Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

Fresh & Fragrant Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe for Fall

Autumn’s golden embrace brings the comforting aroma of homemade crockpot cinnamon applesauce dancing through kitchens.

Sweet apples simmer slowly, releasing their natural sugars and warming spices into a delightful treat.

The gentle cooking method preserves every ounce of flavor, creating a silky-smooth texture that melts on your tongue.

Cinnamon weaves its magic, turning simple ingredients into a nostalgic comfort food that connects generations.

Ripe, juicy apples transform into a rustic dessert that feels like a warm hug.

No store-bought version can match the rich, pure taste of this homemade delight.

Grab a spoon and savor every spoonful of this pure, wholesome goodness.

Everything In Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

For Fruits:
  • Apples: Choose sweet-tart varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala that break down beautifully and offer rich, complex flavor profiles.
For Sweeteners:
  • Brown Sugar: Adds warm caramel undertones and deeper sweetness compared to white sugar.
For Flavor Enhancers:
  • Cinnamon: Provides warm, cozy aromatic notes that complement apple's natural sweetness.
  • Vanilla Extract: Deepens overall flavor complexity and adds subtle creamy undertones.
  • Lemon Juice: Prevents apple browning and adds bright, tangy balance to the sauce.
For Liquid Base:
  • Water, Apple Juice: Creates moisture for slow cooking and helps apples soften without burning, with apple juice offering extra fruity depth.

Tools To Cook Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

  • Crockpot: Slow cooker essential for gently simmering apples to tender perfection.
  • Potato masher: Perfect for creating chunky, rustic applesauce texture.
  • Immersion blender: Great for transforming apples into silky smooth sauce.
  • Cutting board: Sturdy surface for chopping and prepping apples.
  • Sharp knife: Needed to peel and slice apples into even chunks.
  • Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure water, sugar, and other ingredients.
  • Wooden spoon: Ideal for stirring ingredients in the crockpot.
  • Airtight containers: For storing and preserving your homemade applesauce.

Steps To Simmer Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

  • Prep Apple Mountain

Grab your peeler and slice those apples into tender, juicy chunks. The bigger the pile, the more delicious your sauce will be.

  • Crockpot Magic

Toss your apple chunks into the crockpot and sprinkle in cinnamon, a splash of vanilla, and a hint of brown sugar. Drizzle some liquid to keep things moist and give everything a gentle stir.

  • Slow Cooking Wonderland

Cover your crockpot and let the magic happen. On low heat, let the apples transform for 6-8 hours, or crank it up to high for a quicker 3-4 hour journey. Peek in occasionally and give a loving stir.

  • Texture Transformation

Decide your applesauce personality – rustic and chunky with a fork mash, or silky smooth using a blender. Make it uniquely yours.

  • Store and Enjoy

Let your creation cool down, then transfer to containers. Refrigerate for a week of fresh goodness or freeze for future apple adventures. Your homemade treat is ready to delight!

Flavor Tips For Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

  • Cinnamon Spice Magic: Experiment with different apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji for unique flavor profiles.
  • No-Sugar Delight: Replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or stevia for a healthier alternative that still adds natural sweetness.
  • Texture Transformation: Control your applesauce consistency by choosing between fork-mashing for chunky texture or blending for silky smooth results.
  • Flavor Boosters: Add warming spices like nutmeg, allspice, or ginger to complement the cinnamon and create a more complex taste experience.
  • Make-Ahead Meal Prep: Portion applesauce into small containers for easy grab-and-go snacks, lunch box additions, or quick dessert options that last up to a week in the refrigerator.

How To Serve Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe Warm Or Cold

  • Cozy Breakfast Companion: Spread warm cinnamon applesauce over freshly toasted whole wheat bread or mix into morning oatmeal for a delightful breakfast treat.
  • Holiday Side Dish Delight: Serve alongside roasted turkey or baked ham during Thanksgiving or Christmas gatherings as a sweet and tangy complement to savory main courses.
  • Dessert Base Magic: Layer the applesauce in parfait glasses with vanilla yogurt and sprinkle with granola for a quick, delicious dessert that's both healthy and indulgent.
  • Kid-Friendly Snack Hack: Pack small containers of homemade applesauce in lunchboxes or use as a natural dip for graham crackers and apple slices for a nutritious after-school snack.

