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Make applesauce easily at home with this Crockpot Applesauce recipe! No sugar added, and lightly seasoned with cinnamon.
Easy CrockPot Applesauce Recipe - No Sugar
With fall being here, we would typically go apple picking at least once. Apple picking is a fun way to celebrate the arrival of fall and spend time outside with family. (Read Get Outside & Connect: Visit an Apple Orchard from Rhythm's of Play to learn apple picking tips, how to find an orchard near you, and more!)
Our plan was to go a couple of weeks ago...And then Mother Nature dropped about two feet of rain on us here in South Carolina! I was itching to make my favorite apple recipes, including some delicious crock pot applesauce, so the next best thing was to head to the store and pick up some organic apples.
Of course, homemade applesauce still turns out delicious whether picked from the orchard with your own hands or bought from the store. But there is just something magical about carting apples home that you picked yourself and making delicious dishes from them!
Still, I persevered on. 😉
The first time I learned how to make applesauce was when my son was an infant. I needed a healthy recipe, with no added sugar. But also an easy one! I found a crock pot applesauce recipe that called for a ton of sugar...which obviously didn't fit my criteria. But I did love the idea of making it in a slow cooker.
I also knew I did not want to spend time peeling apples. Moms have to cut corners on time when they can! Plus, apple skins are packed with nutritious goodness. And honestly, I just really hate peeling fruits and vegetables.
(Psssst...if you opt not to peel your apples like I do, make sure you get organic to avoid the pesticide residue!)
How to Make Homemade Applesauce in the Slow Cooker
Making this homemade applesauce is a super labor-intensive process. (*cough* sarcasm *cough*)
- Quarter 6 apples, working around the core (opt for ones that are naturally sweeter).
- Stick them in the crock pot with a half a cup of water and ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon.
- Cook on high in a slow cooker for 4-5 hours, or low for 7-8 hours, occasionally mashing the apples while they are cooking.
DONE. See? Told you it was hard work. 😉
Now wipe the sweat off your brow.
To make this recipe even easier, look into purchasing an apple corer!
If you want, you can also give your applesauce a whirl in the blender once it is cooled if you desire a super-smooth texture. When I cook it low and slow, I don't typically blend it as the apple peels have almost completely dissolved.
As far as storage goes, this homemade applesauce will last in the fridge for a week or two. Or, if you know you won't eat it all up immediately, it can be safely stored in a glass jar in the freezer for a couple of months.
Recipe
Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe: No Sugar Added
Ingredients
- 6 apples - cored and quartered
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Throw your prepared apples, cinnamon, and water into the slow cooker.
- Let cook for 3-4 hours on high or 6-7 hours on low. Stir and mash occasionally.
- Let cool and blend if desired.
- Store in the fridge for up two weeks, or two months in the freezer. Makes about 2 cups of applesauce.
Looking for more yummy and healthy recipes? Follow Real Food Recipes on Pinterest!