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Slow Cooker Applesauce | Easy, Simple, No Added Sugar

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Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles; no peeling and no added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it baby and kid-friendly plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free, vegan, allergy-free, and paleo sweet snack!

the best slow cooker applesauce in a red bowl

Recipe bucket list item #50 DONE! Finally! Why, o, why does it always take me so love to try the simplest of classic recipes!? The world may never know, but at least I always eventually come around to doing them…eventually! It’s rather silly too. The longer I hold out on doing these homemade staple recipes, the longer I’m depriving myself of such wonderful results! Homemade applesauce is one of the greatest simple pleasures in life, I am sure of that now! First of all, can we just talk about the smell that emanates and fills the house as the apples are cooking down? O goodness! Add some cinnamon and your home will smell like love and hugs!

Slow Cooker Applesauce | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

But the real magic is when you first put the chopped up apples in the slow cooker, and then come back a few hours later and the apple chunks have magically turned in to applesauce! No mashing required! It’s amazing! A massive pot of applesauce with no hassle! I put my chopped up apples in, looked through the lid after an hour and they were still whole chunks, but then 2 more hours went by and the applesauce was just there…waiting to be eaten! Warm, cinnamon, homemade applesauce! I’ve only ever eaten good old Mott’s applesauce as a kid and then Beechnut and some organic brands recently. Homemade just changed my apple loving life forever!

Slow Cooker Applesauce | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

Apple season is the best though! Since apples are in my top 3 favorite foods, I go crazy with all the perfect lovely varieties I can find in the stores right now. Frieda’s sent me a bunch of new varieties I’d never had before, but I thought with the abundance of special apples, a special applesauce would be perfect. My applesauce thus included: Cortland, Ribston Pippin, and Ashmead’s Kernal apples. This was one magic apple combo and produced some spectacular tasting (the best I’ve ever tasted) applesauce! So perfectly sweet and I decided to add some cinnamon too which was a no-brainer for me (and a very good choice!).

Slow Cooker Applesauce | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

You can use whatever apple combo your little apple-loving heart desires! My next batch I want to try with my favorite apples, Fuji and Pacific Rose! That would be killer! And then of course, I should try making some pear sauce too 😉 I do have that undieing love for Bosc pears (and Anju pears)! Maybe even some apple butter….and pumpkin butter since that seems to be a sin if your don’t make some this time of year!

Slow Cooker Applesauce | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

Funny side note. This applesauce was the first “sweet” thing I’ve ever made in my slow cooker. Actually, it’s the first thing I’ve made besides chicken! Rest assured, it will not be the last! I’m feeling pretty slow cooker savvy right about now; there is no stopping me! The potentials of the slow cooker are endless! Ambient not as fun as actual cooking; it still produces amazing results and if you aren’t as fond of cooking as me, then this is the perfect cooking device for you my dear!

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Slow Cooker Applesauce | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

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Slow Cooker Applesauce

Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

  • Author: Rebecca Pytell
  • Yield: 5 Cups 1x
  • Category: Snack, Condiment
  • Cuisine: American
Scale

Ingredients

  • 9 Medium-Sized Apples (I used 3 Cortland, 3 Ribston Pippin, and 3 Ashmead’s Kernal)
  • 1/3 TB Lemon Juice
  • 1/3 Cup to 1/2 Cups Water (more if you want it less thick)
  • 2 Tsp Cinnamon (optional, or spices of choice)

Instructions

  1. You can peel (if desired), and chop your apples into large chunks.
  2. Add the apples, lemon juice, water, and optional cinnamon and spices to the slow cooker.
  3. Cook on high for 3-4 hours until the apples have broken down.
  4. You can then mash to completely smooth when done, or simply stir and get a perfect consistency!
  5. Store in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or freeze.
Recipe Card powered by

 Slow Cooker Applesauce | Strength and Sunshine @RebeccaGF666 Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! Easy homemade slow cooker applesauce with none of the work, hassles, or added sugar. Add some cinnamon and spice or keep it plain; the final product is up to you but will always be delicious! The perfect gluten-free and vegan sweet snack!

I can’t get over how delicious this was! I could have drunk the whole slow cooker full! (As a kid I loved to drink the sauce out of those Matt’s applesauce cups!). You know what’s even more stellar? You can now make my slow cooker applesauce chicken, with my slow cooker applesauce! Combining two slow cooker loves as one! And if you’re still for some reason on the fence about making some applesauce, just wait until Wednesday and I will show you that you MUST make some (you’ll need it!).

