This simple and easy-to-make Crockpot Applesauce with Brown Sugar recipe is delicious and perfect for any occasion. The warm, cinnamony flavor is guaranteed to please everyone you serve it to. Here's how you make it.
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Reasons Why You'll Love This Recipe
It's a super easy applesauce recipe that's perfect for apple season
It’s a healthy snack that smells really good and tastes delicious
It’s the perfect side dish
The easiest apple sauce recipe you’ll ever make
Perfectly sweet and cinnamony
It can be made with a few simple ingredients
Key Ingredients
Apples (peeled and cored): Granny Smith apples, pink lady apples, and gala are
some of our favorite kinds of apples for this recipe.
Light brown sugar: Apples tend to have natural sugars so adding sugar is a matter of
personal preference. Maple syrup also works well as a substitute. Also, about 2
teaspoons of Splenda will work as well.
Cinnamon: I sometimes use 1-2 cinnamon sticks instead of ground cinnamon. Just be
sure to remove the cinnamon sticks before blending the applesauce. Pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice are also great substitutes for cinnamon.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Peel and core your fresh apples and then dice them. Place the diced apples inside the
crockpot.
Add in water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, and mix.
Cook on high heat for 4 hours or low for 8-9 hours. While the apples cook, your entire
house will smell amazing. You’re welcome!
After 4 hours whisk the apples or use a potato masher to mash them. For a smoother
applesauce consistency, use an immersion blender, food mill, or food processor.
Cool the applesauce in the fridge and then store it in a freezer bag or airtight container, like a mason jar.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Instead of discarding the apple peels, you can use them to flavor water, kombucha, or tea.
Apple sauce goes really well with chops, dried fruits, and a scoop of vanilla ice cream.
You can double this recipe. If you do, just be sure to double the water. The cook time is the same if you double the recipe.
You can defrost frozen applesauce in the fridge overnight or place the container in lukewarm water.
You can also use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce by simply blending the applesauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Storage and Reheating Instructions
This delicious homemade applesauce lasts for up to 5 days in the fridge and 2 months in the freezer. When refrigerating or freezing, be sure to put it in a freezer-safe container like a freezer bag.
Substitution and Addition Ideas
You can add red hot candies to this recipe if you like. You can also add nutmeg, vanilla extract chopped nuts, or dried fruit to the applesauce.
Recipe FAQs
What are the best types of apples for applesauce?
Sweet apples are ideal for applesauce but you can throw in a few tart apples. Granny
Smith apples, pink lady apples, honey crisp, Fuji, Gala, and Golden Delicious and gala are some of our favorite apples for this recipe.
Do I have to peel the apples for crockpot applesauce?
You don't have to peel the apples for this recipe because the peels will cook down and disappear into the applesauce.
How do I know when the applesauce is done cooking?
The applesauce is done cooking when the apples turn soft and mushy. You can also tell that the applesauce is done cooking when it has a smooth, creamy consistency.
How do I store crockpot applesauce?
Once the applesauce has cooled, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also freeze the applesauce for up to 3 months.
Would an instant pot work for this recipe?
If slow cooking isn’t your jam, yes. Simply, add the ingredients to the Instant Pot. Close the lid and seal the valve. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes, then quickly release the pressure. Let the applesauce cool slightly before mashing or pureeing it.
What size slow cooker did you use?
I used the 4-quart cooker for this recipe.
Do I have to add sugar to gala apples?
No, you don’t have to add sugar to gala apples.
This Crockpot Applesauce with Brown Sugar is a really delicious and easy-to-make recipe that's perfect for pretty much any occasion. So next time you're looking for a healthy and satisfying snack or dessert to make, be sure to give this recipe a try!
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Recipe
Crockpot Applesauce with Brown Sugar
Equipment
- Crockpot
- Knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk or food processor
- Mason Jar
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples peeled and cored
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel and core your fresh apples and then dice them. Place the diced apples inside the crockpot.
- Add in water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, and mix.
- Cook on high heat for 4 hours or low for 8-9 hours. While the apples cook, your entire house will smell amazing. You’re welcome!
- After 4 hours whisk the apples or use a potato masher to mash them. For a smoother applesauce consistency, use an immersion blender, food mill, or food processor.
- Cool the applesauce in the fridge and then store it in a freezer bag or airtight container, like a mason jar.
Lisa says
Wow this applesauce made my house smell like pure fall! The flavor and gesture were perfect. I will definitely make again soon!
Comfort Food and Drinks says
We're so glad to hear that Lisa!! Most of us are so ready for fall, and this is one of those delicious recipes that brings Fall into your home!
- Essy