Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce: Your Guide to a Delicious, Healthy Treat
Discover the simple joy of making your own **Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce**! This delightful recipe transforms fresh apples into a sweet, aromatic, and naturally spiced applesauce with absolutely no added sugar. In just a few easy steps and a few hours of slow cooking, you’ll be savoring warm, comforting homemade applesauce that’s bursting with fresh apple flavor and a hint of cinnamon. Whether you prefer a rustic, chunky texture or a silky smooth puree, this recipe offers versatility to suit your taste. It’s perfect as a healthy snack, a delicious side dish, or an ingredient in your favorite baked goods. Gather your favorite apples, a zesty lemon, and fragrant cinnamon sticks, and get ready to enjoy the rich, wholesome taste of homemade goodness.
Why Choose Homemade Applesauce?
For years, this recipe has been my trusted go-to, and for good reason! Homemade applesauce offers a myriad of advantages over its store-bought counterparts. The most significant benefit is the remarkable reduction in added sugars, allowing the natural sweetness and vibrant flavor of the apples to truly shine. Commercial applesauces often rely heavily on sweeteners, masking the fruit’s true essence. With homemade, you control every ingredient, ensuring a purer, fresher taste profile. Plus, the ability to select your favorite apple varieties means you can customize the flavor and tartness to your exact preference – something you simply can’t do with pre-packaged options. This recipe is an ideal way to utilize an abundance of fresh apples, transforming them into a wholesome treat your entire family will adore.
Crafting the Perfect Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce
The beauty of making **Crockpot cinnamon applesauce** lies in the magic of slow cooking. This gentle, extended cooking process slowly caramelizes the natural sugars within the apples, intensifying their sweetness and depth of flavor. The remarkable result is an applesauce that genuinely tastes like fresh, perfectly cooked apples – a stark contrast to the often bland, over-processed flavor of many store-bought varieties. Minimal preparation is needed for the apples, and best of all, absolutely no extra sugar is required! You also have complete control over the intensity of the cinnamon flavor, allowing you to tailor it precisely to your liking.
Choosing the Best Apples for Your Slow Cooker Applesauce
The secret to delicious crockpot applesauce without added sugar truly lies in the quality and variety of the apples you choose. Since we’re relying on nature’s sweetness, selecting fresh, ripe apples is paramount. You have the freedom to experiment with different types to achieve your desired flavor profile:
- For Tart Applesauce: Granny Smith apples are your go-to. Their bright, crisp tartness creates a lively applesauce that’s wonderfully refreshing.
- For Sweet Applesauce: Honeycrisp, Red Delicious, Gala, Fuji, or Golden Delicious varieties work perfectly. These apples are naturally sweeter and will yield a milder, sweeter sauce.
- For a Balanced Flavor: Many enthusiasts (myself included!) prefer a mixture of both tart and sweet apples. Combining Granny Smiths with Honeycrisp or Gala apples creates a complex flavor profile that offers the best of both worlds – a delightful balance of sweet and tangy notes.
Always look for apples that are firm and free of bruises. Avoid overly soft apples, as they may result in a mushy texture before the flavors have fully developed. A good mix typically enhances the overall depth of flavor.
To Peel or Not to Peel? A Guide to Apple Skins in Applesauce
A common question when making homemade applesauce is whether to peel the apples. The truth is, peeling apples for applesauce is entirely a matter of personal preference, not a requirement for flavor or texture. Leaving the skins on doesn’t negatively impact the taste, and it even adds extra fiber and nutrients to your sauce!
However, if you choose to leave the skins on, keep a few considerations in mind. Some apple varieties, like Red Delicious and Granny Smith, tend to have thicker skins. While these will soften during slow cooking, they might require a little extra cooking time to break down completely, especially if you desire a smoother applesauce. If you prefer a very smooth texture without any visible skin remnants, peeling might be the easier route.
Regardless of whether you peel them or not, it is absolutely essential to core the apples for your **crockpot applesauce**. You definitely want to avoid any seeds or the woody stem bit making their way into your delicious homemade treat!
Essential Ingredients for Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce
Making delicious, homemade slow cooker applesauce requires only a few simple ingredients, making it both easy to prepare and budget-friendly. The key is to select quality ingredients, especially your apples, ensuring they are ripe but still firm to provide the best flavor and texture.
- Apples: As discussed, your choice of apples will dictate the final taste. Remember that the inherent sweetness and tartness of the apples will directly influence the character of your finished sauce. A mix of sweet and tart varieties often yields the most balanced and interesting flavor.
- Cinnamon Sticks: While ground cinnamon is an option, cinnamon sticks are preferred for this recipe. They impart a more subtle, delicate cinnamon essence that slowly infuses the apples as they cook, without overpowering the natural apple flavor. They are also much easier to remove before blending, ensuring a smooth, spice-free texture. You can typically find cinnamon sticks in the spice aisle of any grocery store.
