Slow Cooker Applesauce tastes better than the store-bought variety, with no added sugar required. It will make your home smell like Fall and couldn’t be easier to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
All you need for homemade applesauce is fresh apples and a bit of water, but you’ll take the flavor over the top by adding in a little ground cinnamon, too.
The key to a delicious applesauce is using an apple variety you enjoy. In my opinion, the best apples for applesauce are Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji apples, because they are naturally sweet. When cooked, they almost taste like fruit compote that you could spoon over ice cream.
Other apple varieties, like Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Pink Lady, and McIntosh will also work!
If you use more tart apples, like granny smiths, you might want to add in a little brown sugar or maple syrup for sweetness. Just taste and adjust as you go.
How to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce
1. Prepare the apples.
To make classic applesauce, use a vegetable peeler to remove the apple peels. This is the most time-consuming part of the recipe, but it will result in the classic texture that you expect from applesauce.
If you’re wondering what to do with the leftover apple peels, save them to add to a batch of homemade apple cider.
Time-Saving Tip: You can skip peeling the apples all together, if you don’t mind using a blender later. This method will result in a totally smooth, pureed applesauce with more nutrients. (A high-speed blender will totally pulverize the cooked apple peels.)
Once the apples are peeled, slice them into quarters directly through the core. Then slice off the sharp edge of each apple quarter, removing the seeds, core, and stem. Cut the apples into 1-inch chunks to help them cook faster.
2. Slow cook.
Transfer the peeled and sliced apples to the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker and add in the water. Sprinkle the cinnamon over the top of the apples, then cover the pot with the lid.
Cook on high heat for 4 hours or low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Give the apples a stir halfway through the cooking time, if possible, to help them cook evenly.
3. Mash.
When the cook time is complete, remove the lid. The apples should be very tender and soft when tested with a fork, and they should have reduced in size. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the cooked apples directly in the slow cooker for a slightly chunky, rustic applesauce.
For a smoother result, use an immersion blender to puree the apples until they reach your desired consistency. Or you can transfer the apples to a standard blender to carefully blend. (Be sure to cover the vent in your blender’s lid with a thin dish towel, so steam can safely escape while blending hot liquids.)
Let the applesauce cool down, then pour it into an airtight container, like a mason jar. (Letting it cool down first will prevent condensation on the lid; I’ve even had a lid pop off my applesauce from sealing it too quickly while it’s still hot and then storing it in the fridge.)
Crockpot applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. You can also store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months, if you’d like to freeze a larger batch.
Frequently Asked Questions
In my experience, 3 pounds of apples that have been peeled and cored will produce about 18 to 20 ounces of applesauce, or roughly 2 1/2 cups.
Of course! Feel free to make this sauce your own by adding in lemon juice to brighten it up, or you can make it taste more like Fall by adding in apple pie spice, pumpkin pie spice, or a pinch of cloves or nutmeg.
This recipe is one of my kids’ favorite after-school snacks all on its own, but you can also serve it as a side dish with practically any meal. It pairs well with cooked pork chops and most holiday main dishes, like vegan meatloaf or nut roast.
Looking for more apple recipes? Try homemade apple butter, healthy apple muffins, apple walnut salad, or my favorite apple smoothie for more ideas.
Slow Cooker Applesauce (No Added Sugar)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples
- ¾ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the apples by peeling them and removing their cores, stems, and seeds. (Use an apple corer & divider to save time after peeling.) Cut them into 1-inch pieces to promote even cooking. Note: You can skip peeling the apples if you plan to puree them in the blender later.
- Place the cut apples, water, and ground cinnamon in the bowl of your slow cooker. Cover with the lid and set the machine to cook on high for 4 hours or low for 6 hours. Stir halfway through the cooking time, if possible.
- When the apples are done cooking, they should be very soft and tender, and easily pierced with a fork. Use a potato masher to mash the apples until they are relatively smooth, with a lightly chunky texture. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to blend until smooth.
- Let the applesauce cool, then transfer to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 1 week. You can also freeze applesauce for up to 3 months, if you'd like to make a larger batch.
Notes
- Nutrition information is for roughly a 1/4 cup of applesauce, assuming you get 2 1/2 cups total from this recipe. This information is automatically calculated and is just an estimate, not a guarantee.
