Crock Pot Applesauce

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Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn’t get easier than using your slow cooker!!

Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!
Crock Pot Applesauce

Nothing beats homemade apple sauce, making it in the crock pot is easy and your house will smell divine while the apples and cinnamon simmer all day long. The hardest part about making this sauce is peeling the apples (which is not hard at all!). I love using it in my homemade Applesauce Nut Bread, or with Pork Chops and Apple Sauce, so good! And for a more concentrated sauce with a longer shelf life, you may also like this Slow Cooker Apple Butter recipe.

Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!

How Do You Make Homemade Applesauce?

Start with apples. I love using a variety of apples to make applesauce, for this recipe I used eight different apples; Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, Macous, Red Delicious, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, and Granny Smith. Gravenstein, McIntosh, Jonagold and Jonathan would also be great options.

I use just a touch of sugar, but if your apples are sweet and you wish to make apple with no sugar, it will still be delicious.

And since so many are asking, although I have and love my Instant Pot, I still love my slow cooker! I have the 6 Quart Hamilton Beach Set ‘n Forget Programmable Slow Cooker (affil link). I love it because you can adjust the time you want it to cook, and it automatically turns to warm when it’s done. It also has a probe for meat that automatically shuts off when done. I hated my old crock pot, it burnt everything and my food had a weird taste. This slow cooker is so great, I actually own several!

How To Make Applesauce

Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!! Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!

Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!

More Apple Recipes:

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Crock Pot Applesauce

4.92 from 34 votes
0
Cals:55
Carbs:15
Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: American
Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 6 hours
Total: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 12 servings
Serving Size: 1 /4 cup

Ingredients

  • 8 medium apples, Use a combination of Golden Delicious, Honey Crisp, Fuji, Gala, etc.
  • 1 strips of lemon peel - use a vegetable peeler
  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
  • 3 inch cinnamon stick
  • 5 teaspoons light brown sugar, unpacked (you can leave out for sugar-free)

Instructions

  • Peel, core, and slice the apples.
  • Place them in the slow cooker.
  • Add the cinnamon stick, lemon peel, lemon juice and brown sugar.
  • Set crock pot to low and cook for 6 hours.
  • Stir apples occasionally, apples will slowly become a delicious applesauce.
  • Remove cinnamon stick and use an immersion blender to blend until smooth or if you prefer a chunky sauce, leave sauce intact.

Last Step:

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Notes

Makes 3 cups.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 /4 cup, Calories: 55 kcal, Carbohydrates: 15 g, Sodium: 1 mg, Fiber: 2 g, Sugar: 12 g

Categories:

Crock Pot Applesauce – Homemade apple sauce doesn't get easier than using your slow cooker!!

Photo Credit: Jess Larson

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271 comments on “Crock Pot Applesauce”

  1. Superb…. I cannot believe how good this is. I had not so interesting apples from a neighbor and wasn’t expecting much. I used Monkfruit as sweetner instead of brown sugar and added a 1/4 t of cardamon. I only needed 5 hours on low for my slow cooker. I thought it would be dry but the juice was at the bottom so when I used my stick, it juiced up all the apple pulp. highly recommend.

  2. I plan to make this today because I bought a bunch of apples yesterday but they are small. Does anyone know about how much eight medium sized apples would weigh so I can use that measurement instead?

  3. Not wanting to slave over a hot stove was definitely one reason I leaned more towards this recipe, but now that I’ve tried it, I don’t think I’ll be making anything else.
    I definitely liked the ease and convenience of making it in s crock-pot, and even without the sugar, it was more than sweet enough for me.
    It also made quite a bit.
    All in all, very pleased!

  4. Made with apples from mine & my neighbors yard, so I didn’t bother to peel (we don’t use pesticides, etc.). I sliced them thinly using the food processor & they cooked down nicely. I did add a little extra brown sugar because I had many crabapples which are on the tart side. So easy and so good.

  5. I’m making this recipe tonight I added gala apples and a few crabapples from our fruit tree, I also added about a cup of water to make sure it wouldn’t burn. This is also my first time making homemade applesauce so thank you for the recipe.!

  6. I have made this for years to can or freeze. If you make sure each apple has a red skin, your applesauce will be pink.

    1. Thanks for sharing Bert ! 👍
      I was trying to find out if I could freeze this and you answered my question.
      Thanks for taking the time to comment.

  7. I didn’t Have any cinnamon sticks so I used 2 tsp ground ( I love cinnamon).
    It tastes delicious. It was easy and well worth the wait.

  8. This was the perfect side dish to the roasted pork I served for dinner tonight. I am so excited to make your apple sauce nut bread in the morning! Thanks for another great recipe

  9. Who knew applesauce could be so good AND easy?! We had ours “chunky” style, right out of the crockpot (with no added sugar). I used 7 different types of apples. My husband shopped with me and gave me the ‘side-eye’ look as I picked one each out and put in our cart 🙂 But I did like having the different flavors.

    Had some at dinner tonight. Will use the remaining in morning oatmeal and as a snack . I’m sure we won’t have any left within a couple of days.

  10. I made this recipe yesterday and it’s a keeper. My son lives strawberry flavored applesauce, how can I add strawberries and keep the recipe tasting so good?

  11. I have this in the slow cooker now! I would love to be able to freeze some of it… how do you think it would be best to do this?

  12. Avatar photo
    Megan Larabell

    Made it with only a few large granny smith’s and added an extra spoonful of brown sugar. I cooked mine for 3 1/2 hours and then blended it in my blender to make it extra smooth, I used ground cinnamon and bottled lemon juice but still tasted great!

