We love eating applesauce as a simple side or stirred into Apple Yogurt, Applesauce Pancakes, Homemade Granola, or Applesauce Muffins. It’s a staple in our house year round, though I have the urge to make it myself come late summer and fall when we start to see local apples around town. This method for making applesauce uses the crockpot, so it’s super easy. And once you prep 6-7 apples, it practically makes itself. Plus, since the Crockpot cooks this applesauce, you don’t have to worry about it boiling over, stirring the apples, or adjusting the temperature. And all the flavor is locked into the applesauce, rather than evaporating out, which means you don’t really need to add any additional ingredients. This is a great applesauce for kids and babies since it doesn’t contain any added sugars. And you can use it in an Applesauce Pouch, too. (You may also like my Peach Sauce, Pear Sauce, and Strawberry Applesauce.)
Ingredients You Need
The ingredients in this easy Crockpot Applesauce are very straightforward. Here’s a look at what you need so you know what to have on hand. Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Apples: I like to use apples that you’d use to bake a pie, so ones that tend to be firmer like Granny Smith, Cortland, Jonathan, Pink Lady, or Braeburn. Honestly, you can use whichever kind of apples you have and like—even Golden Delicious and Gala—but definitely use ones that have good flavor. Lemon juice: A little lemon juices helps ensure that the flavor is bright and the color stays light. But you can skip this if you don’t have it on hand. Cinnamon: I like to add cinnamon to my applesauce, but you can also leave it plain if you prefer.
TIP: If your apples are not at all sweet, you will wind up with applesauce that’s not at all sweet, so taste a bit of your apple first to make sure it tastes good.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the process involved this simple crockpot applesauce. Scroll down to the bottom of this post for the full recipe, including the amounts and the timing.
How to Store
You can store this crockpot applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw in the fridge before serving and stir if needed. I like to store about half in the fridge and half in the freezer—but that will depend on how much your kids will eat in a given week. TIP: The recipe makes about 2 ½ pints, so not a huge amount, but you can always double it to make more.
How to Can Applesauce
To can this applesauce so you can store it safely on a shelf, ladle the hot applesauce into sterilized pint jars, leaving ½ inch headspace. Seal and process for 20 minutes. You can find more information on canning applesauce.
How to Store
Store cooled crockpot applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.
Best Tips for Success
Cut the apples into mostly even pieces to ensure they cook evenly. Taste your apples before you start the recipe to make sure they have good flavor. (Very occasionally you get apples that are bland.) Taste the finished Crockpot applesauce before serving and add more cinnamon if needed. Mash or puree the applesauce to suit the texture preferences of your kids. To make this in an Instant Pot, cook for 5 minutes on high and let it naturally release before removing the lid to mash or blend. Double the recipe to make more.
I’d love to hear your feedback below in the comments if you make the recipe so be sure to rate it and chime in below!
Easy Strawberry Applesauce
Easy Stewed Apples
Easy Sliced Baked Apples
Fresh Apple Pancakes
This post was first published August 2020.
