Easy Crockpot Applesauce (Naturally Sweetened)
Nothing says comfort quite like a bowl of warm, homemade Crockpot Applesauce! Slow-cooked to perfection, this recipe creates a rich, caramel-like flavor infused with cozy spices like cinnamon and nutmeg. Made with simple ingredients like fresh apples and vanilla extract and sweetened naturally with maple syrup, this easy recipe is perfect for enjoying during apple season or any time of year.
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Servings: 8
INGREDIENTS
- 2 1/2 pounds apples peeled, cored, and sliced (about 6)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 Tablespoons sea salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
- 1/4 cup water
INSTRUCTIONS
- Place the apples in the bowl of your crockpot. Add the sugar, salt, cinnamon, and vanilla on top and mix well. Pour the water over the apples and close the lid.2 1/2 pounds apples, 1/3 cup granulated sugar, 2 Tablespoons sea salt, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1 teaspoon vanilla, 1/4 cup water
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Start checking it at 3 hours to make sure it doesn't overcook. The apples are done when they're very soft with no give, but not mushy.
- Remove the lid and use a wire whisk or potato masher to stir or mash until smooth, or until you reach your desired consistency. For extra smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days for follow the directions in this post for canning.
Notes
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- Using a variety of apples that are sweet and tart ensures a more complex and interesting flavor.
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- Adjust the sweetness to your liking. Start with less maple syrup and add more after tasting. If your apple sauce is too sweet, add a squeeze of lemon juice to balance out the sweetness.
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- If you prefer chunky applesauce, peeling the apples prevents chewy pieces. For smooth applesauce, leave the peels on for extra fiber.
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- For a deeper flavor, add a cinnamon stick to the slow cooker instead of ground spices.
- If you don't have pumpkin pie spice you can use a mix of 1 tsp cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg and 1/4 teaspoon allspice
- Store in a mason jar or airtight container for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. To freeze, portion into a freezer-safe container or an ice cube tray. Freeze for up to 3 months and thaw overnight in the fridge.
- If you’re canning this applesauce, follow safe canning practices for shelf-stable applesauce. Properly canned, it will last up to 1 year.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 46kcal | Carbohydrates: 12.1g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 146.6mg | Fiber: 1.4g | Sugar: 8.9g
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