- My favorite apples to use for applesauce are Honeycrisp because they taste so delicious! The resulting applesauce reminds me of fruit compote that you could literally spoon warm over a scoop of ice cream for dessert. But any other variety of apple you love will work for this recipe, too.
Nutrition
If you try this slow cooker applesauce recipe, please leave a comment and star rating below letting me know how you like it.
Wow I can’t imagine how good your house smelled making this. Love the simplicity. Thanks for sharing!! If you keep cooking it down without the kid it will turn into apple butter. So good!
I actually love making my own applesauce but fortunately live in an area where apple are plentiful and everybody goes out to pick their own. A very Fall-ish area! Best of all, you can’t beat the smell of applesauce in your kitchen.
I love a good, old fashioned pot roast or stew in the crockpot. 12 hours on low stewing and smelling wonderful for hours. Nothing too exciting, but can be done at 6 a.m. before work and then come home and poof, dinner is done. Love that about crock pots. Mac N cheese actually works well in a crock pot too =)
I almost cannot believe my eyes at how easy this recipe is! No excuses to not make it. Plus I am basically an applesauce addict. I eat it all the time! I’ll definitely have to try this out.
This looks amazing and is so simple! It got me to thinking if maybe you could make other fruit sauces or possibly jams this way? I’m finding myself a bit busy these days and the fruit goes bad in the fridge before I get around to doing anything with it 🙁
I cook down frozen berries and make sauce. It’s very tart, but you can sweeten it with honey or maple syrup to taste. I’m sure you could use peaches and pears to do the same. Nom.
This looks delicious!! I bought a bunch of apples last week from Costco so this is a perfect recipe. Thanks!!
Canned 24 quarts of sauce yesterday! Nothing beats that smell! Love it!
Hooray! Thanks for sharing this was just asking the other day! I love making things in bulk with minimal effort and this looks fits the bill! Just makes a bulk load of broth so time for applesauce!
I just found your blog through a link on Pinterest yesterday. I went out and bought ingredients for five of your recipes today and tomorrow (after getting apples for this recipe)I plan to cook and freeze all day. I have never seen so many ‘do-able’ vegan recipes. I like what you said in one of you entries about if it doesn’t taste good then nobody, including yourself, will eat it; that gave me confidence to try. I’m still new to the vegan way of life and I can’t tell you how many recipes I’ve tried that were bland and awful! I have spread the word about you to a few friends. Thanks for blogging!
Ive made applesauce so many times. Crockpot is my favorite method. I always add lemon juice and cinnamon and do a variety of apples. I do take the skins off before cooking to reduce fiber content.
I love fuji apples so I bet they’d give the applesauce amazing flavour!!
I can’t wait for this heat wave to be over!! This looks incredible and I LOVE that you didn’t use any added sugar. I’m working on lowering my intake of sugar lately so this is awesome!
How do you store it? And how long does it last?
I store one jar in the fridge and the other in the freezer. In the fridge it should last up to a week, and the freezer should keep it for at least 6 months.
Can you use a crock pot?
Crock pot is just a brand name of slow cooker, so it should work fine. In fact, their product website calls it “the original slow cooker.”
Many years ago we made our own apple sauce for canning purpose andd found that canning fruit and vegetables is lot better than store brought can fruit and vegetables my family enjoyed for years canning and eating than purchasing from the grocery stores.
bonjour , que veux dire £ 3 pommes ???? merci pour vos belles recettes ,, xxxx
trois livres
Made this yesterday. It was delicious! Hard to believe anyone ever adds sugar to applesauce. It is naturally so sweet already. Thanks for the simple recipe!
Can this be canned afterwards. If so do ineed to add anything else.
I’ve never canned anything before, so I’m not much help in that regard. I freeze everything I want to save, instead!
What size slowcooker are you using?
Thanks for this recipe! It had my house smelling like cinnamon and I love it. This was my first time and it won’t be my last. Plan to eat 1/2 C with my porkchop.
I made it with red delicious apple, and it made maybe 16 oz. I think the label on the package lied, so next time I am just going to weigh the apples myself, or double the recipes. The applesauce is so delicious though, and so easy to make!! I can’t have any sugar or spices yet in my foods, so I think I am going to add a little bit of honey next time. Thank you!!!