  13. I am wondering if the apple sauce needs to be refrigerated once done? I was thinking of sending some during the quarantine, but I want to make sure it will be acceptable to eat.

  14. Oh my goodness, this is delicious.  I used pink lace, Fuji and gala apples. I will make again for sure!!!

  15. This is delicious! I don’t eat apple sauce, I mean I didn’t eat apple sauce until I made this apple sauce. Oh WOW!

  16. Hey! Thanks for this recipe. Turned out great. I didn’t have any cinnimon to hand so I used pumpkin pie spice insead and it tastes AWESOME!

  17. I made this because I had some apples that weren’t getting eaten and a few pears.  This is delicious!  I can’t wait to make it again. 

  18. I made this last night and it is delicious just like every recipe I have made from this amazing blog.  No comparison to store bought applesauce!

  19. I’ve made four batches of this applesauce.  It is fantastic!  I leave it chunky and eat it for a low-point dessert.  

    Note: There is a slight error in the recipe; it calls for one tsp lemon juice, but nowhere in the recipe does it say to add it at any step.  Not a problem for an experienced cook, but you may want to update it for newer cooks.

  20. Did you add any water to the Instant Pot? Would love to make this to go with pork chops but don’t have 6 hours to slow cook.

  21. I will never buy applesauce from a store again!!! Love this….First time I’ve ever made applesauce, and love the ease of it…and the aroma….we gave a small taste to our dogs as well, and they loved it as well,, lol…planning on making a batch for them, but with honey instead of the brown sugar…..(can you tell, they are spoiled)

  22. Avatar photo
    Alice Ruszkowski

    All I can say is “wow”.  This applesauce is amazing.  I used 4 varieties as suggested and the flavor is amazing.  Next time I will triple the recipe and can it for gifts!!

  23. Could you make this in the instant pot? And if so how long will it take? I want to make this in my classroom to teach about how heat changes things. Thanks!

  24. Avatar photo
    Amy Matyjasik

    I just made this recipe and I love it! Taste almost like the applesauce my mom use to make when she canned. So much better then store bought applesauce. I am definitely going to make this again in mass amounts. My kids just love it!

  25. Made this applesauce recipe last night. Used 8 different apples and did not add any augur. Cooked on stove top and reduced heat to lowest setting for two hours. Delicious!

  26. This came out delicious!  I used all organic ingredients- so much better than store bought applesauce. 

  27. Avatar photo
    Kris Mannino

    This is by far the yummiest thing I’ve ever made with our crock pot!!! I absolutely loved the flavor of this warmed applesauce as a dessert and as a condiment sauce to some pork chops. So so freaking good! Thank you!!!

  28. This is a great recipe.  I just made it today and followed the recipe exactly as written.  It turned out great.  It was so easy to make and delicious to eat.  I will definitely be making this again.

  29. I left the peels on, and it still turned out fine (after pureeing). I skipped the sugar but added a couple of heaping teaspoons of blackstrap molasses. It turned out delicious. It tasted somewhere between applesauce and apple butter. Yum!

  30. Just made this recipe in my Instant Pot. Used the pressure cooker because I didn’t want to wait. Used Truvia brown sugar blend and otherwise followed the recipe. It was so easy and delicious, I was eating it still hot out of the pot. Didn’t use a blender, just a whisk. Too easy.

    1. I made it in the Instant Pot. I put the apples in a steamer basket and set it for 10 minutes and used a natural release. Came out so creamy.

  31. Last time I made this it turned out really bitter and I was disappointed.  But after reading the comments from another reader, I think it was the lemon rind.  This time I left it out and oh my goodness, I am glad I gave this one another shot!  It was delicious- we have it with the pork chop which were also aweomse.  and I have enough left over for baby food this week!  I cut the sugar in half and it still was excellent.  Thanks for all you do, Gina I couldn’t live without your site!

  32. Avatar photo
    Julie Monroe-Falk

    I made this yesterday & it was DELICIOUS! Super easy. I used 2 Granny Smith, 2 Gala, 2 Honey Crisp & 2 of something else :o)

    1. Homemade applesauce can be refrigerated for a week to ten days; it can also be frozen or canned for longer-term storage.

  33. I mix apples and pears – no sugar needed!  I’ll be trying your bread using my applesauce.  I think using a slow cooker is brilliant, so I’ll be trying that next time 🙂

  34. I always make applesauce in the crockpot and it is the absolute best!  I put mine in half pint jars and put them in the freezer.  Such a treat to eat semi frozen 🙂  Putting a trip to the farm stand for apples on my list today.

    1. Homemade applesauce can be refrigerated for a week to ten days; it can also be frozen or canned for longer-term storage.

    1. Yes, I just did. I used the pressure cooker setting on low on the Instant Pot. It cooked for 15 minutes and came out perfect. Didn’t need a blender. Just used a whisk.

  35. I really like the sound of this!  If I wanted to process it in jars, does anyone know how long and how much head space for processing?

    1. Madelyn – I was wondering the same thing, and my “best friend” Ms. Google came up with an answer. This is the link that I found – hope that it helps! 
      https://www.freshpreserving.com/applesauce-recipe-%7C-how-to-make-applesauce—ball-fresh-preserving-br1126.html 
      Cheers, El

  36. This looks amazing and I plan on making this weekend. Can you tell me how you would suggest storing the apple sauce? Thanks so much — Your website is amazing!

