Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

The Coziest Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe for Fall

Nothing beats the warm, comforting aroma of homemade crockpot cinnamon applesauce wafting through your kitchen on a crisp autumn afternoon.

Sweet apples slowly mingle with fragrant spices, creating a delightful treat that feels like a hug in a bowl.

Soft chunks of fruit simmer gently, developing deep, rich flavors that store-bought versions can never match.

The magic happens with minimal effort – just toss ingredients into your slow cooker and let them work their delicious transformation.

Each spoonful carries memories of orchard-fresh apples and grandmother’s secret recipes.

Cinnamon adds a perfect warmth that makes this applesauce irresistible for kids and adults alike.

You’ll want to grab a spoon and savor every delectable bite of this simple, heartwarming recipe.

Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe FAQs

  • What types of apples work best for this recipe?

Softer, sweeter apples like Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and McIntosh break down beautifully and create a naturally sweet applesauce without needing much added sugar.

  • Can I make this recipe without added sugar?

Absolutely! Ripe, sweet apples naturally contain enough sugar. You can skip the brown sugar completely and still enjoy a delicious, sweet applesauce.

  • Is homemade applesauce healthier than store-bought?

Yes! Homemade applesauce contains no preservatives, has controlled sugar content, and retains more natural apple nutrients compared to commercial versions.

  • How can I make my applesauce more flavorful?

Experiment with spices like nutmeg or allspice, add a splash of maple syrup, or include a small amount of orange zest for extra depth and complexity.

Why Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe Smells Like Fall

  • Effortless Cooking: This crockpot cinnamon applesauce recipe requires minimal prep work, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious homemade treat without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Customize Your Comfort: Easily adjust the sweetness and texture to suit your preferences, whether you love chunky or smooth applesauce, and control the sugar levels for a healthier alternative to store-bought versions.
  • Versatile Family Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this warm, comforting dessert or snack that can be served alone, as a side dish, or used in baking and cooking for an extra burst of apple-cinnamon flavor.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Batch cook this recipe and store in the refrigerator or freezer, providing a quick and nutritious option for school lunches, after-school snacks, or a quick dessert that's ready in minutes.

Ingredients Needed For Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

Base Ingredients:
  • Apples: Sweet and soft apples that break down easily, perfect for smooth or chunky sauce. Varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious work best.
  • Water or Apple Juice: Provides moisture for cooking and helps apples soften without burning.
Sweetening and Flavor Ingredients:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds deep caramel-like sweetness and enhances apple flavor. Optional but recommended.
  • Cinnamon: Warm spice that complements apple's natural sweetness and adds comforting aroma.
  • Vanilla Extract: Provides subtle depth and rounds out the overall flavor profile.
Acidic Ingredient:
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apples from browning and adds a bright, fresh note to balance sweetness.

How To Make Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Delightful Apple Chunks

Grab your favorite apples and transform them into bite-sized treasures. Peel away the skin, remove the core, and chop into delectable chunks that will melt in your mouth.

Step 2: Create Magical Crockpot Mixture

Toss your apple chunks into the crockpot and add these flavor-boosting companions:
  • Apple juice or water
  • Brown sugar
  • Ground cinnamon
  • Vanilla extract
  • Fresh lemon juice

Swirl everything together until the ingredients dance in harmony.

Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. Choose your cooking adventure:
  • Low and slow: 6-8 hours of gentle simmering
  • Quick and cozy: 3-4 hours on high heat

Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Transform Texture

Decide your applesauce personality:
  • For rustic, chunky style: Grab a fork or potato masher and gently break down the apples
  • For silky smooth goodness: Whip out an immersion blender or food processor and create a velvety puree

Step 5: Preserve Your Culinary Creation

Allow the applesauce to cool completely. Transfer to airtight containers and store:
  • Refrigerator: Enjoy within 1 week
  • Freezer: Keep deliciousness locked in for up to 3 months

Tips For Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe Flavor

  • Choose Sweet Apples: Select ripe, naturally sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious for maximum flavor without adding extra sugar.
  • Prevent Browning: Splash lemon juice over chopped apples immediately after cutting to prevent oxidation and maintain a fresh, bright color.
  • Customize Texture: Control the consistency by adjusting mashing techniques – use a fork for chunky sauce or an immersion blender for silky smooth results.
  • Boost Nutrition: Leave apple peels on for added fiber and nutrients, especially when using organic apples with clean, pesticide-free skin.
  • Experiment with Spices: Enhance the basic cinnamon flavor by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for a more complex and warming taste profile.

How To Store Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe Easily

  • Refrigerate your homemade applesauce in airtight glass containers or sealed mason jars for maximum freshness.
  • Keep the sauce chilled and consume within 7 days for the best flavor and texture.
  • Freeze excess applesauce in freezer-safe containers or resealable plastic bags, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion.
  • Label containers with the date and contents to track storage time.
  • Frozen applesauce maintains excellent quality for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy your delicious creation long after preparing it.
  • Thaw frozen applesauce overnight in the refrigerator and give it a quick stir before serving to restore its smooth consistency.
  • Pro tip: Portion applesauce into smaller containers before freezing to make defrosting easier and prevent waste.

