot applesauce
- Apples – This recipe is ideal during apple season or after a trip to an orchard, but you can use any apples year-round. Try a mix of Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Red Delicious, Mutsu, and Granny Smith for balanced flavor.
- Granulated sugar – Use between 2 tablespoons and 1/4 cup depending on how sweet your apples are. You can omit sugar entirely for unsweetened applesauce, or substitute maple syrup or brown sugar.
- Cinnamon – Ground cinnamon adds warmth. Use a cinnamon stick if you prefer, or skip it. Apple pie spice or pumpkin pie spice are good alternatives.
- Optional – Some people add a splash of lemon juice, but it’s not necessary in my version.
Instructions for slow cooker applesauce
Core, peel, and cut the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place half the apples in the crockpot, sprinkle with the sugar and cinnamon if using, then add the remaining apples. Cover and cook on LOW for about 6 hours, until the apples are very tender and falling apart. Alternatively, cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours. For a chunky texture, mash gently with a potato masher; for a smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender. Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate; chilling overnight improves flavor.
Pro tips
- Texture: Mash for rustic, chunky applesauce or use an immersion blender for a silky smooth result.
- To make apple butter: Continue cooking the apples for about 10 hours, then simmer uncovered for an additional 2 hours to thicken. Add a pinch of ground cloves and blend until smooth.
Serving suggestions
Serve warm over vanilla ice cream, or enjoy chilled as a healthy snack, side dish, or dessert. Crockpot applesauce pairs well with roasted or broiled pork, slow-cooked pork and sauerkraut, and hearty stews. It’s also a welcome addition to holiday menus.
- Broiled Pork Chops
- Campfire Stew
- Slow Cooker Pork and Sauerkraut
Storage directions
Keep applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. It freezes well in freezer-safe containers or jars for up to one month.
Kitchen tools
- 6-quart slow cooker
- Airtight storage containers
- Immersion blender for smooth applesauce
- Potato masher for a chunky texture
Crockpot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 20 apples
- 1/4 cup sugar (or less)
- 1 tsp cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Core, peel, and cut apples into about 1-inch pieces.
- Add apples and sugar to a 6-quart crockpot. Use 2 tablespoons to 1/4 cup sugar depending on sweetness of apples.
- Add cinnamon if desired.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours (or HIGH for 3–4 hours) until apples are very tender.
- For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender.
- Transfer applesauce to an airtight container and refrigerate overnight before serving for best flavor.
Nutrition
| Carbohydrates: 46 g
| Protein: 1 g
| Fat: 1 g
| Fiber: 7 g
| Sugar: 36 g
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