  37. I use this recipe all. fall. long. Like can’t stop making it. It’s so good!!

    Think I’ll make some tonight. 😉

  38. How long is this good for in the fridge? I’m planning on making this as a snack for my 1 year old. Thanks!

  39. Just made this tonight and was amazed at how simple and delicious it is.  Like other commenters here, I got nervous halfway through cooking when the apple pieces still seemed so solid, but by hour 4 it was getting “saucy” at the bottom, and just now when I took it out of the slow-cooker it was perfect applesauce consistency and so tasty.   So I would urge folks not to get nervous and add any liquid because there will be plenty of juice and flavor!!!

  40. Hi Gina – I love your stuff! I want to make this with your new latke recipe. How long will this last when I make it? 1 week?

    Thanks!

  41. Pingback: Cozy for Fall - We Five Kings

  42. Love this recipe. I skip the sugar b/c apples are naturally sweet. I use cake spice from Penzys in place of cinnamon and I do lemon zest instead of a peel. I never grab the same group of apples and it always turns out great!

  43. I’ve made lots of homemade applesauce..  This is my favorite and will be making an appearance on the Thanksgiving table

  44. Made this yesterday and it is awesome! Tastes just like my mom’s fried apples – which are not so point friendly. 😉
    It was great while warm and I can’t wait to try it cold today. Thanks for another winner!

  45. This looks absolutely delicious, BUT.  Per weight watchers since you blend the apples they now have Points.  So bulky the recipe builder this now has a smart point total of 4, not 0.  

    Thank you,

  46. Avatar photo
    Karen D. Davidson

    I make applesauce using a variety of apples also and have done this for years and years.. I use fresh lemon juice, no lemon zest, a bit of water and then the apples. I leave some of the apples a bit chunky and add ONLY cinnamon to the mixture to taste, OUTSTANDING!!! When you use a variety of apples you really don’t need the sugar. the apples are sweet enough.

  47. Is there any way to make this on stove? I don’t use crock pot that much and don’t want to buy it just for a few recipes like these.

  48. I am trying to put this into my calculator and it is coming up as 3SP instead of 0! Is anyone else getting that when they manually input it?? 

    1. You have to use recipe builder to get accurate SP. Calculator will be wrong since fruit is 0 but not if you use a calculator.

  49. There has been clarification on blending since the program revision came out. Unsweetened apple sauce is zero pts. The only time you count the nutrition details for vegetables or fruit is when you puree them for a drink like a smoothie or a shake. So if you do not put sugar or honey or maple syrup with the apples, it is still zero pts.

  50. Using the new Weight Watchers hand-held points calculator (and the phone app), this calculates out to 3 Smart Points for the serving size listed (1/4 cup). All so confusing!

  51. This is delicious, but it is 5 SP, not 0. Because it is blended, it automatically hikes the Smart Points.

  52. Gina, I just made the applesauce and it was AMAZING! I did not add the sugar and found it to be sweet enough. I discovered your website recently and have made a dozen items following your recipes. Love the fresh items and avoiding the preservatives. I have become a big fan and have told several people about your website. Today I intend to use your leg of lamb recipe. Thank you for sharing!!

  53. Subbed coconut palm sugar for the brown sugar and just threw this in my crockpot. It's small, and 4 gala and 4 granny smith fit just perfectly! Thanks for the recipe. Have never added lemon before 🙂

  54. Gina
    Love getting your email recipes, so fun to read all !!! wondered about the amount of apples on this one, we have Honey Crisp apples the size of my entire hand that would be awesome in this applesauce however I think 8 would be too many. can you give us an idea what the 8 apples you suggest would measure out as please?
    Thanks much!!

  55. I have made this recipe so many times in the past few months. Thanks for an easy, tasty recipe that my whole family loves.

  56. Avatar photo
    Tashia Abdullah

    In the crock pot right now. I can't wait. My kiddos love applesauce. This is our first try at homemade. Going to make your apple scones tomorrow 🙂

  57. I didn't read through all the comments…but has anyone tried eliminating the sugar and cinnamon and substitute some of the tiny red hot cinnamon candies? My great-grandmother used to make it this way and passed down the recipe. The candies give it color and a different taste too…she always made on stove top, however, I think it still may work. Just a thought and thank you all for sharing your ideas

  58. Would it be safe to can this? If so, water bath or pressure canner, and how long? How long would it be good? I've made this several times, and everyone loves it so I was thinking of adding it to Christmas gift baskets, but don't want anyone to get sick! Thanks!!!

  59. What are the best sweet apples to use. I would like to mix sweet and tart apples so I can use less sugar. Thanks!

    1. I used a mix of Mutsu, Jonagold, and Granny Smith. Used about half the sugar recommended. It was delicious!!

  60. I make applesauce all the time using a variety of apples, enough water to just cover the bottom of my largest pot, then a little fresh lemon juice, add the peeled, cored, and cut up apples. When apples are cooked, I leave some chunky, I add Penzy's cinnamon, OMG it is wonderful!!!

  61. When do you add the lemon juice? I think this step is missing in the instructions. I just added it with everything else.

  62. I recently was told a word of mouth simple crock pot applesauce recipe, which came out good, but then I was curious how other people do it and saw your recipe.. The only question I have is that almost all of the other recipes I have found for crock pot applesauce have had water (or some people had substituted apple juice or cider). Is it really true that you don't add any water or liquid (other than the small amt of lemon juice?) Thanks. Shannon

    1. Just made this today! I didn't add any other liquid than what was called for and it came out wonderfully. I left it on low for 7.5 hours (whoops, forgot it was on) and the texture was AMAZING. Delicious – almost jam-like in texture. My husband put it on toast. I think it'd be delicious over vanilla ice cream.

