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?!)
A few weeks back, I 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 (yes, you can use it in baked goods, too!) 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 slow cooker applesauce requires just 5 simple ingredients and can be prepped in 15 minutes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples: the star of the show, of course! I love to use Honeycrisp apples, but a mix of any sweet apples will work.
- Water: you’ll need some filtered water to help thin the applesauce.
- Sweetener: we’re sweetening the applesauce with light brown sugar.
- Cinnamon: get that cozy flavor from ground cinnamon.
- Apple cider vinegar: a touch of apple cider vinegar provides a little acidity to cut the sweetness and helps the applesauce stay fresh.
- 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 apples are best for applesauce?
As I mentioned, I love using Honeycrisp for this recipe, but Gala, Fuji, and even Golden Delicious are great for a sweet applesauce.
If you like a little more tang, try Pink Lady or McIntosh!
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 to mash the applesauce to your liking! Let it cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container or jars in the fridge until you’re ready to enjoy.
Do I have to peel the apples?
I recommend peeling the apples in order to get that true, smooth applesauce texture. The skins won’t cook down in the slow cooker, 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!
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 slow cooker applesauce recipe! If you make it be sure to leave a comment and a rating so I know how you liked it. Enjoy, xo!
Ambitious Kitchen
Cookbook
125 Ridiculously Good For You, Sometimes Indulgent, and Absolutely Never Boring Recipes for Every Meal of the Day
Slow Cooker Cinnamon 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
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 🙂