Description
This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe is a warm, comforting, and naturally sweet treat made effortlessly with fresh apples and cinnamon. Slow cooking transforms a blend of sweet and tart apples into a luscious, cozy applesauce perfect for breakfast, dessert, or snacks. With no refined sugars and an option for natural sweeteners, it’s a wholesome homemade alternative that fills your kitchen with inviting aromas and heartwarming flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 6 cups fresh apples, peeled, cored, and sliced (a mix of Fuji and Granny Smith recommended)
Flavorings
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Liquid
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup water or apple juice
Optional Sweeteners
- 1 to 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Optional Variations
- Pinch of nutmeg or cloves (optional)
- Small piece of ginger or dash of salt (optional)
- Additional fruit like pears or peaches (optional)
- Vegan sweetener such as agave syrup or coconut sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples into chunky pieces. Precision is not required as the rustic pieces help the slow cooker create a textured applesauce.
- Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: Place the cut apples into the crockpot. Add ground cinnamon, lemon juice, and water or apple juice. Stir gently to evenly distribute the cinnamon among the fruit.
- Set and Slow Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the apples soften and break down, releasing their natural juices and blending with the cinnamon.
- Mash or Blend to Desired Consistency: Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for a smooth texture. If desired, stir in your optional sweetener now until well combined.
- Cool and Store: Let the applesauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers for storage or immediate enjoyment.
Notes
- Choose a balanced mix of sweet and tart apples to avoid overly sharp or bland applesauce.
- Lemon juice prevents browning and adds brightness to the flavors.
- Start with a small amount of cinnamon and adjust after cooking for personal taste.
- Use just enough liquid to prevent sticking without diluting flavors.
- Cooking on low heat for longer yields the best flavor and texture without risk of burning.
- Peeling apples is optional; leaving the skin adds fiber and more texture.
- Frozen apples can be substituted but reduce added liquid to avoid watery sauce.
- This recipe is suitable for babies starting solids; avoid honey if under one year old and adjust texture accordingly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 90
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crockpot applesauce, cinnamon applesauce, slow cooker dessert, homemade applesauce, healthy snack, natural sweetener applesauce