Crockpot applesauce is a simple, cozy, and wholesome recipe that turns fresh apples into a warm, sweet, and perfectly spiced treat with minimal effort. Whether you like it chunky or smooth, sweetened or unsweetened, this slow-cooked applesauce brings out the natural flavor of apples and fills your kitchen with comforting aromas.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This crockpot applesauce is incredibly easy to make—just toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s made with fresh ingredients, customizable to your taste, and free from preservatives. It’s perfect as a snack, side dish, or a healthy dessert. You can enjoy it warm right out of the crockpot or chilled from the fridge.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
Water or apple juice
Lemon juice
Ground cinnamon
Optional: brown sugar or maple syrup (for sweetness)
Optional: ground nutmeg or cloves (for extra spice)
Directions
Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples.
Place the apples in the crockpot.
Add water (or apple juice), lemon juice, cinnamon, and any additional sweeteners or spices if using.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until the apples are very soft.
For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender once cooled slightly.
Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.
Serve warm or chilled.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 6 cups of applesauce (serves 6–8). Prep time: 15 minutes Cook time: 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high Total time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes (or 3–4 hours 15 minutes)
Variations
Unsweetened applesauce: Skip the sugar entirely and let the apples shine.
Maple cinnamon applesauce: Use maple syrup for a rich, fall-inspired flavor.
Spiced applesauce: Add cloves, nutmeg, or even star anise for deeper spice.
Berry twist: Mix in cranberries or raspberries during the last hour of cooking.
Buttery applesauce: Stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end for extra richness.
Storage/Reheating
Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. It also freezes beautifully—portion into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, or enjoy cold straight from the fridge.
FAQs
What apples are best for crockpot applesauce?
A mix of sweet and tart apples—like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith—creates the best flavor.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling is optional. Leaving the peel on adds texture and nutrients, but peeling results in a smoother sauce.
Can I make this without added sugar?
Yes, the natural sweetness of the apples is often enough, especially if using sweeter varieties.
How do I thicken runny applesauce?
Simply remove the lid and cook uncovered on high for the last 30 minutes to let some liquid evaporate.
Is this applesauce good for babies?
Yes, if made without added sugar or honey, it’s a great option for babies once they’re ready for solids.
Can I can this applesauce for long-term storage?
Yes, just make sure to follow proper canning procedures for safety and shelf stability.
Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely, just make sure your crockpot is large enough to hold all the apples.
How do I make it smoother?
Use an immersion blender or blend in batches with a regular blender for silky-smooth applesauce.
Can I serve this warm?
Yes, warm applesauce is especially comforting in the fall and winter months.
What can I use applesauce for besides snacking?
Use it in baking as an egg or oil substitute, as a topping for pancakes or oatmeal,
Conclusion
Crockpot applesauce is a no-fuss, wholesome recipe that delivers homemade comfort with very little effort. Whether you like it smooth or chunky, sweet or spiced, it’s a customizable and healthy way to enjoy the flavors of fresh apples year-round. Make a big batch, and you’ll always have a delicious snack or side dish ready to go.
Crockpot applesauce is an easy, hands-off recipe that transforms fresh apples into a warm, naturally sweet, and perfectly spiced treat. Whether smooth or chunky, it’s a comforting and healthy option for snacking, baking, or serving alongside meals.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time:6–8 hours 15 minutes or 3–4 hours 15 minutes
Yield:6–8 servings (about 6 cups)
Category:Side Dish
Method:Slow Cooker
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegan
Ingredients
3 lbs apples (a mix of sweet and tart, such as Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith)
1/2 cup water or apple juice
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Optional: 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (to taste)
Optional: 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg or cloves
Instructions
Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples.
Place apples in the crockpot.
Add water or apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon, and optional sweeteners or spices.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, until apples are soft.
For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, blend using an immersion or regular blender.
Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.
Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
Use a mix of apple varieties for balanced flavor.Skip added sugar for a naturally sweet, baby-friendly version.Let cook uncovered at the end to thicken, if needed.Add butter at the end for extra richness.Great for baking, topping oatmeal, or eating as-is.
