This slow cooker homemade applesauce recipe is so easy to make and so good, you'll never buy the store-bought version again! Not only does the homemade version taste better, but it's way cheaper, too. We call that a win-win!
Making homemade applesauce is a great way to use up that big bag of apples that's been sitting in your fridge for two weeks. (It's okay… we all do it.) Are they feeling a little past their prime? Covered in bruises? For the love of all things shelf cooking… DON'T toss them!
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Instead of tossing that hard-earned grocery money in the can, toss it in the slow cooker instead and make applesauce! All you need are apples, a little lemon juice, and a smidge of effort to make this incredible homemade applesauce recipe. No, really—that's it!
CAN YOU FREEZE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE?
Yes, yes, and yes! Freezing is one of the best ways to keep your homemade applesauce fresh. Freeze it in single portion applesauce pouches for up to six months. This way it's easy to thaw, grab, and go whenever you need it!
Stick your pouches in the fridge the night before to thaw and they'll be ready to squeeze and devour the next day. It's an easy, healthy snack you can feel good about giving your kids and yourself!
APPLESAUCE ADD-INS
Feel free to make this applesauce your own with add-ins and fun flavors! Here are a few of our favorites when we're feeling a little spicy.
- Honey
- Molasses
- Maple syrup
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Clove
- Allspice
- Ginger
Mmm hmmm. Anyone else's stomach starting to growl? These add-ins can really take our homemade applesauce recipe to the next level with no extra effort!
WHAT KIND OF APPLES TO USE
You can use any apples in your homemade applesauce, though you will have slightly different results with each variety. As a general rule, the sweeter the apple, the sweeter your applesauce will be. That said, don't let that stop you from tossing Red Delicious apples or Granny Smiths in the crockpot.
In fact, we encourage you to use exactly what you have, no matter what kind they are. That's shelf cooking, baybay! Even the tartest of apples will yield delicious results, trust us.
HOW TO USE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE
You can use this homemade applesauce recipe in so many creative ways. Here are some fool-proof uses that will not let you down!
- Try it on banana bread
- Pair it with cheese
- Bake with it (Replace the oil in your baking recipe in a 1:1 ratio.)
- Top it with granola (Our homemade granola recipe is incredible!)
- Mix it with yogurt
- Eat it on ice cream
- Devour it by the spoonful
Seriously, you can't go wrong no matter how you eat this yummy homemade applesauce recipe!
ALTERNATIVE COOKING METHODS
This recipe calls for a slow cooker because we think that's the easiest, most effortless way to make homemade applesauce. However, you don't need one to make this scrumptious recipe! If you don't have a slow cooker, simply toss your ingredients into a stockpot and cook on medium heat, covered, for 15-20 minutes, or until tender.
Want to make it even faster? Try it in the Instant Pot! Toss in your ingredients and cook on high pressure for eight minutes. Warning: Your house will smell like a crisp, fall day by the time you're done! You won't hate it…
ALTERNATIVE FRUITS TO USE
Did you know you can make applesauce with fruits other than apples?! Okay… technically it won't be “apple” sauce, but you get the gist! Here are some other fruits that make incredible sauces when cooked down in this exact same recipe.
- Pears
- Peaches
- Apricots
- Mangos
- Strawberries
- Mixed berries
Consider yourself warned… Once you start making these yummy fruit sauces, you won't be able to stop! Yeah, they are that good. Smear them on your toast, biscuits, homemade ice cream, or simply spoon them into your mouth.
HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE
Is your sweet tooth calling yet? Yeah, ours too! Let's get to this recipe already!
Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe in the Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ cup water
Optional Add-Ins
- 1-3 tbsp white or brown sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
Instructions
- Core and slice your apples. No need to peel them!
- Plop your apples into the slow cooker with a ½ cup of water.
- Cook on low for 6 hours until apples are tender.
- Blend with an immersion blender until it has a smooth consistency. (Use a potato masher if your don't have an immersion blender!)
- Enjoy!
Notes
See, we told you it was easy! You will not regret giving this recipe a try. Whip it up as an easy snack for your kiddos or make it for yourself!
Do you have a favorite way to use applesauce? Share it with us in the comments below!
Want more great recipes? Check these out!
- You have got to try this easy fruit salad with cool whip! It's a crowd favorite!
- Looking for dinner ideas? These 15+ ground beef recipes fit the bill!
- Breakfast has never been tastier with these easy egg muffin cups!
And they all lived appley-ever after…