This slow cooker applesauce is easy to make, and much more flavorful than store-bought! It’s so simple to make and you only need 6 ingredients!

Slow cooker apple sauce topped with a cinnamon stick.

Featured Comment

“My new favorite apple sauce recipe!” – Hannah

Applesauce seems like one of those no-brainer things to buy premade, but trust me… there’s nothing like fresh apple sauce! Not only does it smell amazing when it’s cooking, but you can control the level of sweetener, add flavor like cinnamon, and it’s just overall richer and flavorful. It’s perfect for the winter holidays, or really anytime you want applesauce.

Table of contents

Why you’ll love this homemade applesauce

  • Only 6 ingredients! You only need a handful of ingredients for this recipe to come together.
  • The perfect side dish. Whether you’re serving it with a Thanksgiving dinner like my oven baked turkey tenderloin, or with my one pan apple pork chops, you’ll absolutely love this as a side.
  • Slow cooker magic. Simply chop the apples and let the slow cooker do the rest of the work.
  • Adjust the sweetener to your liking. You can add more or less coconut sugar depending on your personal preference.

Recipe Ingredients

Homemade apple sauce ingredients.
  • Apples. I like to use gala apples. Honeycrisp would be another great option!
  • Coconut Sugar. The flavor is similar to brown sugar! I love being able to control the amount of sugar in homemade applesauce, which is part of what makes it worth it to make at home!
  • Lemon, Water, and Apple Cider.
  • Cinnamon Sticks. These add such great flavor to the applesauce.

How to make Applesauce in the Slow Cooker

  • Peel and chop the apples. 
  • Add to the slow cooker. Add the apples to the base of the slow cooker and top with coconut sugar and lemon juice. Stir to toss and pour over the water and apple cider. Add the cinnamon sticks on top and place the lid on top of the slow cooker.
  • Slow cook until soft. 
Side by side photo of apples cooked and being mashed in the slow cooker.
  • Mash. If a chunkier applesauce is preferred, mash it with a potato masher. If you prefer a smooth applesauce, allow to cool and blend in a food processor.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a potato masher to mash your apple sauce! It’s not just for potatoes, it’s perfect for apple sauce too!
  • Adjust the texture to your liking. This recipe is super flexible in terms of texture. You can mash the apples as much or as little as you prefer.

What apples are best to use to make apple sauce

  • Gala apples. Juicy and sweet!
  • Honey crisp. Sweet and crisp.
  • Jonagold. Crisp and slightly sour.

What apples should you not use to make apple sauce?

  • Red delicious. These apples are a bit softer and will make the applesauce mushy.
  • Overly tart apples. Apples that are too tart will result in an applesauce that’s just not quite sweet enough. If you do prefer tart apples, I suggest using a blend of something like Granny Smith and Gala/Honeycrisp together to balance the flavors!

Recipe FAQS

Can you make applesauce in the Instant Pot?

Yes, you still can, though the cooking time will be different. You’ll cook it on high for about 10 minutes instead.

How long does this recipe stay fresh?

You can keep this recipe in the fridge for 3-4 days and serve it cold.

Slow cooker apple sauce being scooped with a spoon.

You’ll also like…

Slow cooker apple sauce topped with a cinnamon stick.
5 from 2 reviews

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Author: Michelle
This slow cooker applesauce is easy to make, and much more flavorful than store-bought! It’s so simple to make and you only need 6 ingredients!
Print Leave a Review Pin Recipe

Want to save this for later?
Just drop your name and email below. Then we’ll email right to your inbox. ✉️

Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients
 

  • 6 gala apples
  • ¼ cup coconut sugar
  • Juice of a quarter lemon
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup apple cider
  • 4 cinnamon sticks

Equipment

Instructions
 

  • Wash and peel the apples and chop them into slices.
  • Add the apples to the base of the slow cooker and top with coconut sugar and lemon juice. Stir to toss and pour over the water and apple cider. Add the cinnamon sticks on top and place the lid on top of the slow cooker.
  • Cook on low for 6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours or until the apples are fully softened. Remove the cinnamon sticks.
  • If a chunkier applesauce is preferred, mash it with a potato masher. If you prefer a smooth applesauce, allow to cool and blend in a food processor.

Notes

If a less-sweet applesauce is desired, you can half the coconut sugar! 
Mash the applesauce as much or as little as you prefer. 
Serving: 1serving, Calories: 140kcal, Carbohydrates: 37.5g, Protein: 0.7g, Fat: 0.4g, Fiber: 5.4g
All nutrition facts are estimated and will vary.
Did you Make this Recipe?Tag @unboundwellness on Instagram and hashtag #unboundwellness!