If you’re looking for a healthy, hands-off way to make homemade applesauce, this easy crockpot applesauce recipe is perfect. It’s naturally sweetened, made right in your slow cooker, and requires minimal prep, just peel, chop, and wait while your kitchen fills with the smell of warm cinnamon and apples.
Why You’ll Love This Sugar-Free Applesauce
This sugar-free crockpot applesauce is made without refined sugar or preservatives and turns out perfectly every time. Smooth, chunky, or somewhere in between depending on how you mash it.
Whether you want a wholesome snack, a side dish for pork chops, or a freezer-friendly treat, this recipe is a must-try fall favorite.
Ingredients for Homemade Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
- 5 lbs of Peeled Apples
- 1/2 Cup of Honey (optional)
- 2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon
- 3/4 of a Cup of Water
Tip: For a completely refined sugar-free applesauce, skip the honey and rely on naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
How to Make Applesauce in a Crockpot (Step-by-Step Guide)
Making homemade applesauce in a crockpot couldn’t be easier! Follow these simple steps for the perfect balance of flavor and texture, whether you like it chunky or smooth.
Step 1: Peel, Core, and Slice the Apples
Start by peeling and coring your apples. Cut them into even-sized chunks so they cook evenly in the slow cooker. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Fuji and Granny Smith) gives your applesauce a naturally sweet flavor without needing extra sugar.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Crockpot
Place the apple chunks into your slow cooker. Add a small amount of water to prevent sticking, if you want you can add a splash of lemon juice to keep the apples from browning, and a sprinkle of ground cinnamon for warm, cozy flavor. Stir everything gently to coat the apples evenly.
Optional Add-Ins: You can also toss in a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract for extra depth of flavor.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Apples
Cover and cook your apples on Low for 6–7 hours, or until they’re very soft and start breaking down. Your kitchen will smell amazing as the apples slowly turn into sweet, spiced applesauce.
Tip: Stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even texture and prevent any apples from sticking to the bottom.
Step 4: Mash or Blend to Desired Texture
Once cooked, it’s time to decide if you want chunky crockpot applesauce or smooth applesauce.
- For a chunky texture, mash the cooked apples with a potato masher.
- For smooth applesauce, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor or standard blender until silky and lump-free.
Step 5: Taste and Sweeten if Needed
Taste your applesauce, it may already be naturally sweet! If you prefer a bit more sweetness, add a drizzle of honey or pure maple syrup while it’s still warm. Stir well to combine.
Step 6: Serve or Store Your Homemade Applesauce
Your easy slow cooker applesauce is now ready! Enjoy it warm straight from the crockpot or chill it for later. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for long-term storage.
Flavor Variations
- Chunky Crockpot Applesauce: Mash lightly for a rustic texture.
- Cinnamon Spiced: Add extra cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves for a warm fall flavor.
- No Sugar Added Applesauce: Skip honey completely and let the apples shine.
- Vanilla Twist: Stir in ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract after cooking.
How to Serve Your Applesauce
Enjoy this healthy crockpot applesauce in so many ways:
- As a side for pork chops or roast chicken
- Mixed into oatmeal or yogurt
- Used in baking as a natural sweetener
- Served warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top
Storage and Freezing Tips
- Refrigerate: Store in airtight jars up to 7 days.
- Freeze: Spoon into freezer-safe containers or silicone molds and freeze up to 3 months.
- Thaw: Move to the fridge overnight or reheat gently in the microwave or on the stove.
Best Apples for Crockpot Applesauce
| Sweet Apples | Tart Apples |
|---|---|
| Fuji | Granny Smith |
| Gala | McIntosh |
| Honeycrisp | Braeburn |
Combining sweet and tart apples makes a naturally balanced, sugar-free slow cooker applesauce that doesn’t need added sweetener.
Expert Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Use fresh apples that are firm and fragrant.
- Don’t overcook, 7 hours on low is usually perfect.
- For thicker applesauce, reduce water slightly.
- Double the recipe, it freezes beautifully!
FAQs About Crockpot Applesauce
How do you make applesauce in a crockpot?
Simply peel, core, and chop apples, then cook them with a bit of water and cinnamon in a slow cooker for 6–7 hours until soft. Mash or blend to your desired consistency.
Can I make sugar-free applesauce in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Just skip the honey or any added sweetener. Apples are naturally sweet, especially varieties like Fuji or Gala.
What apples are best for crockpot applesauce?
Use a combination of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for the best flavor balance.
Can you freeze homemade applesauce?
Yes! Freeze in small portions for easy snacking or baking later. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
How long does crockpot applesauce last in the fridge?