- Lemon Peel & Juice: This dynamic duo is nature’s secret weapon for applesauce! The lemon juice acts as a natural “fruit fresh,” preventing the apples from browning during the cooking process and maintaining their appealing golden hue. The lemon peel, added during cooking, contributes a bright, fresh aroma and a subtle zest that enhances the apple flavor without making the sauce overly tart. I promise, the small amount used won’t make your applesauce sour; it simply brightens everything up!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce in Your Crockpot
Crafting homemade crockpot applesauce is remarkably straightforward, requiring minimal hands-on time, making it perfect for busy days. The most labor-intensive part is the initial apple preparation, which can be quick if you choose to leave the skins on.
- Prepare Your Apples: Begin by washing your chosen apples thoroughly. If you opt to peel them, do so now using a vegetable peeler or an apple peeler. Next, carefully core each apple to remove the seeds and tough core. Finally, slice the apples into uniform pieces. Aim for slices roughly 1-inch thick to ensure even cooking. If your apples are on the smaller side, consider using a few extra to reach the desired volume.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place all your prepared apple slices directly into your slow cooker. Add the cinnamon sticks and the strip of lemon peel.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the apples. This helps prevent browning and brightens the overall flavor.
- Set and Cook: Cover your crockpot and set it to the LOW heat setting. Allow the apples to cook for approximately 5-6 hours. The exact cooking time can vary slightly depending on your crockpot and the type of apples used, so keep an eye on them towards the end. The goal is for the apples to become incredibly soft and easily mashed.
- Adjust Cinnamon to Your Taste: When it comes to cinnamon, personal preference reigns supreme. My journey through making this applesauce has taught me that less can often be more. Initially, I used four cinnamon sticks and found the flavor to be too strong, overshadowing the delicate apple notes. These days, I typically use two cinnamon sticks for a lovely accent that complements rather than competes with the apples. Feel free to experiment – add more for a bolder spice or less for a subtle hint.
As the apples cook down, they’ll gradually soften and release their juices, transforming into a fragrant, saucy consistency. Towards the end of the cooking time, give them a stir and a taste. This is your chance to assess both the texture and the flavor. Once the apples have reached your desired tenderness and the taste is just right, turn off the heat.
Mastering the Cook Time: Avoiding Overcooked Applesauce
One of the great advantages of using a slow cooker or Crock-Pot is the reduced risk of burning your apples. The low, steady heat is incredibly forgiving. However, it is possible to “overcook” apples in the sense that prolonged cooking can cause them to lose some of their vibrant, fresh apple flavor. This phenomenon is precisely what’s wrong with much of the store-bought applesauce; it’s often cooked for too long at high temperatures, resulting in a diminished taste.
With **crockpot apple sauce**, the key is to perform a couple of taste tests throughout the final stages of cooking. This allows you to monitor the texture and flavor development. Your goal is to achieve that perfect balance of tenderness and maximum apple essence. You’ll notice the apples will naturally turn a beautiful brown as their sugars caramelize, which is a wonderful sign of flavor development and not an indication of overcooking.
Once your apples are wonderfully soft, it’s time to achieve your preferred consistency. A stick blender (also known as an immersion blender) is incredibly convenient for this, allowing you to blend the apples directly in the crockpot. Alternatively, you can transfer the apples to a regular blender or food processor. Blend until you reach your desired texture – some prefer a rustic, slightly chunky applesauce, while others love a silky, completely smooth puree. Both are absolutely delicious!
Always give your homemade applesauce a final taste test after blending to confirm the flavor and adjust if necessary. This final check ensures your sauce is absolutely perfect.
Note: If you are preparing homemade applesauce for baby food, ensure it is blended until perfectly smooth and omit the cinnamon for a plain, gentle option.
This image shows the applesauce after simply being stirred with a spoon, offering a delightful rustic, chunky texture.
And here is my sauce after being pureed with an emulsion blender for a perfectly smooth consistency.
Storing Your Homemade Applesauce for Lasting Freshness
Once your delicious crockpot cinnamon applesauce is ready, proper storage ensures you can enjoy its fresh taste for longer. For refrigeration, transfer the cooled applesauce into airtight jars or containers with lids. It will keep beautifully in the fridge for up to ten days. For longer storage, homemade applesauce freezes exceptionally well. Simply portion it into freezer-safe bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion, or into airtight freezer containers. Label with the date, and consume within 3 months for the best quality and flavor. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.
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Print Recipe
Crock Pot AppleSauce
This applesauce is so simple: peel and slice the apples, toss them in your crock pot with a lemon peel and cinnamon sticks, and 5-6 hours later, you have warm cinnamon applesauce!
Equipment
- 12-Piece Black Sharp Knife Set with Covers, Cutting Board and Sharpener
- Vegetable Peeler
- Cast Magnesium Apple/Potato Peeler Corer by Spiralizer
- Stainless Steel Apple Corer
- Crock-Pot Cook & Carry 6-Quart Oval Portable Manual Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 10-12 apples (peeled, cored and sliced)
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks (I personally think that two is plenty!)