Perfect Pairings With Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

  • Pair with Warm Pastries: Serve this homemade cinnamon applesauce alongside freshly baked cinnamon rolls or warm apple turnovers for a delightful breakfast or dessert combo that amplifies the comforting apple and cinnamon flavors.
  • Match with Creamy Yogurt: Swirl the applesauce into thick Greek yogurt for a tangy-sweet breakfast bowl that provides a perfect balance of creamy and fruity textures, adding protein and excitement to your morning routine.
  • Complement with Roasted Pork: Drizzle this sweet and spicy applesauce over roasted pork tenderloin or pork chops, creating a classic savory-sweet pairing that elevates a traditional meat dish with its rich, warm cinnamon notes.
  • Sip with Spiced Chai Tea: Enjoy a mug of warm chai tea alongside your applesauce, letting the complementary spices like cardamom and cinnamon dance together in a cozy, comforting flavor celebration.

Fun Flavors To Add To Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

  • Spiced Autumn Blend: Add nutmeg, allspice, and a pinch of cardamom for a warm, complex flavor profile that captures cozy fall vibes.
  • Maple Caramel Version: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup and drizzle caramel sauce after cooking for a rich, decadent spin on classic applesauce.
  • Berry Fusion Remix: Mix in fresh or frozen raspberries or cranberries during the last hour of cooking to create a tangy, colorful applesauce with vibrant undertones.
  • Roasted Nut Crunch: Sprinkle toasted chopped almonds or walnuts on top just before serving, adding delightful texture and nutty depth to the smooth sauce.
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Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe


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4.6 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Homemade crockpot cinnamon applesauce brings warmth and comfort straight from grandma’s kitchen. Sweet apples mingle with fragrant spices, creating a simple dessert that delights families and warms hearts with each comforting spoonful.


Ingredients

Scale

Fruits:

  • 8 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp & Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped

Sweeteners and Flavoring:

  • ⅔ tablespoons (2.67 tablespoons / 40 milliliters) brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon (5 milliliters) cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) vanilla extract

Liquid Ingredients:

  • ½ cup (120 milliliters) water or apple juice
  • 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Carefully select ripe, firm apples, ensuring a mix of sweet and tart varieties for optimal flavor complexity.
  2. Meticulously peel each apple, removing the skin entirely to create a smooth texture, then systematically core and dice into uniform chunks.
  3. Transfer the prepared apple pieces into the crockpot, creating an even layer at the bottom of the vessel.
  4. Drizzle fresh apple juice or water over the fruit to prevent sticking and provide necessary moisture for the cooking process.
  5. Sprinkle ground cinnamon generously across the apples, creating a warm and aromatic base for the sauce.
  6. Introduce a touch of brown sugar to enhance natural sweetness, gently stirring to distribute the ingredients evenly.
  7. Add a splash of vanilla extract and a hint of lemon juice to brighten the flavor profile and prevent apple oxidation.
  8. Secure the crockpot lid and set the temperature to low, allowing the apples to gently simmer and break down over 6-8 hours.
  9. Periodically stir the mixture to ensure even cooking and prevent potential scorching at the bottom.
  10. Once the apples have transformed into a soft, tender consistency, decide on the desired texture – rustic and chunky or silky smooth.
  11. For a rustic version, use a potato masher to create a textured sauce with visible apple pieces.
  12. For a smoother consistency, utilize an immersion blender or food processor to puree the mixture into a velvety sauce.
  13. Allow the applesauce to cool completely at room temperature, then transfer to clean, airtight containers.
  14. Refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for extended preservation, ensuring a delightful homemade treat is always within reach.

Notes

  • Choose sweet-tart apples like Honeycrisp or Granny Smith for the best flavor balance and natural sweetness.
  • Adjust sugar based on apple variety; ripe, sweeter apples might need less added sweetener.
  • Skip peeling for extra nutrition and rustic texture, just wash apples thoroughly and blend for smoother consistency.
  • Customize spices by adding nutmeg, cardamom, or ginger for unique flavor profiles.
  • Reduce cooking time to 4-5 hours for firmer apple chunks if you prefer more texture.
  • Transform sauce into a healthy dessert topping by stirring in chopped nuts or serving over yogurt.
  • Opt for unsweetened version by eliminating brown sugar for diabetic-friendly or low-sugar diets.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 20 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 29 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 1 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Emily Morgan

Emily Morgan

Food Critic & Kitchen Tips Specialist

Expertise

Global Food Exploration & Critique, Simple Kitchen Hacks & Time-Saving Tips, Presentation & Plating Techniques, Culinary Research & Storytelling.

Education

New York University

  • Program: Bachelor’s in Journalism
  • Focus: Combined foundational journalism training with deep dives into global food traditions, restaurant criticism, and the cultural role of cuisine.

Emily Morgan has journeyed across the globe, collecting culinary secrets that turn everyday ingredients into impressive meals.

Based in Seattle and armed with a Journalism degree from NYU, she blends thorough research with a flair for presentation, ensuring every dish looks just as good as it tastes.

Focusing on fresh flavors, simple methods, and a bit of fun, Emily shows home cooks how to elevate their daily cooking without fancy gadgets or complex steps.

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