Description
This Crockpot Apple Sauce recipe is a simple, comforting side dish made with a mix of sweet and tart apples, slowly cooked to perfection in a slow cooker. Flavored with cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of lemon juice, it can be customized for sweetness and texture, making it a perfect homemade treat for fall or any time of year.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 3 pounds of apples (a mix of sweet and tart, such as Fuji and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- ¼ cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and softness.
- Add ingredients to the crockpot: Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt into the slow cooker. Stir gently to combine all the flavors.
- Cook the apple mixture: Cover the crockpot and cook on low heat for 6 to 8 hours or on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, until the apples are very soft and tender.
- Mash or blend the applesauce: For a chunky texture, use a potato masher directly in the crockpot. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce right in the pot.
- Cool and store: Let the applesauce cool slightly before transferring it to jars or containers. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by varying or omitting the brown sugar depending on your apple’s natural sweetness.
- Add a splash of vanilla extract at the end of cooking for an enhanced flavor.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor profile.
- Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freeze in portions for convenience.