- 1/4 of a lemon’s peel
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice 10-12 apples. If your apples are really small, use more.
- Place apples, cinnamon sticks, and lemon peel in the crock pot.
- Drizzle with the lemon juice.
- Set pot to low and cook for about 5-6 hours until apples are very soft.
- Remove cinnamon sticks and lemon peel.
- Using a hand blender (or regular blender), blend apples to desired consistency (chunky or smooth).
- Serve warm or cold.
Notes
Store applesauce in the fridge in jars with lids for up to ten days. This sauce can be frozen in freezer bags; consume within 3 months.
Nutrition
Beyond the Spoon: Creative Uses for Your Homemade Applesauce
While enjoying this warm, fragrant crockpot cinnamon applesauce by the spoonful is a simple pleasure, it’s also an incredibly versatile ingredient in many recipes. Here are some fantastic ways to incorporate your homemade applesauce into other delightful dishes:
- Applesauce Bread with Chocolate Chips (pictured above): A moist and tender bread, where applesauce replaces some of the fat, making it a healthier treat. The chocolate chips add an extra layer of indulgence.
- Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread: Combine the goodness of bananas, applesauce, and hearty oats for a wholesome and flavorful quick bread, perfect for breakfast or a snack.
- Applesauce Coffee Cake: A comforting coffee cake that’s incredibly tender and flavorful thanks to the applesauce, often topped with a sweet streusel or glaze.
- Applesauce Oatmeal Bread: A hearty and rustic bread, where applesauce adds moisture and a subtle sweetness to an oat-based loaf.
- Double Chocolate Banana Muffins: Applesauce can be a great addition to muffins, keeping them moist and reducing the need for oil, as seen in these rich chocolate and banana muffins.
Exploring More Apple Delights: Recipes with Extra Apples
If your apple harvest or grocery run left you with an abundance of apples, don’t let them go to waste! Beyond applesauce, there are countless delicious ways to transform this versatile fruit into delectable treats. Here are some more inspiring recipes to use up those extra apples, from comforting desserts to savory sides:
- Fresh Apple Cake (pictured above): A supremely comforting and easy-to-make cake, packed with tender apple pieces and warm spices – a true taste of autumn.
- Homemade Caramel Apples (Rocky Mountain Chocolate Company Copy Cat): Indulge in the nostalgic joy of rich, buttery caramel coating crisp apples, just like your favorite candy shop.
- Crockpot Apple Butter: Take advantage of your slow cooker to create a thick, intensely flavorful apple butter, perfect for spreading on toast or enjoying with pork.
- Apple Pie Spice: Learn how to whip up your own blend of this essential spice mix, perfect for all your apple baking needs, from pies to crumbles.
- Apple Pecan Bread Pudding: A decadent dessert featuring tender apples, crunchy pecans, and a hint of bourbon, all baked into a warm, comforting bread pudding.
- Slow Cooker Peanut Butter Caramel Apples: An inventive twist on classic caramel apples, combining the creamy goodness of peanut butter with sweet caramel for a truly unique treat.
- Caramel Apple Dip: A quick and easy dip that combines creamy ingredients with luscious caramel, perfect for dipping apple slices or other fruits.
- Caramel Apple Tea Cake: A delicate and flavorful tea cake, infused with the sweetness of apples and draped in a rich caramel glaze.
Check out all of my Slow Cooker Recipes
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Crockpot Applesauce
- Do I need to add water to my crockpot applesauce?
- No, typically not. Apples release a significant amount of liquid as they cook down in the slow cooker. Adding extra water can make your applesauce too thin. The lemon juice is usually enough liquid to start the process.
- Can I use ground cinnamon instead of cinnamon sticks?
- Yes, you can, but it will result in a different flavor profile. Ground cinnamon is much more potent and can become gritty if too much is used. If substituting, start with about 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon for every two sticks and add more to taste after cooking, as the flavor intensifies. Cinnamon sticks provide a more subtle, infused flavor and are easier to remove.
- How can I make my applesauce sweeter without adding sugar?
- The best way is to choose naturally sweeter apple varieties, such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. You can also add other naturally sweet fruits like ripe pears or a small amount of dried fruit (like dates or raisins) to the crockpot while cooking. These will contribute natural sugars without refined sweeteners.
- What if my applesauce is too thick or too thin?
- If your applesauce is too thick, you can thin it out by stirring in a small amount of warm water, apple juice, or even a splash of orange juice until you reach your desired consistency. If it’s too thin, you can continue to cook it uncovered in the crockpot on high, or on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until some of the excess liquid evaporates and it thickens. Be careful not to scorch it.
- Can I add other spices?
- Absolutely! Feel free to customize your applesauce with other warm spices. Nutmeg, allspice, ground cloves, or a dash of apple pie spice blend beautifully with cinnamon. Start with a small amount and adjust to your preference.