Why not take it a step further and try some slow cooker apple butter as well!

So tell me:

+ Have you ever made your own applesauce?

+ What’s your favorite apple variety?

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Comments

  10. Chelsea @ The Johnsons Plus Dog says

    I am right in the middle of gobbling up a bowl of this and I just have to stop and come straight to you and say THANK YOU! Not only does my house smell AMAZING, but this is soooo good and it was so easy to make. Honestly when I was making it, I was like no sugar?? I almost second guessed you and added some, but I’m so glad that I didn’t. It’s just perfect the way it is.

    Reply

  12. CJ Huang says

    I felt the same way! It took me so long to actually make some slow cooker apple sauce, and then after I made it, I was like – why’d I wait so long?! Definitely great to be able to make your own and customize it how ever you want. 🙂

    Reply

  18. Audrey @ Unconventional Baker says

    I love making homemade applesauce too — especially because we have so many wild apple trees all around. And you’re right, fresh applesauce with cinnamon is like heaven and hugs. I think it’s actually my favorite “dessert”! Well, maybe not the only favorite, but it’s that good!

    Reply

  19. Mandi @ Moments With Mandi says

    I have wanted to make my own applesauce for such a long time! I am trying to find an orchard near us that does u-pick, but also allows children out in the orchard (a couple of them don’t), and once we go, I am ready to make applesauce!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      They don’t let kids pick apples :O That’s terrible!!! I just found a place that sounds great for u-pick (for apples and pumpkins) and I hope to go this week!

      Reply

  31. Marla says

    Hi Rebecca,
    I know quite a few people that make their applesauce in the slow cooker which I believe is a easy great way to do it. This sounds like a good mixture of apples.

    Reply

  32. Jennifer says

    Looks amazing! I can almost taste it thru the computer screen!
    YUMMO!
    We have a slew of Vegan Link Ups going on right now if you are interested swing by my site!

    Reply

  33. Kaila (GF Life 24/7) says

    I’m glad that your slow cooker is expanding to sweet treats! This apple sauce looks delicious. You made the cooking process sound so rewarding too. Apple season is my second favorite, behind blackberries, and we’ve been having fun in our kitchen too. We’re down to applesauce or apple crisp for this week’s creation. Happy FF, thanks for sharing, and have a fantastic weekend! 😀

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Haha, thank you! O goodness I think I had blackberries ONCE this summer! There were none! So sad 🙁 I do love them!
      But apples are one of my ultimate favorite foods, couldn’t live without them no matter the season!

      Reply

  34. Sarah says

    I love that you actually have a recipe bucket list. I have so many foods that I think I need to make, and then an hour later forget all about them. Applesauce is on that list too! You’ve just reminded me how desperately I need to check that off my own food bucket list that I have yet to make…better get started!

    Reply

  35. Kathryn Grace says

    Yes, we love homemade applesauce, and it seems that slow cookers were invented to make it, don’t you think? Just reading your recipe, I can almost smell the scents wafting from the kitchen. Favorite apple? Usually the one I’m eating. Of the varieties most available to us here, we tend to buy Fujis the most, but I love Jonagolds and Braeburns this time of year, especially for making apple sauce.

    Reply

      • Kathryn Grace says

        Now you’ve got me thinking about that. It seems the first CrockPot came out in the 70s. Before that, many kitchens had a roaster. it was a big old thing, with thick walls like a CrockPot and needed its own cart or table. You could put a roast of almost any kind in it, including a turkey, and it would slow cook them for hours, depending on the setting. So my guess is, roast turkey, beef or pork, complete with the trimmings.

        Reply

  41. Kim says

    LOVE me some applesauce! We made a bunch last year when our trees gave us TONS of apples. This year there are NONE. Sadness but we still have some jars from last year. Great post!

    Reply

  48. Rebecca says

    We love homemade chunky applesauce at our house. In fact I just made some yesterday. But I’ve always made it on the stove and mashed it with a potato masher – this is so much easier !!! Will do this next time. Saving recipe for later. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Yes!!! You don’t even have to mash! I just stirred the broken down apple mixture and it was the perfect consistency!

      Reply

  50. Elizabeth @ Guilty Chocoholic Mama says

    “Nothing smells more like autumn comfort than apples simmering in the slow cooker! ” Were truer words ever written? 🙂 We make homemade applesauce (Spy + Golden + Macs) in mass quantities using a Victorio Strainer with my parents every fall, but I think I’ll throw a small batch in the slow cooker just for the comfort of it! I do add cinnamon and am very partial to the Saigon variety…so partial, in fact, that it’s #6 on my list of 31 things I’m loving this fall!