Storage And Reheating For Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

  • Fridge-Friendly Storage: Transfer cooled applesauce into glass mason jars or sealed plastic containers. Keeps fresh for 5-7 days when refrigerated.
  • Make-Ahead Magic: Batch cook applesauce on weekends for quick grab-and-go snacks throughout the week. Portion into small containers for easy lunch packing.
  • Freezer Stash Strategy: Divide applesauce into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving 1/2 inch headspace for expansion. Label with date and contents. Frozen batches stay delicious up to 3 months.
  • Portion Control Trick: Use ice cube trays to freeze small applesauce portions. Perfect for baby food, quick smoothie additions, or small recipe needs. Pop out and store in freezer bags once frozen solid.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 6 hours

Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Calories: 80 kcal

Servings: 5

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Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade cinnamon applesauce brings warmth to kitchens with minimal effort. Slow-cooker methods create delightful spiced treats that families will savor with pure comfort and simple ingredients.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 medium apples (Honeycrisp & Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • tbsps (40 ml) brown sugar
  • 1 tsp (5 ml) cinnamon
  • ½ tsp (2.5 ml) vanilla extract
  • ½ cup (120 ml / 4 fl oz) water or apple juice
  • 1 tbsp (15 ml / 0.5 fl oz) lemon juice

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Curate a selection of ripe, firm apples with a balance of sweet and tart varieties to maximize flavor depth.
  2. Processing: Strip apples of their skin, core, and dice into consistent, bite-sized chunks, ensuring uniform cooking and texture.
  3. Layering: Distribute apple pieces evenly across the crockpot base, creating a foundational layer for the sauce.
  4. Moisturizing: Cascade apple juice or water over the fruit to prevent adhesion and provide essential cooking liquid.
  5. Seasoning: Dust ground cinnamon liberally across the apples, infusing a warm, aromatic essence, then sprinkle brown sugar to amplify natural sweetness.
  6. Flavor Enhancement: Introduce vanilla extract and a citrusy splash of lemon juice to brighten the profile and inhibit apple browning.
  7. Slow Cooking: Seal the crockpot lid, set to low temperature, and allow apples to gently transform over 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even breakdown and prevent bottom-layer scorching.
  8. Texture Refinement: Once apples reach a tender consistency, choose between a rustic, chunky approach using a potato masher or a silky-smooth technique with an immersion blender.
  9. Preservation: Cool the applesauce completely, then transfer to sterile, airtight containers. Refrigerate for a week or freeze for extended enjoyment, maintaining a delectable homemade delicacy.

Notes

  • Choose Apples Wisely: Combine sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Fuji for a balanced, complex flavor profile.
  • Prevent Browning Strategically: Add a splash of lemon juice to maintain fresh color and prevent apple oxidation during slow cooking.
  • Control Texture Precisely: Use a potato masher for chunky sauce or immersion blender for silky smooth consistency based on personal preference.
  • Enhance Flavor Subtly: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or cardamom to elevate the classic cinnamon applesauce and create unique taste variations.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6 hours
  • Category: Breakfast, Snacks, Desserts
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 80
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 1 mg
  • Fat: 0 g
  • Saturated Fat: 0 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 21 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 0.5 g
  • Cholesterol: 0 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

Nutritional Analysis​, Dietary Accommodations​, Food Writing and Blogging​,

Education

University of Texas at Austin

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Nutrition
  • Focus: Emphasis on dietary planning, food science, and the relationship between nutrition and health.​

Institute of Culinary Education, New York, NY

  • Program: Plant-Based Culinary Arts Certificate
  • Focus: Specialized training in vegetarian and vegan cooking techniques, emphasizing whole foods and sustainability.​

Olivia Bennett is Cooking Crusade’s go-to expert for nutritious, feel-good food. Based in Austin, she blends her degree in Nutrition from the University of Texas with plant-based culinary training from the Institute of Culinary Education.

Olivia’s recipes are all about balance: vibrant, wholesome, and easy-to-love dishes that work for all kinds of eaters. Her mission is simple: to make healthy eating approachable and genuinely tasty, with tips that support your lifestyle, not complicate it.

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