It recently dawned on me that even after years of living in New York, I’ve barely scraped the surface in exploring its many hidden gems. It’s a classic case of FOMO; there’s always something new and shiny to check out. So, with the resolve of a toddler trying to tie their own shoelaces, I set out on a mission to dig out some of these covert treasures. True story: I stumbled upon an unassuming, tiny gallery packed with contemporary art that made me feel every emotion, all the way from “YASS queen” to chef’s kiss. Much like that adventure, I also found something magical hiding in my trusty kitchen appliance: my crockpot!

Maybe you’ve had a day full of wandering and rediscovering your own city, releasing the intrepid urban explorer within you. The last thing you’d want is to come home to a lengthy and complicated cooking process. Which brings me to my savior, the crockpot! The crockpot is that friend who is always there for you in your cooking crisis, and today, they’re here to help you create the most amazing Applesauce that will simply transport you to a wonderland of deliciousness.

So snuggle in, get your warriors (apples!) on standby, and brace yourself to add a new favorite recipe to your culinary arsenal. By the end of all this, you’ll be able to whip up a comforting batch of Crockpot Applesauce that feels just like giving those city-weary senses a big, warm hug. Curious enough? Let’s dive right in!

Ingredients

Apples – The main ingredient, you can use any variety, but Granny Smith is a personal favorite for its tartness.

Orange zest – A small amount adds a bright, citrusy flavor to the sauce.

Orange juice – Balances the sweetness of brown sugar and adds acidity.

Apple pie spice – A blend of warm spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, and allspice, which will fill your kitchen with a pie-like aroma.

Brown sugar – Adds depth of flavor and balances the tartness of the apples.

Instructions

First, prep your apples by giving them a good wash, peeling and slicing them thinly.
Then, grab your trusty slow cooker and toss in the sliced apples, orange zest, orange juice, apple pie spice, and brown sugar. Give everything a good stir and set your slow cooker to low heat.
Now, you have a couple of options when it comes to cook time. If you want a slightly chunky sauce, let it cook for 6 hours. But if you want it to be a bit thicker and smoother, you can let it cook for up to 10 hours.
Once your applesauce is done cooking, you can mash it with a wooden spoon for a rustic feel or blend it in a food processor for a smoother texture.
One thing to keep in mind, don’t cook the apples on high heat, otherwise you risk burning them or scorching your crockpot.

Serving Suggestions for Easy Crockpot Applesauce

This delicious and easy-to-make applesauce is perfect for any time of the day! Whether you’re in the mood for a sweet snack, a side dish, or a sauce for your main meal, this crockpot applesauce has got you covered.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

Spoon it over your favorite ice cream or yogurt for a sweet and healthy dessert.
Serve it warm as a side dish with pork chops, roasted chicken, or grilled sausages.
Use it as a base for a yummy fruit crisp or crumble.
Pair it with a savory cheese platter and crackers for a fun and unexpected snack.
Add it to your morning oatmeal or pancakes for a touch of natural sweetness.
Use it as a topping for your morning toast or bagel.

FAQ’s

Can you use other types of apples for this recipe?

Definitely! You can use any type of apples you like for this recipe. Granny Smith, Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Braeburn or even Pink Lady. Just make sure they are ripe and sweet.

Can I make this recipe in a pressure cooker instead of a slow cooker?

You sure can! If you’re short on time and want to speed up the process, use a pressure cooker and cook the apples for 5-7 minutes. But keep in mind, it won’t have the same slow-cooked flavor as using a slow cooker.

Can I make this recipe vegan or dairy-free?

Absolutely! Instead of using brown sugar, you can use coconut sugar or maple syrup as a vegan alternative. And if you’re looking to make it dairy-free, simply omit the butter and enjoy it as is.

How long can I store this applesauce?

Homemade applesauce will last in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or you can freeze it for up to 6 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before storing it.

How chunky or smooth do you like your applesauce?

It’s totally up to you! Some folks like their applesauce chunky, and some folks like it smooth. To achieve a chunky applesauce, mash it with a spoon or fork. If you prefer it smooth, you can use a food processor or immersion blender to puree the applesauce until smooth.

Can I add other ingredients to the recipe?

Of course! You can customize this recipe to your liking by adding ingredients like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor. You can also add raisins or cranberries for a unique twist.

Crockpot Applesauce

A slow-cooked and perfectly spiced applesauce that’s both sweet and tangy, and made with high-quality ingredients.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 6

Course Sauce, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings cups

Calories 245 kcal

Equipment

1 Slow cooker
1 medium-sized mixing bowl
1 fine mesh strainer
1 wooden spoon or potato masher
1 food processor (optional)

Ingredients

8 medium-sized organic apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1/4 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine sliced apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, ginger, and salt. Toss until the apples are evenly coated with the spices.
Transfer the apple mixture to the slow cooker.
In a small saucepan, heat the orange juice, butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the butter is melted and the sugar is dissolved.
Pour the orange juice mixture over the apples in the slow cooker. Stir to evenly distribute the liquid.
Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook the apples on low heat for 6-8 hours or until the apples are very soft and the sauce has thickened.
Using a fine mesh strainer, strain the sauce into a large bowl. Discard any solids that remain in the strainer.
If desired, use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the apples into a chunky sauce. Alternatively, you can use a food processor to puree the sauce until smooth.
Serve the applesauce warm or chilled, depending on your preference.

Notes

For a smoother applesauce, use a food processor to puree the sauce after straining it.
You can use any type of apple for this recipe, but a mix of sweet and tart apples will give the sauce the best balance of flavors.
If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, increase the amount of brown sugar to your taste.
The applesauce will thicken as it cools, so if you prefer a thinner sauce, simply add a little water or additional orange juice.

Nutrition

Calories: 245kcalCarbohydrates: 62gProtein: 1gFat: 6gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 159mgPotassium: 213mgFiber: 5gSugar: 49gVitamin A: 236IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 29mgIron: 1mg

Keyword Gourmet, Slow-Cooked, Applesauce

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