    Reply

  52. Farrah says

    You know I’m all about the slow cooker recipes! :] I love applesauce as a snack, but haven’t ever tried making it on my own! Definitely gonna have to try this out!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Don’t you juts love when a food plays a double purpose 😉 That’s what makes the waiting so worth it too!

      Reply

  57. Tiffany says

    Oh my this looks delicious! My mother makes applesauce, but her process is really tedious-comes out great though! I’m going to tell her to try this method.

    Reply

  58. Long Ladies says

    Ooh! Must, must, absolutely MUST try this!! I am a lover of applesauce, especially the homemade stuff and we’ve tried a lengthy drawn out process of making applesauce. This sounds so simple and easy! Thank you for sharing!
    ~Haley

    Reply

  61. Sara says

    I’ve only made applesauce in a pot on the stove, I definitely have to try it in the slow cooker! I literally just bought 2 bags of apples so this is perfect timing 🙂

    Reply

  66. Erin says

    I am with you – sometimes the simplest recipes take the longest for me to commit to trying! Why?? Love making homemade applesauce. I have some cooking up today!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      I can’t believe you didn’t have one :O I’m stunned! I have 2! An actual crockpot and a slow cooker 😛

      Reply

  68. Sam @ PancakeWarriors says

    Ok so I’ve been obsessed with apple butter the past few weeks but Dave keeps pointing out that it’s just like apple sauce with more flavor. Why inhabit made applesauce baffles me but now I have to try it in the slow cooker! What s glorious smell to come home to!

    Reply

  69. Lisa @ RunWiki says

    I’ve never made applesauce in the slow cooker, but what a great idea! I bet the house smell wonderful! I have my crock pot out about 5 out of 7 days a week. I’m just too busy to do it any other way. My kids will love this.

    Reply

  73. Melissa @ vegan does it says

    I usually make my own applesauce on the stovetop, but the slow cooker is a great idea! I always forget about the slow cooker except like once or twice a year when it’s cold enough for stews and soups. I have made apple butter in the slow cooker though and the smell of that was pretty amazing too. Fuji apples are my favorite too!

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Use the slow cooker! So much easier in all aspects!
      And yay for Fuji lovers! Legit the best!

      Reply

  78. Alisa @ Go Dairy Free says

    The slow cooker is the only way to make applesauce in my opinion! Honestly though, I don’t even recall what types of apples I used. For just eating out of hand, I like crispy apples with a little bite – like golden delicious 🙂

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      I think it will be fun to play around with combos! Each will have a perfect new taste!
      Yes! Apples must be super crisp…otherwise…yuck!

      Reply

  79. Michele @ paleorunningmomma says

    My kids actually made their own applesauce in school, which sounds really fun 🙂 I’ve been meaning to make applesauce all week since we went apple picking but haven’t done it yet, good thing apples last a while! This looks so good, one of my favorites, plus an awesome way to make apples so much more digestible for me 🙂

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Put those apples to good use!!!
      Hahaha, when I was in third grade we made butter! (I wish we had made applesauce 😛 )

      Reply

  81. Natalie | Feasting on Fruit says

    There’s the little bowl of apples in spoonable form I’ve been waiting for!!!!! Yup, I could definitely drink your entire slow cooker full of it too…and I don’t even know how big your slow cooker is so I’m agreeing to that blindly! Homemade applesauce beats storebought for a billion reasons, but the color is a big one. Homemade gets that kinda toasty warm inviting cozy eat me up cinnamon color to it <3 Whereas the store-bought stuff is yellow! That's just not right when you think about it :p I probably won't be able to find an apple blend as funky as this, but I'm definitely going to have to make some soon…maybe with some chia seeds to really thicken it up, help the pectin out ya' know 😉

    Reply

    • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine says

      Yea! The color! It was like pink and pretty and the lemon helps keep it that way!
      Chia seed applesauce….that may be genius! Or like a jelly for sammies! That would so work…do it!

      Reply

  85. Vicky says

    Wow! I’ve never even thought about the how behind making applesauce! I had no idea it was this easy! I’m planning to go apple picking next weekend, so now I know what I’ll be doing with those next Sunday! Thanks for sharing this!

    Reply

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Hey there, welcome to Strength and Sunshine! I’m Rebecca and I’m so glad you’re here! This is your go-to destination for delicious, fun, and (mostly) healthy gluten-free and allergy-free recipes, tips & tricks, advice, as well as celiac and food allergy coaching services!

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