Print

Easy Homemade Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

crockpot cinnamon applesauce - featured image

This easy homemade crockpot cinnamon applesauce is a hands-off, no-peeling-required recipe that fills your home with a warm, cozy aroma. Made with simple ingredients and customizable to your taste, it’s perfect for breakfast, snacks, or dessert.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 68 medium apples (about 3 pounds), a mix of sweet and tart varieties (e.g., Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith)
  • 2 tablespoons ground cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 23 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • 1/4 cup water or apple cider
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Wash and prep the apples: Rinse apples under cold water. Cut each apple into quarters, then remove the core and seeds. Leave the skins on for extra fiber or peel if desired.
  2. Layer the apples in the crockpot: Place the apple quarters in a 5-6 quart slow cooker.
  3. Add the flavorings: Sprinkle cinnamon evenly over the apples. Add lemon juice, maple syrup or honey (if using), vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. Pour in water or apple cider. Stir briefly to distribute.
  4. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours: Cover and cook until apples are very soft and falling apart. Stir halfway if desired.
  5. Check for doneness: Apples should be fork-tender. If still firm, cook an additional 30-60 minutes.
  6. Mash or blend to desired consistency: Use an immersion blender for smooth applesauce or a potato masher for chunky texture. Be careful of hot mixture.
  7. Taste and adjust: Add more maple syrup for sweetness, extra cinnamon for spice, or a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten flavor.
  8. Cool and store: Let applesauce cool to room temperature (about 15-20 minutes). Transfer to airtight containers and refrigerate. Applesauce thickens as it cools.

Notes

For best flavor, use a mix of apple varieties (50% sweet, 30% tart, 20% soft). Toasting cinnamon before adding deepens flavor. Let applesauce rest overnight in the refrigerator for melded flavors. If applesauce is watery, cook with lid off for 30 minutes or stir in a tablespoon of chia seeds.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot applesauce, cinnamon applesauce, homemade applesauce, slow cooker applesauce, easy applesauce, no peel applesauce, fall recipe