  63. My mom used to make applesauce for my kids We used Stayman Winesap, prepared the sauce with the skins on the apples and processed it through a food mill. The best thing about this was the pink applesauce. This was the only applesauce my kids would eat.

  64. Avatar photo
    Jennifer Newheiser

    This was extremely delicious. I made it today for dinner with the pork chops and garlic mashed potatoes and it was so freaking good I want to eat more!!

  65. Thanks for this recipe! I tried it today and the applesauce is yummy! I have enough apples for at least one more batch and the applesauce will be used for baking muffins with the leftovers consumed by the kids. Thumbs up from all of us!

    http://imnverted.blogspot.com/2013/02/fun-weekend.html

  66. I have made applesauce for years and never peeled the apples; just washed, cored and sliced them. Not only do you get the vitamins from the peels, but they often tint the applesauce a pink color. I simply put the applesauce through a food sieve when it is done cooking for a wonderful smooth texture. Try adding a little nutmeg with the cinnamon. I do not add sugar, but you can always add a little to taste. My children loved helping make applesauce when they were young, now my grandson does.

  67. Absolutely the BEST. Used 5 organic granny smith and 5 organic fujis with NO sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon and a cinnamon stick the night before so I woke up to the smell of warm apples n cinnamon for breakfast. Spoon it over some homemade granola and it's like heaven.

    1. 20 minutes in a water bath is what I have been seeing in the Ball cookbooks I have. Lemon juice appears to be optional.

  68. I used this as a base recipe to make applesauce for my 7 month old rather than buying apple baby food. I used 5 apples (golden delicious), 3 pears (d'anjou), 1 cup frozen blueberries, and a cinnamon stick. I didn't add sugar and I skipped the lemon peel/juice because I didn't have any. I ran it through the blender to puree it and it came out great! I froze it in ice cube trays then transferred the cubes to freezer bags.

  69. I made this overnight and it is so delicious!! I left the skin on the apples and used my immersion blender after it was done cooking to blend them in. I also used a half teaspoon of cinnamon since I didn't have any cinnamon sticks. Yummy as always!

  70. Avatar photo
    Amy Wills Gray

    So easy to make and SO good! My daughter loves it! I put some on top of her vanilla ice cream last night, and I swirled some into my greek yogurt this morning. The possiblites are endless 🙂

  71. this was such a great recipe! I have a small crock pot so I used 3 large apples (I think they were golden delicious). I did not add any sugar or water and I think my applesauce came out perfectly sweet enough. I turned on the crock pot at low overnight and then blended it the next morning.

  72. Avatar photo
    Jordan McCollum

    The last time I made applesauce (2 years ago?) I did it on the stovetop, no added sugar, and used a wire sieve and the back of a wooden spoon to mill it. Yikes! This method is much easier. I don't have an immersion blender, but 30 seconds in my food processor did the trick. I've had the apples waiting for a month this time, and my kids will be so excited!

    @last Anon–I added no liquid other than a splash of lemon juice. It cooked for 8 1/2 hours on low (double the amount of apples as in the recipe, I think–I lost count!) and didn't burn. It did end up making a couple cups of its own juice, which I blended with it.

  73. Gina,
    First and foremost: I love your blog. I found your blog thanks to a friend of mine!! I have used several of your recipes already! I love the fact that your food doesn't taste like diet food! I really love it because, this way my boyfriend doesn't complain that I went with a healthier option. He considers some of them to be pretty bland so he doesn't like it. But when I make your recipes he raves about them and has no idea we just at a skinny meal!

    I did have one question about this recipe. I was wondering if you needed to add any liquid to this recipe? I love cooking with my slow cooker and as a rule follow the recipe to a T when it says to add or not add water. But, I'm just wondering if the apples would burn?

  74. Avatar photo
    Ashley Carter

    This was very, very good and perfect for the day after returning from the apple orchard. My only issue was that my strip of lemon peel broke apart in the crock pot and I couldn't remove all the pieces. It's a little too lemony for me (and if you get a bite of the peel, a little bitter). Otherwise very good.

  75. Avatar photo
    Mama.Mommy.Mom.

    Just made a batch of this with Mutsu apples we picked at Sky Top Orchard over the weekend… It was amazing!

    Jamie @ www.mamamommymom.com

  76. Avatar photo
    LisaK @ CanNebodyHearMe

    I had a bunch of apples that I needed to use before they went bad, so I made this last night! Now, I need to go buy MORE apples because I need to make more of this amazing applesauce!

    I did use ground cinnamon + a dash of apple pie seasoning in lieu of the cinnamon stick. Besides, I love cinnamon applesauce anyway! I also used lemon zest instead of a strip of lemon peel. My apples were mostly honeycrisp!

    Anyway, this sauce was DELICIOUS! I mixed some with greek yogurt for breakfast and will be having more for a snack later and even MORE for dessert tonight!

  77. First batch, to much lemon, so now I have lemon sauce. Going to try again, this time without the lemon!

  78. I'm trying this today with my first graders (in honor of Johnny Appleseed's birthday). They are so excited!
    Lauren

  79. I may try this, have been making the sauce on my stove, then using food mill. Like cooking with the skin and core, gives a great taste with several varieties of apples. I do not add any sweetener, and freeze in gallon bags so I can later make apple butter in my crock pot, again with no or little added sweetener and lots of cinnamon, allspice, cloves (no measurements, just guesswork). Then I freeze the apple butter in cube form so I can thaw just what I need for a week or so!

  80. Avatar photo
    Bettina Sullivan

    This is SOOOO good. I made it yesterday but just tasted it today! Yum. I'll be making more batches and freezing. I love your website and recipes!

