Slow Cooker Applesauce

Made with fresh apples, a touch of brown and white sugar, and warm spices, this simple recipe has just the right amount of sweetness.

Love applesauce recipes? Try our Applesauce Fritters, Applesauce Crisp, or Applesauce Muffins.

This recipe is so much better than store-bought applesauce. With just a few simple ingredients, the slow cooker does all the work. You can even make unsweetened applesauce, without any added sugar. Last time I tried it with maple syrup and apple pie spice, and it turned out amazing!

If you go apple picking at the apple orchard and always come home with way too many apples, this is a great way to use them up! It’s become my favorite way to use them during apple season. This delicious homemade applesauce is one of my go-to apple recipes!

What you’ll love about this Slow Cooker Apple Sauce

• NO PRESERVATIVES – Unlike store-bought applesauce. this homemade version has only natural ingredients you can pronounce.
• KID-APPROVED – Make a smooth applesauce, or chunky, it’s always a hit with little ones.
• HANDS-OFF COOKING – This easy crockpot applesauce cooks on its own while you take care of all the other apple things, from pies to crisps to cider.

You’ll need the following ingredients to make this delicious applesauce:

• Mixed apples
• A Little water
• Brown sugar
• Granulated sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Salt
• Lemon juice
• Vanilla extract
• Apple Mix: Using a variety of apples gives you the perfect balance. I love mixing Granny Smith apples with sweet apples like Gala, but Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, or Red Delicious work too.
• Sugar: The combination creates the perfect sweetness level, you can adjust to taste if needed.
• Tools: An apple peeler and apple corer make prep faster if you’re doing pounds of apples.

Check out the quick visual guides below. For full instructions and ingredients, see the printable recipe card at the end.

Step 1: Peel apples and chop into small pieces. Place in slow cooker.

Step 2: Add water, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg and salt to slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cover and cook on LOW 4 hours, stirring once halfway through until you have perfectly cooked apples.

Step 4: Remove lid and stir in lemon juice and vanilla extract.

Step 5: For chunky applesauce, mash with potato masher to desired consistency. For smooth applesauce, use immersion blender, hand mixer, food processor, or food mill.

Step 6: Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed to make your perfect applesauce.

Step 7: Serve warm or refrigerate until chilled.

Don’t skip the lemon juice at the end. It brightens the flavor and helps keep the applesauce looking fresh.

Storage: Store applesauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container or mason jar for up to one week. Takes up very little space in the fridge.

Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed.

Freezing: Freezes great for up to 6 months in freezer-safe container or freezer bags. An added bonus for meal prep and you’ll have enough applesauce for months!

ADDITIONS:

• Spices: Try adding a pinch of allspice, cloves, or ginger for more complex flavor in the slow cooker apple sauce.
• Citrus: Orange juice instead of lemon gives a different twist on traditional applesauce recipes.
• Related Treats: Use this as a base for apple butter or serve alongside apple chips and apple cider donuts.

SUBSTITUTIONS:

• Apples: Use any combination of baking apples – this easy recipe is very forgiving.
• Cooking Method: This also works in an Instant Pot if you prefer pressure cooking.
• Serving: Serve over top vanilla ice cream or use in other apple recipes for baking.

How long does it take to make crockpot applesauce?

The apples should be completely soft and breaking down when stirred and still firm after 4 hours. If not, cook a bit longer.

Can you leave the skins on when making crockpot applesauce?

You can, but the texture will be different and you’ll definitely want to blend it smooth if you do.

Why is my applesauce watery?

Some apple varieties release more liquid. Just cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to let excess moisture evaporate.

Can I use applesauce in baking?

Absolutely! It works as a natural sweetener or even as a substitute for oil in many baked goods.

This homeme applesauce is perfect for baking, as a great side dish, or just eating as a healthy snack packed with vitamin C!

It’s also delicious with pork chops, or stirred into oatmeal. My kids love it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top.

DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?

I’m excited for you to try this Slow Cooker Applesauce! After you make it, please leave a rating to let me know your thoughts on it – I’m eager to hear if you loved it as much as we do! Find us on IG + TikTok: @littlechefwithin