Homemade crockpot applesauce is so easy to make and comes out deliciously smooth and flavorful. Just add your chopped apples - no peeling needed and no added sugar - and then set it and forget it!
I am an apple lover through and through. Fresh and crunchy on their own, in salads, baking and cooking, I'll take them all the ways.
Previously, I’ve shared healthy apple cobbler, chocolate chip apple cake, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal and banana applesauce bread.
I even use them in savory dishes like this apple and brie stuffed chicken and sautéed chicken and apples with rosemary.
And one of my dad’s favorites is this slow cooker apple butter, which is perfectly spiced and made with no added sugar. It’s delicious slathered on toast, bagels, muffins and more.
Today’s recipe is for an easy crockpot applesauce that is so quick to prep and comes out rich and flavorful!
And we’re just using apples! No need for any added sugar or other additions. Just fresh, delicious apples go in and creamy, smooth applesauce comes out. Really lets ALL the glorious apple flavor shine through.
Seriously, all you need to do is chop your apples. No need to even peel them! The peels get super soft after the long cook time in the slow cooker, then they blend right in.
(Of course, you can peel them if you prefer. I’m just lazy like that…)
As easy and simple as it is, you’ll be amazed by how tasty this is! Homemade applesauce really is the way to go.
This recipe is also one from my Healthy, Quick & Easy Baby Food cookbook that came out late last year. Applesauce is a classic early food for babies and it is endlessly versatile in terms of mixing with other foods.
But it’s not just for little kiddos, no.
Applesauce is one of those comfort foods that should be enjoyed by all ages. Especially when the fall weather sweeps in and we are ready for all the apple fun.
Apple picking, apple donuts, apple cider, apple crafts, apples for everyone!
OK, let’s get cooking so you can enjoy this too.
Now, I’ve got some notes and tips coming up below on how to make homemade applesauce. Just tryin’ to be helpful.
If you want to jump on down to the recipe, simply scroll right on through the rest of the text. The recipe card is near the bottom of the page, above the comments section.
Notes on making homemade crockpot applesauce:
- Apples: You’ll need about 4.5 to 5 pounds of apples, which is about 7 medium-sized apples. Details below on the different varieties you can use.
- Consistency: We like a really smooth applesauce, so I blend mine completely. You could also leave it a little chunky if that’s how you like it.
- Blender: You can transfer the cooked apples from your slow cooker to a blender and blend that way. Or you can use an immersion blender and just blend them right in the slow cooker insert.
- Spices: Want to spice it up? You can add 2 teaspoons of cinnamon to the apples at the beginning before they cook, if you want to add some extra flavor.
Speaking of flavors, you can make a huge batch of this plain applesauce and then use it to make different fruity versions if you’d like. I’ve got 5 applesauce fruit flavors and how to make them in that post.
Other moms will feel me on the versatility of applesauce, starting with the littlest babies on up through toddlers, preschoolers and older kids.
And just quickly, speaking of baby food, if you are making this for your little one, you can check out my post on how to make baby food purees, which includes tons of FAQs about how to make homemade baby food, how to store it, safety tips and more.
Also check out these baby food combinations for more ways to incorporate applesauce with other foods for your baby. You can even make this into DIY baby food pouches to take on the go.
Alrighty, back to this recipe and some FAQs all for the grown-ups.
What type of apples should I use for homemade applesauce?
- Any time of good baking apples you like will work for homemade applesauce.
- I usually use Gala but Red Delicious, Braeburn, Jonagolds, Melrose, Rome and even Honey Crisp will work. You can also use a mix of different apple varities.
- And if you can get your hand on some local apples at a farmer’s market, even better.
How long does it take to make applesauce in the slow cooker?
- You’ll want to cook your apples on low for 8-9 hours, until they are very tender and can be easily pureed.
- You can cook the applesauce overnight and then blend it in the morning if you’d like.
Next up, let’s talk storage. This recipe makes a lot — about 7 cups — cause if we’re taking the time to make our own applesauce, might as well get a big batch.
It stores beautifully, so it’s a good way to make the most of it.
How do you store homemade applesauce?
- Homemade applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
- It also freezes well. Freeze applesauce in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to 4 to 6 months. Be sure to label and date your container.
- You can also can your applesauce. Just be sure to follow the directions for your canning equipment. Then it’s ready to put up.
If you get excited for apple season like we do, I hope you give this homemade crock pot applesauce a try. I think you’ll love how easy it is to prep and how rich and flavorful it comes out.
Enjoy!
XO,
Kathryn
P.S. Stay tuned because I have more yummy apple recipes planned for you this month!
You can sign up for my free e-newsletter to get all of my new recipes delivered straight to your inbox so you never miss a thing. I’ll even send you my free e-cookbook, Healthy Weeknight Dinners, as a thank you!
Easy Crockpot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4.5-5 lbs. apples (about 7 medium apples, see notes)
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- Core and roughly chop the apples. (You can leave the peel on.) Place apples in the insert of a slow cooker and add water.
- Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours, until the apples are very tender.
- Use an immersion blender — or transfer apple mixture to a blender - and blend until smooth, or until desired consistency. Scrape down the sides as needed.
- Let cool and then serve or store until ready to use. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days or in the freezer for up to 4 to 6 months.
Notes
Video
Nutrition
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