  81. I left the skins on and it ended up tasting a little bit like rhubarb! Such a bonus. http://thedillydaily.wordpress.com/2012/07/30/when-applesauce-tastes-like-apple-pie-filling/

    Great recipe — thanks so much!

  82. Just made this today. Yum!! Can I use this applesauce in your recipes that call for "unsweetened applesauce" or do I need to make a batch without the brown sugar? Thanks!!

  83. The apples are all peeled and cooking in my crockpot! I'm having the grand babies over for dinner tonight! They will LOVE it and so will I!!!! Thanks so much for posting!

  84. this is in my slow cooker as i type and my house smells amazing! i didn't have the exact ingredients and cut the recipe to only have 2 apples, 1 tsp of cinnamon, squirt of lemon and 2 tsp brown sugar. After cooking 3 hours it wasn't breaking down, only browning, so i added 1/3 cup water, so i'll check in an hour or so to see whats happening. I plan on hand blending it because i don't have a food processor 🙁 and serving it with the Pork chop/apple sauce recipe tonight! its gonna be tasty! much healthier than the other version i was doing before.
    thanks Gina!

  85. When I make applesauce in my crockpot, I use enough apples to completely FILL it all the way (I peel and core the apples). I don't add anything except the apples (we like to use just Fuji apples =) Once the apples break apart easily, I run it through an emulsion blender than let it set in a fine mesh colander with a few layers of cheesecloth to filter out all that yummy juice (we like our applesauce REALLY thick) and than I make apple jelly with the leftover juice. My kids don't like store bought applesauce anymore after eating it homemade plus I get the added bonus of knowing exactly what went into it.

  86. Do you think Splenda brown sugar can be used instead of regular brown sugar? I've never made applesauce before but I have to try this. Thanks for sharing 🙂

  87. Hi,

    Just an FYI for everyone. I'm pretty sure the points plus for a serving is 2. I put the nutritional information into Weight Watchers ETools to save in my favorite foods and it came out as 2 points.

  88. This is a fantastic recipe! I am making it for the second time, and it is the easiest applesauce recipe I've made. I've given jars as gifts and everyone raves about how delicious it is. Thanks Gina for another great recipe!

    1. Hi
      When you jar the apple sauce how long does it keep? I have never jarred anything and want to try this.
      Thank you.

  89. Avatar photo
    slowcookingpot.com

    Great recipe for a slow cooker. Anytime you make a recipe with apples whether it is applesauce or apple pie or any other apple recipe it is more flavorful and interesting when you combine 2 or more varieties of apples.

  90. This was so good! My son was excited to help prepare the recipe, and even more excited to sample it. We enjoyed it warm as a snack last night, and will be having it cold with dinner tonight. I used a blend of honey crisps, granny smiths, and jonagolds. We'll definitely have this again – I'm even thinking about making another batch to have on Christmas morning. Thanks!

  91. I made this and it was a hit, I used the applesauce in my pancake mix and my (15) son loved them. So today ive decided to add a bag of cranberries and instead of lemon I'm using an orange peel and the juice from the orange. The smell from my kitchen is yummy.

  92. I made this today–FANTASTIC!!! While it was still about 1/2hour from being done, I dished up some apple chunks in a couple bowls, crumbled a couple of graham cracker squares on top, and added a dollop of Cool Whip to each. Made for a very tasty "fake apple pie". Hubby loved it!! Then the rest continued to cook and was pureed for applesauce. Love it and love your site, Gina!

  93. This may be a dumb question, but if you make this and want to put it in cute Ball jars like you have displayed, do you need to heat those jars, etc. like real "canning" which I have no idea how to do OR did you just place it in there and tell people to use it quickly?? Thanks so much, big fan of the site! Holly

  94. made it today and it came out great! Iam already thinking of buying more apples and giving them for gifts…Thanks for the great receipe!!

  95. I made this today knowing that it would be delicious, but I had no clue it would taste exactly like my mothers (which I've been missing for years!). So simple, so satisfying. Thanks for this one, along with the rest of the winners I've tried out since discovering you a few months ago!

  96. Absolutely delicious! Took the advice of others and plug mine in at night (My slow cooker has a minimum of 8hrs on low) and wake up to delicious hot applesauce and the house smells fantastic! We love having some with a piece of cinnamon raisin toast for breakfast. Yum! Each time I've tried a different combo of apples – a few of every different kind the store has and it always turns out great. I do find it quite sweet though, so definitely less sugar. I fill my slow cooker to the brim (which is about 3x the recipe) and stil only use maybe 2-3tsp of sugar (instead of 15). I thought for sure I'd like more as I like mine sweet too but the apples do a great job on their own – probably the honey crips!

  97. Hubby & I made applesauce in the crockpot last weekend. He fit as many apples (which we collected from a friend's little apple grove) as he could into it and let it cook down, adding lots of cinnamon, and some other spices, and I don't know how much brown sugar. He ate it all in two days, anyway. I made another batch with the apples we had left. A bit of cinnamon, no sugar. I had one bite and thought it was fantastic. Hubby took the rest to work the next day.

  98. My recipe calls for 4 lbs apples, peeled cored and quartered. Add 1 cup of apple cider and cook in the crock pot 10 hrs or overnite on low. So no sugar or anything else to deal with! You can always add some cinnamon and cook for another hr if you want!

  99. Avatar photo
    garyrkarr@gmail.com

    I have to give the props Gina for the subtle reference to the Brady Bunch episode — pork chops and applesauce.

    See this for further info:
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SgqDpLyXsg0

  100. Yum! We just had this with the pork chops tonight. Then I had another serving with some cool whip on top for dessert. Thanks so much for your site! It helps me to do Weight Watchers with out feeling like I'm on a diet.

