Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce: Easy Recipe (Print Version)
Simple Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe for sweet, spiced apples. Hands-off, comforting, and perfect for any day.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 240 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 255 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegan, Vegetarian
# Ingredients:
→ Apple Base
01 -
6-8 medium apples (about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 -
1/2 cup water
→ Sweeteners & Spice
03 -
1/4 cup maple syrup (or to taste)
04 -
1-2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
1 tablespoon lemon juice
06 -
1/4 teaspoon pinch of salt
→ Optional Extras
07 -
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
08 -
Pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get those apples ready. Wash them thoroughly, then peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't stress too much about perfect uniformity; honestly, a little variation is fine. This is where my kitchen usually becomes a delightful chaos of apple peels and happy anticipation. I always try to make my pieces somewhat similar in size so they cook evenly, but sometimes I get distracted, and it still turns out delicious.
02 -
Now for the super easy part! Dump all your prepped apple pieces into your slow cooker. Add the water, maple syrup, ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and that crucial pinch of salt. Give everything a good stir to make sure the apples are coated with those lovely spices. I once forgot to stir and had a layer of super-sweet apples at the bottom, so learn from my oops moment!
03 -
Cover your slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You're looking for the apples to be really soft and tender, easily pierced with a fork. This is when that incredible, warm cinnamon apple smell starts to fill your whole house – honestly, it's one of my favorite kitchen scents! Don't peek too often, let the slow cooker do its thing!
04 -
Once the apples are super soft, turn off the slow cooker. Now, grab a potato masher, a fork, or even an immersion blender if you like it super smooth. I love my applesauce a bit chunky, with some texture, so a potato masher is my go-to. This is the fun part, watching those apples transform into a beautiful, rustic sauce. Don't overdo it if you prefer some chunks, like me!
05 -
Here’s where you get to be the chef! Taste your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. Is it sweet enough for you? Could it use a little more cinnamon? Add more maple syrup or cinnamon if you think it needs it, stirring well to combine. Your apples might be sweeter or tarter than mine, so trust your taste buds. I often add an extra dash of cinnamon here, because, well, I love cinnamon!
06 -
Your homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is ready! You can serve it warm, straight from the slow cooker – honestly, it's like a warm hug in a bowl. Or, let it cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers for later enjoyment. The flavors really meld and deepen as it chills. It just looks and smells like pure comfort, ready to be enjoyed.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't overcrowd the slow cooker; apples need space to soften evenly.
02 -
Store in airtight containers for up to a week in the fridge. Freezes beautifully!
03 -
Honey works well instead of maple syrup, just adjust to taste.
04 -
Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt for a simple breakfast or snack.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
vegetable peeler
03 -
knife
04 -
cutting board
05 -
potato masher (optional
06 -
for mashing)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 120 kcal
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carbohydrate: 30 g
Protein: 0 g