Is there a more iconic, nostalgic kid snack than applesauce? I bet we all grew up on those little Mott’s cups (remember the strawberry-apple version?!)
I originally shared my easy slow cooker applesauce recipe on Instagram, and SO many of you were excited about it that I knew I had to put it on the blog. Making homemade applesauce couldn’t be easier and will save you an extra trip to the grocery store anytime you run out. It’s such a great way to use up fall apples and makes the perfect breakfast addition or snack for kiddos that’s packed with fiber and vitamins!
Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or to use in any of these 15 Recipes to Make with Applesauce, and freeze some for later to have on hand at all times. Bonus points: it will make your house smell AMAZING.
Everything you’ll need to make homemade applesauce
This easy recipe requires just 5 simple ingredients, can be prepped in 15 minutes, and is SO much more delicious than store-bought applesauce. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: the star of the show, of course! I love to use Honeycrisp apples, but any variety of apple will work.
- Water: you’ll need some filtered water to help thin the applesauce.
- Sweetener: we’re sweetening the applesauce with light brown sugar. No need to use apple juice!
- Cinnamon: get that cozy flavor from ground cinnamon. Feel free to experiment with different spices!
- Apple cider vinegar: a touch of apple cider vinegar provides a little acidity to cut the sweetness and helps the applesauce stay fresh. Some people add lemon juice, but I prefer ACV here.
- Vanilla: this is optional, but I like to add a little vanilla extract or vanilla paste for extra warming flavor. Learn how to make your own vanilla extract here!
What type of apple is best?
As I mentioned, I love using Honeycrisp for this recipe, but Gala, Fuji, and even Golden Delicious are the best apples for a sweet applesauce.
If you like a little more tang, try Pink Lady or McIntosh, or go with a tart apple like Granny Smith!
Can I use a natural sweetener?
Sure! Feel free to swap the brown sugar for the same amount of coconut sugar.
Slow cooker applesauce in 3 steps
- Prep the apples. Start by peeling, coring, and roughly chopping your apples.
- Cook the applesauce. Add all of your ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours.
- Mash, cool & enjoy. Use a wire whisk or potato masher (no blender or food processor needed!) to mash the applesauce to your liking! Don’t mash too much if you like a chunky applesauce. Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container or jars in the refrigerator until you’re ready to enjoy.
Do I have to peel the apples?
I recommend peeling the apples in order to get the right applesauce texture. The skins won’t cook down in the crockpot, so if you don’t peel the apples, you’ll likely want to strain the skins out after mashing everything together.
How to store and freeze homemade applesauce
- To store: keep the applesauce in airtight containers or jars in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- To freeze: place in airtight containers and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Simply thaw the applesauce in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy!
Tools you’ll need
Get all of my favorite kitchen essentials here!
Delicious ways to use applesauce
I have over 15 super cozy recipes that actually have applesauce as an ingredient! You’ll find fluffy pancakes, breads, and muffins that will taste even better with this homemade version.
More apple recipes to try
- ABC Muffins (apple, banana, carrot muffins!) — use this applesauce recipe for the muffins!
- Brown Butter Apple Coffee Cake
- Tony’s Very Favorite Dutch Apple Pie
- Best Healthy Apple Crisp Ever!
- Spiced Zucchini Apple Baked Oatmeal with Cinnamon Vanilla Glaze
Get all of my apple recipes here, and my snack recipes here!
I hope you love this homemade applesauce recipe! If you make it, be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Homemade Slow Cooker Applesauce
Ingredients
- 8 large apples, peeled, cored and roughly chopped
- ½ cup filtered water
- ⅓ cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ tsp vanilla extract or paste (optional)
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a slow cooker and place on high for 3 to 4 hours or low for 6 to 8 hours until the apples are fork tender.
- Next, mix with a wire whisk (or potato masher) to mash the apples until you get your perfect consistency.
- Let the applesauce cool completely then place in an airtight container in the fridge. Makes 3 to 4 cups.
Recipe Notes
Recipe by: Monique Volz // Ambitious Kitchen | Photography by: Eat Love Eats
This post was originally published on October 26th, 2025, and republished on September 24th, 2026.
Could you tell me in cups how many cups of chopped apples you’d need? That would be really helpful. Thanks!
Probably about 10 to 12 cups!
My house smells amazing! I conveniently saw the email with this recipe this morning and realized I had all ingredients I needed. Such a simple recipe that my whole family loves. Now I need to make 5 more batches!!
Amazing! This is such a great go-to 🙂