  101. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Ashley, I'm not sur eif the peels make a tarter sauce, I always peel them, just my preference.

    Nora, I don't own a food mill… yet! I have an apple butter recipe on here!

  102. I love making applesauce! Have you ever thought of using a food mill? I quarter the apples and cook them peels and all on the stove until soft, then I run them throught a food mill to take out the peels and seeds, then transfer the mush to the slow cooker to really cook.

    Another great treat is apple butter, where you cook the sauce with the lid off for a day or so. The result is divine!!

  103. This recipe is a keeper I will never buy apple sauce again!!!! I swirl this into my oatmeal every morning 🙂 I cant wait to try it warm over pancakes!!
    From Leah in CA

  104. Avatar photo
    K. Marie Jesch

    Just made some but it's going to take a lot of will power to keep it around until dinner tomorrow for your pork chops! I added a very healthy sprinkling of cinnamon to it in addition to the cinnamon stick!

  105. yum! made this yesterday and it is SO GOOD…. totally reminded me of my childhood. my grandma always made her applesauce 🙂 i used a combination of tango and honeycrisp apples + 1 granny smith. i just stirred it and kept it chunky ~ delicious! thanks so much for the recipe… will be making it again very soon as it's already gone!

  106. I made this the other day and it was great! I cooked it on high mostly because it was kind of late, then low for the remaining hr. Great recipe!!

  107. I made this yesterday and it was great! My 2 year old daughter loved helping me! The recipe is very simple so she was actually able to help a lot. I did have a questions about the skins. We did not peel the apples b/c I was just too lazy. They cooked up fine and with an immersion blender the sauce is nice and smooth. The only thing I noticed was the sauce got a little tart overnight in the fridge. Was that from the skins? Why do you peel your apples?

  108. I just put a double batch in my slow cooker (minus 2 apples cuz I couldn't keep the kids away) I'm using splend brown sugar blend as I only had dark brown sugar. Normally I would 1/2 the sugar when using splenda blend, but I think I put in extra lemon (I'm bad about measuring and just used the juice of the whole lemon.) My kids can't wait to try it!!!

  109. Awesome recipe. I had my doubts about the crockpot producing a better applesauce than any other buti t did. The cinnamon and lemon blend through out. I put my third batch in this morning! Thank you again Gina

  110. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Im glad you all like it, so true, this doesn't last too long in my house.

    You can use one or two variety of apples, maybe a gala and honeycrisp.

  111. Such a great recipe! My two year old keeps asking for it, but my husband and I ate it all. You can't save this recipe in the fridge for a week, it will be eaten long before then! Great job Gina.-Stacey

  112. Amazing! I am not even a fan of applesauce but this was just delish! 🙂 I'm so glad I found your site. I'll be trying out a lot of your recipes! -Kay P in Missouri

  113. I have gala and granny smith right now. Think it matters if I don't have all the different varieties?

  114. I just made this tonight and it was AMAZING! I even left the skin on, since it's so good for you, and it came out great! My roommates loved it too!

  115. Long time lurker, first time commenter here! This recipe is amazing and so easy! I started the apples this morning and HAD to have some with my lunch because they smelt and looked so good. Only halfway through the cooking process and they were absolutely delicious! I made the mistake of taking a bite of them first…of course the rest of my lunch tasted so bland compared to these. They were such a treat! THANK YOU for this awesome recipe!

  116. On WW recipe builder using small apples gives a PP value of 1 using medium size apples gives it a 2

  117. Once a fruit is used IN ANY OTHER FORM other than eaten whole counts as at least 1 points+ . Once you change the form of the whole fruit (peel, blend, cook) you have changed the composition and it loses it's 0 pts+ value. (almost as if you've kick started the digestion process).

  118. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    I'm glad you liked it, I love this in the crock pot this time of year. I'm ready for a second batch myself! Great way to use up apples from apple picking!

    You can leave the lemon out if you don't have it, use this as a base and make adjustments to suit your taste.

  119. This was the best applesauce ever. I dint add any sugar and I doubled the Cinnamon since we are big fans. However, I didn't get close to 3 cups. Maybe my apples were to small.

    -Stephanie

  120. update to my applesauce experiment:

    I used all gala apples (they were on sale) and a bit over a teaspoon of ground cinnamon. I like it cook all night. i was worried I overcooked it because it was soooo dark but it's pretty darn good. Might try with other apple varieties. My first crockpot item was a success! (oh, I did use lemon juice. My mom brought me some )

  121. I made this yesterday and it was such a delightful treat for the end of the day! So yummy I am going to make more! I can see using this as a pie filling too!

  122. I made this last night with all Gala apples, I didn't have any lemon so I used lime juice and a fresh orange peel and I put in two 6" cinnamon sticks at my husband request. This applesauce turned out great, it is so delicious.

  123. I just bought my first crockpot today after seeing your recipe. The issue is that I forget to buy lemon or lemonjuice. Can I make it without that since I'm not planning on it lasting long in this house?

  124. Another great recipe! I made this today and it was amazing! Between me and the kids it didn't even last until DH got home from work, now I have to go buy more apples to make it again! Thanks

  125. Avatar photo
    No Thanks to Cake

    Gina – This may be my VERY favorite crockpot recipe. I made it today on a very snowy Colorado day. So amazing!!!! Thanks for sharing!! I will definitely make it again!!

  126. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    I'll never totally understand cooking with fruit on recipe builder.

    Red hots in your applesauce, different!