So i just doubled it today, and it made 64oz worth! Yep, I am a happy camper 🙂
I love the simplicity of this recipe! I plan to try tonight or tomorrow. I do have a question. Can I cook it for less time on high in the slow cooker with the same results? If so, I will make tonight. Just don’t want to be up super late pureeing apple sauce.
My slow cooker is practically a pressure cooker (the Vitaclay) and my apples are done in 2 hours! So yes, it can definitely be done quicker.
Thanks! I’ve got my apples in the slow cooker. Can’t wait to taste that yummy applesauce! I found organic Fujis at Costco and they are sooooo sweet, it’s going to be good!
We make this all the time! It’s so good with the Saigon cinnamon from Costco. Do you have other Vitaclay reipes?
How do you thaw your frozen applesauce?
I use 5 lbs of Jongold apples, peeled, with cinnamon, no added liquid. Slow cooker for 5 hours produces a very sweet tasting applesauce. People swear I add sugar but I don’t.
Thank you for your comment. I used 4 lbs of honey crisp and no water. Even so, I scooped out about 1/2 cup of delicious cider after cooking and before blending. Since this was my first time making, I did 6 hours on low just to make sure they cooked down. Deelish and no measuring of anything required. Yay!
How difficult would it be to pull off the peels after cooking and before blending (rather than peel before)? My daughter cannot have apple peels because of digestion issues but I’d love the vitamins in the peels to be cooked with the apples if possible before I remove them. Do you think that would work?
Thanks!
The peels come off very easily after they’re cooked, if you’re willing to sift through each and every slice!
Hello there,
I was wondering if you could help me out.
What would be your recommendation when it comes to reheating a certain food given to your child.
Let’s say I am preparing steamed butternut for today and I want to give her some again tomorrow; what should I do? I do not want to use microwave for obvious reasons though.
Any advice would be very much appreciated.
Delphine
We don’t even own a microwave, so I just reheat everything in a small skillet or saucepan over the stove. It only takes a few minutes, since the portions are usually pretty small.
THANK YOU MEGAN, As usual you are very helpful.
You look great on TV by the way; hope you come to Dubai someday and share your experience with us too.
Take care
I love this recipe. I just went apple picking this weekend and my toddler will love this. Do you mind if I share this on my blog and link back to you? Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it! You’re always welcome to share one of my photos with a link back to my full recipe, but I ask that my recipes aren’t copied and pasted on other sites. 🙂
Made this over the weekend with, if I remember correctly, 3 galas, 2 golden delicious, and 2 honey crisps. I don’t know if it’s normal or if I blended the apples too long or what, but it came out way too smooth. Almost apple buttery. I probably blended them too long, but it seemed necessary to break up the skins. Of course, I avoid using the blender at virtually all costs, so it’s pretty likely I did that part wrong. lol Tasted pretty good, though I missed out on the apple sauce texture. Might have to give it another try in the future.
Hi,
Thanks for a great recipe. I left the apples in my slow cooker on a low setting overnight and they were ready in the morning. They didn’t lose much water, maybe because of low setting? so I got the water out in a cup first before mashing the apples. Looking forward to make banana bread tonight and leftover apple juice 😀
I made this recipe yesterday and it turned out sooo good. It was the best applesauce I have ever had and It was so simple!
Thank you so much for posting this recipe. I made this today using 6 Granny Smith and 5 Macintosh. It was so easy and simple and the end result was sweet, delicious applesauce. I will never buy canned sauce again, thankyou! I was looking for recipes I could make for babies since my husband and I want to start a family and I would love to make their food and this will definitely be in the mix if and when I become a mother! Thanks again!!
Hi we have none of those apples listed in the UK. We have granny smith, bramely, pink lady, braeburn, jazz and gala. Has anyone got a suggestion from these I have listed?
i think every type of apple will work out fine. i added organic cinnamon to my organic apples and mineral water. first time i tried this recipe, it was excellent. liked that if could keep the apple peels on. i used the device that slices and cores at the same time, bought it at the dollar store. now cooking a pork picnic roast in the juice in the slow cooker.
