Picture the comforting aroma of cinnamon and apples wafting through your home, as the slow cooker gently transforms simple ingredients into a warm, indulgent applesauce.
It’s a delightfully easy and cozy recipe, perfect for those seeking a sweet treat with minimal effort.
As the apples soften over hours, they meld seamlessly with sugar and spice, creating a dish that’s both simple and magical.
Let’s bring this delicious applesauce to life!
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Slow cooker
- 1 Peeler
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 8 Medium Apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/4 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking Slow Cooker Applesauce, follow this timeline:
Pre-Preparation
– 5 minutes: Read through the entire recipe, gather all your equipment and ingredients.
Preparation (15 minutes)
- 5 minutes: Peel the apples using the peeler.
- 5 minutes: Core and chop the apples on the cutting board.
- 5 minutes: Measure and prepare additional ingredients (water, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice).
Cooking (6 hours)
- Minute 0: Place chopped apples in the slow cooker.
- Minute 1-3: Add water, sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice to the slow cooker.
- Minute 4-5: Stir the mixture until apples are well coated.
- Minute 6: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
Post-Cooking
– 6 hours later: Use a wooden spoon to stir the applesauce to your desired consistency or use a potato masher for chunkier texture or blend for smoother texture.
Serving
– Immediate: Serve warm or allow to cool before serving.
Storage
– 5 minutes: Transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
This timeline guarantees you allocate time effectively for each stage of the applesauce preparation and cooking process, allowing you to enjoy a seamless cooking experience.
Feel free to adjust the timeline as needed to suit your pace and kitchen setup.
Recipe Instructions
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker.
Add water, sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice to the slow cooker.
Stir the mixture until the apples are well coated with the other ingredients.
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
After 6 hours, use a wooden spoon to stir the applesauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
Serve warm or allow to cool before serving.
Serving Tips
- Pancakes or Waffles: A dollop of warm applesauce adds a sweet and fruity touch to your breakfast favorites.
- Pork Chops: Serve as a side to pork chops for a classic combination that balances savory and sweet flavors.
- Oatmeal or Yogurt: Stir into oatmeal or top yogurt for a nutritious and naturally sweetened breakfast.
- Ice Cream: Use as a topping for vanilla ice cream to enhance your dessert with a fruity flair.
- Toast or Biscuits: Spread on toast or biscuits as a delicious alternative to jam or butter.
Storage
To store slow cooker applesauce, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to a week.
For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to three months.
Freezing
To freeze slow cooker applesauce, let it cool completely.
Then transfer it into airtight, freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
Leave some space for expansion.
Label with the date.
Freeze for up to three months.
Reheating
To reheat slow cooker applesauce, gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat.
Stir occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish for 1-2 minutes.
Stir halfway.
Final Thoughts
Creating applesauce in a slow cooker is both simple and rewarding.
With minimal prep time and the convenience of slow cooking, you can enjoy homemade applesauce with ease.
The combination of apples, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice melds together over six hours, producing a delicious and aromatic treat.
Whether you prefer your applesauce smooth or chunky, this recipe offers flexibility to cater to your taste.
Remember, adjusting the sugar based on the apple’s sweetness can enhance the overall flavor.
Once ready, store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Enjoy your homemade applesauce warm or chilled for a delightful dessert option.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Different Types of Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can mix apple varieties to enhance flavor. Use sweet apples like Fuji or Gala for natural sweetness and tart ones like Granny Smith for balance. Adjust sugar based on apple type and personal taste preference.
Is It Necessary to Peel the Apples Before Cooking?
You don’t have to peel the apples, but it affects texture. Leaving skins on adds fiber and a chunkier sauce. If you prefer smoothness, peel them. Experiment with both methods to find your preferred consistency.
Can I Make This Recipe Without Adding Sugar?
You can skip the sugar if you like. If the apples are sweet enough, you won’t miss it. Try adding a bit more cinnamon or a splash of vanilla for extra flavor. Taste and adjust accordingly.
How Do I Prevent the Applesauce From Becoming Too Watery?
To prevent watery applesauce, reduce the water amount or cook uncovered for the last hour to let excess moisture evaporate. Choose firm apple varieties and make certain you stir well to achieve your preferred consistency.
What Are Some Variations or Add-Ins for the Applesauce?
Try adding vanilla extract or nutmeg for extra flavor. You can also mix in some raisins or chopped nuts for texture. For a tangy twist, stir in some cranberries or orange zest before cooking.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Equipment
- 1 slow cooker
- 1 peeler
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 8 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker.
- Add water, sugar, ground cinnamon, and lemon juice to the slow cooker.
- Stir the mixture until the apples are well coated with the other ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
- After 6 hours, use a wooden spoon to stir the applesauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Serve warm or allow to cool before serving.
Notes