    If you double this, the cooking time may be 8 hours.

    The lemon peel is optional, I love the flavor it adds to the sauce.

  127. I made this applesauce in my crockpot… Left it overnight without stirring and woke up to an amazing smell in my kitchen! The applesauce required some stirring this morning, but it turned out fantastic. It's sweet and tastes like apple pie filling!

  128. This applesauce is great! I love the lemon taste. In my old recipe, all I added was lots of sugar. It took 12 hours for the apples to break down in my crockpot on low. I think I need a new crockpot.

  129. Gina, add me to one of your new fans! I have made at least 5 of your recipes and plan on adding your way of cooking to my eclectic Polish/Irish/Italian/Southern way of cooking. I now add low fat! This recipe is incredible and I made this tonight along with your pork chops that you featured tonight for dinner! Incredible. I did add a little extra pumpkin pie spice and a little extra brown sugar as I felt my apples were a little too tart! Yummo as Rachel Ray would say! Thank you Gina for all of your awesomeness!

  130. I love making applesauce, but never thought to do it in the crock pot. Instead of the cinnamon sticks, I use 1/4 cup of red hots. They give me the cinnamon flavor, some sweetness so I do not need to add sugar, and it has a beautiful pink color. My kids love it!

  131. I am going to have to fix this! I love applesauce! And in a crockpot? BONUS! I really love your recipes!! Easy, cost efficient and healthy!! Can't beat that!

  132. Gina,
    NEVER Thought to make my own but I will this week! With apples on sale/ in season it's perfect!

    I recently bought agave based on one of your old recipes but I wanted to know what you thought about it. Do you use it a lot? Do you sub it for a lot of sugars or just in small amounts?

    LOVE LOVE LOVE your site and for the past 6 weeks I've cooked at least 3 of your meals a week and lost almost 5 pounds! We love the flavor, the simplicity, the presentation…it's all wonderful! Thank you!

  133. Avatar photo
    Katie@embracing gluten free

    This looks so good and so easy. Putting it on my must made soon list! Thanks for sharing! I love your site!

  134. I just wanted to help clear up any confusion. When using the recipe builder, it calculates the final P+ value based solely off the nutritional information. That's why if you enter in any type of fruit or vegetable, you will wind up with a P+ value. It's because the builder is recognizing the NI for that item, and not the fact that the item is a "free" food. If you make this without the sugar, it will be 0P+. Hope that helps!

  135. If you own a food mill you can skip peeling the apples. When you run the cooked mixture through the mill it removes the skins and seeds. Added bonus — the applesauce is pink.

  136. If I double the recipe, would that change the cooking time/level at all? 6 hours on high? 12 hours on low?

  137. i THINk it is 1 point because u peel it maybe, just a thought. i have no idea 🙂 So making this!! Thanks. I don't know what i would do without ur blog!!

  138. OHH I am so glad I found this and can't wait to make this…I just returned from apple picking with SOOOO many apples and need to find ways to use them all so I am making this tomorrow for sure! Thank you so much

  139. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Ok, just checked on recipe builder, it's 1 points plus with or without the sugar. So here we go again, if fruit is used in a recipe, the nutritional info for the apples is calculated and no longer 0. So is this 0 points because it's an apple? Or is it 1 point because it's used in a recipe? Sugar free apple sauce on recipe builder is 0, but if I use it as an ingredient in recipe builder, it then becomes 1 pts plus. I know, confusing! I'll leave it to you to decide how you want to calculate it.

  140. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Wow, lots of questions! Thanks some of you for answering them for me. I think this would make an adorable gift if you can it. Otherwise, I guess it would keep a week or so refrigerated. Longer if you freeze it.

    I think this would be fine to leave in the crock pot if you aren't home cooked on low.

    You can make this on the stove cooking it on low heat in a heavy pot until the apples get soft, it may need more water.

    I will double check the points, was having issues getting on recipe builder today!

  141. I made some a few weeks ago and it just tastes so much better than the mushy crud you get from a jar at the store and when it's made with love, you can't get better than that! (Call the schmaltz police)

  142. Gina, I never use lemon juice when I make apple sauce on top of the stove. Is it a must when making it in the crock pot?
    Thanks,
    Audrey

  143. Why is it two points plus for 1/4 cup? That seems awfully high when regular applesauce is 0 points plus for a cup.

    1. I am not sure I understand this either. My calculation for points plus would be based just on the sugar. Apples, lemon peel, lemon juice and cinnamon are all 0. 1 tbsp of brown sugar = 1 point

  144. Gina – So you PEEL the apples!!! Okay. So that's what happened. My son worked in a produce market last year and I bought so many apples, more than we could just eat. (Had my first Honeycrisp — what an apple!!!) I did something like this last year but didn't peel them and regretted it afterward. The peels ruined what would have otherwise tasted really good. Will try it again. Deborah

    1. honey crisp are AMAZING aren't they?? I discovered them this year myself. They are the perfect apple for EVERYTHING!! 🙂

  145. You can use any size crockpot for this (just fill it at least half full) or add a small amount of water (like 1/4 inch in the bottom on the pan) and cook slowly on the stovetop in a covered pan. I usually don't peel my apples but put them through a food mill which separates out the peel. It gives the applesauce a lovely pink color.

    Canning this is not that hard (look up recipes on the Ball website) or freeze it in baggies. We are freezing ours right now in ice cube trays and then popping them out into a freezer bag. I have a 4 month old granddaughter who will be eating this soon and I'll use it in many recipes. Two cubes makes a nice side dish.