Great suggestion on using the juice to cook your roast!
made it today it is excellent. using the juice to now cook my picnic pork with rub. thank you
I made this recipe and wanted to make it again tonight. Found other recipes but thankfully found this one again. I did add a bit of organic cinnamon the first time and enjoyed the slight flavor. The organic apples had all the sweetness needed. I used Aqueous Mineral Water (from an artisan well). Very much like this simple recipe and very much enjoy the taste and nutrients. A great gift for my friends and neighbors as well. Thanks again. Sincerely, Barb
Advice for use in an instant pot?!? SO excited to try this!!!
If you have my second cookbook, No Excuses Detox, the instructions for the pressure cooker are in there! I don’t have it in front of me, but I think it’s like 10 min on high pressure? (Can’t remember if it’s quick-release or natural)
Oh my word!! Thank you so much. So easy to make and the house smelled amazing. Took another reviewer advice and drained water before I blended added cinnamon last few hours. Thanks Megan!! Love your site. Keep up the great work
Lots of wasted energy using the slow cooker for something that takes less than 30 mins start to finish on the stove top. Follow the instructions except for the slow cooker part. Put the apples in a sauce pan and cover on medium heat for about 10 mins, then check for doneness. Stir the apples a bit and resume, checking every 10 or so,leaving the pot partially covered and lower heat to low. You can finish by pureeing with a stick blender or potato masher. I like mine to be a bit chunky.
The slow cooker allows people to not have to check on it every 10 minutes, however now I make it in my Instant Pot which is even faster and no need to check on it as you go!
Hi,
This recipe looks awesome and very easy to make. I don’t have a blender could you purée it in a food processor. I’m looking forward to trying this recipe. I love applesauce and I’ve recently had to go on a low carb and 1500 calorie diet. How many carbs are in the recipe? Thanks for sharing such a easy recipe.
I use to make apple butter & appleasuce way back.
I’ve got a lot of apples off the trees I’d like to make both and can them. I dont’t remember if i put anything elde in them to keep. Could you tell me?
Can’t wait to try it all.
Thank you
This recipe is great except for the skins. Do not leave the skins on the Apple. That was not a good thing.
I had to pick through every bit of my applesauce to get those out of there.
I made this yesterday and my son ate it so that is a bonus for me :). I didn‘t have 6 hours so I cranked my slow cooker up to high and did it in half the time. I had no problem with the skins, I pulped it with my hand blender and you wouldn‘t know there were skins in there at all. It‘s a lot healthier to leave the skins on. Thanks for sharing.
Easy to make
Mine was a mix of apples from a neighbors tree. Wanted something simple.
Delicious used a combo of honeycrisp and grannies. I didn’t add any water. The apples put out a lot of water, so glad I didn’t add any. I also added a stick of cinnamon to it. Tasted like apple pie!
This is my second time making this recipe (it’s cooking right now) and I absolutely love it! The apple sauce becomes the perfect consistency for blending in my crock pot in the like 3-4ish hours and isn’t too watery after I blend it either. This is surprisingly one of the few recipes I’ve found for unsweetened applesauce and definitely the best! I am lucky enough to live in an area where we can go pick our own apples and it’s super cheap to do so. If anyone is considering making this please do! It’ll be worth it 🙂 it also works perfectly for adding to baked goods since it is unsweetened, that’s what I mostly use it for.
Thanks for your recipe. I was wondering if applesauce is possible in a slowcooker and it worked so great. I added a bit cinnamon and vanilla.
I see comments like the one from “organicmom” that it goes way faster on the stove. Maybe. But first, I came here for a slowcooker recipe not a stove one.
Second. I always have 10 things in my head at the same time. And as soon as I leave the kitchen, I will forget the apples on the stove until my smoke alarm reminds me.
So, this is a perfect solution for me.
Thank you
I love using my slow cookers!!! Yes I have 3 of varying sizes plus small one for HOT peppers to add to chili recipes
( some like it hot)
This recipe will be great addition to Thanksgiving meal .
Our son in law loves apple sauce.
I buy organic apples ( EWG dirty dozen).
I think I shall try mincemeat filled apples – hubby loves those.