Description
This homemade applesauce is made with fresh apples, warm cinnamon, and a touch of sweetness. Slow-cooked to perfection, it’s an easy, hands-off recipe that makes your kitchen smell amazing! Perfect as a snack, side dish, or even a topping for pancakes and oatmeal.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
8 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp & Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped- 1/2 cup water or apple juice
- 2–3 tablespoons brown sugar (optional, adjust based on sweetness preference)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, for extra flavor)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (prevents browning)
Instructions
Prepare the apples – Peel, core, and chop the apples into chunks.- Add ingredients to crockpot – Place apples in the crockpot and add water (or apple juice), brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, vanilla extract, and lemon juice. Stir to combine.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Apples will soften and break down.
- Mash or blend – For chunky applesauce, mash with a fork or potato masher. For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender or food processor.
- Cool & store – Let cool, then transfer to airtight containers. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
No sugar option – Skip the brown sugar if your apples are naturally sweet.- Apple varieties – Mixing sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. Fuji, Gala, and McIntosh are great choices.
- Spices – Add nutmeg or cloves for extra warmth.
- Serving ideas – Enjoy warm or chilled as a snack, on toast, or swirled into yogurt.