Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce

Slow cooker cinnamon applesauce provides a warm, fragrant, and deeply comforting treat for the entire family. This healthy fruit side dish will instantly fill your home with a beautiful autumn aroma. First, you will love how the gentle heat breaks down the fresh fruit effortlessly. Because you simmer the ingredients slowly, the natural sugars in the apples concentrate beautifully. Consequently, you achieve a velvety, spice-infused snack that tastes far superior to any store-bought jar.

Ingredients & What You’ll Need

• Apples: Peel, core, and slice four pounds of your favorite apple variety to form the base.
• Cinnamon sticks: Drop in two whole sticks to infuse a deep, woodsy warmth during the long cook.
• Cinnamon powder: Add two teaspoons of ground cinnamon to coat the fruit pieces evenly.
• Apple juice or cider: Use one cup of juice, cider, or water to provide the initial steaming liquid.
• Sugar: Keep a small amount of sugar on hand to adjust the sweetness at the very end if desired.

How to Make Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce

This method focuses on an easy peeling process followed by a hands-off simmer. Furthermore, a quick mash at the end lets you customize the final texture perfectly.

1. Prepare the Fruit Base

First, wash all four pounds of apples thoroughly. Peel the skin off each apple carefully with a vegetable peeler. Next, core the fruit and cut it into uniform slices. Place the fresh apple slices directly into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker insert.

2. Season and Add Liquid

Sprinkle the ground cinnamon evenly over the top of the fruit pile. Next, tuck the two whole cinnamon sticks safely between the apple slices. Pour in the cup of apple juice, cider, or water. Stir the contents gently so the spices distribute well through the pot.

3. Simmer to a Mash

Place the lid securely onto your crockpot. Cook the mixture on the HIGH setting for 5 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on the LOW setting for 8 to 10 hours. You must leave the lid closed to trap the steam needed to soften the dense fruit fibers completely.

4. Mash and Sweeten

Once the timer goes off, carefully remove and discard the two hot cinnamon sticks. Next, grab a wire whisk or a potato masher. Stir and mash the softened apples vigorously until you reach your desired consistency. Finally, taste the applesauce. Add sugar one tablespoon at a time if you prefer a sweeter profile, and serve warm.

Tips and Notes

• Texture Control: Use a standard hand whisk for a delightfully rustic, chunky style sauce. However, you should use an immersion blender if you prefer an ultra-smooth, velvety puree.
• Apple Varieties: Combining different types of apples is the best way to build flavor depth. Try mixing tart Granny Smith apples with sweet Honeycrisp or Fuji varieties.
• Sugar Caution: Many apple varieties become incredibly sweet as they bake down. Therefore, you should always taste the finished sauce before adding any extra sugar.
• Storage Rules: Store your homemade sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze it in plastic bags for up to three months.