Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce: Simple, Sweet & Warm (Print Version)
Make easy Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce! Slow-cooked apples with warm spices for a naturally sweet treat. Perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 3-4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegan, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
6-8 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart, like Gala and Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 -
1/4 cup water or apple cider
03 -
1-2 tbsp brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
04 -
1 tbsp lemon juice
→ Flavor Boosters
05 -
2-3 cinnamon sticks
06 -
Pinch of salt
→ Optional Extras
07 -
1/2 tsp vanilla extract (added after cooking)
08 -
Tiny pinch of ground nutmeg
→ Serving Suggestions
09 -
Granola
10 -
Vanilla ice cream
11 -
Plain yogurt
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first, grab your apples. I usually peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't stress too much about perfect uniformity; they're all going to break down anyway. Honestly, sometimes I leave a few peels on for extra fiber and a rustic look – my kids haven't complained yet! This is where the kitchen counter usually gets a bit messy, but hey, that's part of the fun, right?
02 -
Now, toss those chopped apples into your slow cooker. Add the water, cinnamon sticks, brown sugar (if you're using it), lemon juice, and that tiny pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything. I love seeing all those vibrant apple pieces, knowing they're about to transform. Make sure those cinnamon sticks are nestled in there so they can really work their magic!
03 -
Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 3-4 hours, or on high for 1.5-2 hours. You're looking for the apples to be super soft and easily mashable. Honestly, the smell filling your kitchen is the best part of this step – it's pure autumn bliss! I always peek a few times, just to admire the bubbling goodness. Don't stir too much, let the slow cooker do its thing.
04 -
Once the apples are tender, remove the cinnamon sticks. Now for the fun part: grab a potato masher and mash the apples right in the crockpot. You can go as chunky or as smooth as you like. I prefer mine with a bit of texture, a happy medium between puree and chunky bits. I once tried to use an immersion blender and ended up with a slightly too-smooth, almost baby food consistency – live and learn, right?
05 -
Give your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce a taste. This is your moment to shine! Need more sweetness? Add a bit more brown sugar or a drizzle of maple syrup. Want more spice? A tiny sprinkle of ground cinnamon can be added now. I always find myself adding just a touch more cinnamon, honestly, because I love that warm kick. Trust your taste buds here!
06 -
Transfer your warm, fragrant applesauce to a bowl and serve! It's glorious warm, but also fantastic chilled. The final result should be a beautiful, soft golden color, smelling like pure comfort. It's so satisfying to see this simple fruit transform into something so delicious with minimal effort. This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is just the best.
# Notes:
01 -
Always use a mix of apple varieties; it gives the best depth of flavor, I learned that the hard way with a too-sweet batch.
02 -
Don't skip the lemon juice; it's a small detail that makes a huge difference in brightness and color.
03 -
Cinnamon sticks over ground cinnamon while cooking for a more nuanced, less powdery flavor.
04 -
This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is great with a sprinkle of granola on top.
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 -
potato masher
03 -
sharp knife
04 -
cutting board
05 -
measuring cups/spoons
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 90-120
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 0.5g