    Mary
    Lexington KY

    1. thank you for this comment! I was not sure whether my crock pot would work for this (I have a triple unit: three 2.5 quart slow cookers on one buffet style unit). nice idea on the ice cubes too (we were thinking of putting it in freezer safe gladware when it was done, maybe).

  146. Avatar photo
    warmvanillasugar

    I recently made apple butter in the slow cooker since I wasn't all the way satisfied with the apple sauce recipes. Now I am! Thanks!

  147. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    Mugsmulli, you could always add the sugar in the end to your taste! Love the idea of waking up to applesauce in the morning!

    Cat, great idea to freeze it in 1 cup servings!

    Amy, if it's not canned, maybe a week? But I like to add it to lots of recipes, muffins, cakes, etc so I use it all up quick.

    The apples are so sweet sometimes they don't need the sugar. I like it a tad sweeter but it's a matter of taste.

    Katie, it's a matter of taste, maybe 1/4 to 1/2 tsp?

    Tracy, it's so tasty, the deeper color doesn't bother me at all. COuld be the cinnamon, or the brown sugar.

    Taylor, it does!

    Julie, thanks for the tip!

  148. Just a quick idea to make it a tad easier. I do my apples with the skins on in the crock pot, then run them through the food mill and then pack to the crock pot for sauce making. It is so easy and clean up is amazing. Just thought I'd share.
    Take care and God Bless!!

  149. I make applesauce in the crock pot as well. I've always wondered if I'm doing it right because it turns brown. I'm glad to see yours does too.

  150. Avatar photo
    Katie and David

    So, I just have to say that I love your blog. I subscribe to it now and I've featured you on my blog as well. Thanks for inspiring me to get healthy again! Also, do you think it would be ok to use powdered cinnamon? And if so, how much would you suggest? Thanks!

  151. I LOVE the way you presented your applesauce. I've been getting lots of apples in my CSA box, so I've been making crockpot applesauce, too. I don't add any sugar. Unsweetened applesauce is 0 points plus.

  152. Oh, and I freeze mine too in ziploc reusable containers. I like to freeze them in 1 cup portions. Lasts for months in the deep freeze!

  153. I would never have thought of this but it sounds like the perfect way to make delicious applesauce! There's little prep work or clean up and your house will smell delicious all day – what more could you ask for from a recipe? Thanks for sharing, I can't wait to try this one soon!

  154. I don't even peel my apples. Cook in the crock pot and then use an emulsion blender to mix it smooth. Don't want to lose all that fiber from the peel! And add me to the list of people who adds no sugar. Apples are generally sweet enough already. 🙂

    1. I have a Vitamix. Do you wait to blend after it has cooled. I love the idea of not having to peel them.

  155. I make applesauce in the crockpot without sugar. I freeze it in the size containers to put into recipes (ie. 1/2 c)instead of oil. I had not thought of doing the cinnamon stick, will try that instead of the powdered. I also put it on at night and in the morning you wake up to warm applesauce for breakfast. I will say my daughter prefers the little bit of sugar. Worth playing with the amount of sugar.

    1. Hi Emily,
      I have made homemade applesauce for years and then freeze it. I then have it all winter long and nothing beats the taste. You will never eat store bought applesauce again.

    2. I freeze my applesauce in ice cube trays — when it's solid, I pop them out and store them in a Ziploc bag — it's great when you only want a serving or two at a time!

  156. Avatar photo
    hedgehoghomeschool

    In my house, we prefer a slightly less sweet applesauce, so we leave out the sugar and make sure to use a combo of sweet and tart apples, and it comes out just fine. Just thought I would mention it for those who might be looking to avoid the extra added sugar.

  157. I'm in love with applesauce, but have never made my own.

    I try to buy applesauce w/ no sugar added. Do you think it would work the same if I didn't add any sugar?

    Thanks,

    Jes
    becominglessofjes.blogspot.com

    1. I tried making this recipe but I used brown sugar twin. It worked well but use less brown sugar than the recipe calls for.

    2. Avatar photo
      Gerald Chrisman

      I make applesauce ALOT and I very seldom need any sugar at all. I find some lemon juice really helps bring out the apple flavor, and some cinnamon. If I have really tart apples, or just for variety I have used frozen strawberries, or red raspberries!

    3. I have made applesauce several times and I NEVER add sugar. Just use a variety of apples like honey crisp, red delicious or macs. Granny smiths are too tart. If you are going to use sugar… cane sugar isn't bad to use but I think you'll find if you put a piece of each kind of apple in your mouth and chew them together, you will come up with the right mix and never need any sugar.

  158. Yumm!! Homemade applesauce is my favorite, especially with a little bit of cinnamon. I'm not a big fan of the canned applesauce you buy from the store though. Thanks for sharing the recipe!

    Hope you have a great day!!

    Lauren

    http://laurensweetnothings.blogspot.com/

  159. Avatar photo
    Gina @ Skinnytaste

    My favorite as a kid was potato pancakes and applesauce! Wish I could make my moms recipe lighter!

    1. you mentioned potato pancakes i know they are not a light recipe so you may not post it on here. But if you have a recipe,even though its not light, but would there be a way you could maybe email me the recipe i have been searching for a good recipe.

  160. I will be making this soon! I love love love homemade applesauce. It reminds me of being a kid, my mother would make her own!

  161. Avatar photo
    Geezees Custom Canvas Art

    Yumm…i love applesauce and never thought about making my own…looking forward to the recipe!

    1. Love applesauce don’t have a slow cooker so did the recipe ,used 1/2 c water cooked for7 minutes
      Shut off let stand for 10 min. Open blend like you like or leave chuncky tks for wonderful recipes peggy