This crockpot applesauce keeps well for up to 7 days in an airtight container.
Why You’ll Love This Healthy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
- No refined sugar or preservatives
- Hands-off, one-pot recipe
- Kid-friendly and freezer-friendly
- Naturally sweet and spiced
- Perfect for clean eating or SCD diet
🔗 Related Recipes You’ll Love
- Homemade Apple Chips
- Healthy Zucchini Bread
- Low-Carb Peanut Butter Bars (Air Fryer)
- Keto Pumpkin Cheesecake
How to Make Applesauce In a Crockpot
Make this easy crockpot applesauce recipe with no added sugar! A simple slow cooker recipe for healthy, delicious homemade applesauce.
Ingredients
- 5 lbs of Peeled Apples
- 1/2 Cup of Honey (optional)
- 2 Teaspoons of Cinnamon
- 3/4 of a Cup of Water
Instructions
Peel about 5 lbs. of apples and add them to a crockpot set on high.
Add all of the cinnamon and water to the crockpot and cook on high for about 7 hours.
After the applesauce has been cooked thoroughly, you may have an apple cider-type liquid in the Crockpot. You can drain this out and use it for other recipes, drink it, or throw it away. I just like to add a little extra water to prevent things from burning to the crockpot and the liquid increases as the apples cook.
Taste to see if you would like to add honey, if so, now is the time to sweeten the applesauce if needed.
After draining the excess liquid, put the applesauce into a blender and then refrigerate until cool.
Serve & enjoy.
Notes
- Substitute honey with sugar if you prefer.
- Add in more cinnamon for a bolder taste.
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 213Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gSodium 5mgCarbohydrates 57gFiber 7gSugar 47gProtein 1g
The nutrition in recipes is caluculate by AI, mistakes happen. It is highly recommended to check carb counts to make sure these recipes fit into your diet.
About Thirty Something Super Mom
My journey started after a Crohn's disease diagnosis, inspiring a commitment to well-being. This site shares my distinctive approach to healthy living with my collection of nutritious recipes that boast authentic flavors, mimicking the indulgence of traditional dishes. I love sharing guilt free recipes for low carb, keto, gluten-free, paleo, and the specific carbohydrate diet. I also share tips on natural living, including homemade cleaners and cleaning hacks. I also share my experience as a veterinary technician and pet groomer, to integrate pet health tips, homemade dog food recipes, and grooming insights to ensure your pets thrive.
I have never made my own applesauce before, but this method sounds relatively easy, so I think I will give it a try.
I’ve never made applesauce before. I’ll have to give this crock pot recipe a try. It seems like it would be really easy.
OH YUM! Can I put in an order? I got rid of my slow cooker since I barely used it, now I am regretting this! LOL
We have a bag of apples in our fridge right now. I bet the kids would get a kick out of making this!
Delicious! I would love to try this out. Homemade applesauce is seriously the best and now I have a new way to make it.
I haven’t tried to prepare a homemade applesauce. After reading your post, I have a good idea how to do it. So, I think the family would be expecting some of my applesauce this weekend. 🙂
I just made some applesauce a few weeks ago after apple picking. I never thought of using the crockpot, that is an awesome idea!
I love homemade applesauce. I made it a few years back and my kids loved it. I haven’t had a chance to make it this year though.
Homemade applesauce is the best. I’ve never tried doing it in a crockpot, though. I’m going to try this soon.
Mmmm, this looks amazing. I know my girls loved home made apple sauce.
I will try this someday. MY husband and daughter love applesauce,. We buy jars and jars of them each time.
Oh my goodness this looks so good!!! I would love to make my own apple sauce, I need to try this!
xo Adriana – Daily Dose of Design
I love apple sauce but have never made it in the crockpot. I love cooking with my crockpot so I should give this a try.
OMG. This is exactly how I make mine. Super easy and my daughter has always loved it! Smells so good in there, too.
Homemade applesauce is great! I’ve never tried doing it in a crockpot, though. Can’t wait to try it!
I love homemade applesauce, but I’ve never seen a crockpot recipe. Thanks for the recipe!
I really need to get a crockpot, I’m missing out on some awesome recipes. Never made applesauce before.
OMG this Kitchenaid sounds like a dream. My daughters favorite fruit is a Granny Smith apple. My gosh if I could just have a machine do the peal work for me.
I have never tried making applesauce in my crockpot, but this looks so good. It would be perfect on top of some ice cream.
I make crockpot applesauce once a year and I never make enough…. My family goes nuts over it!
I have never tried crock pot applesauce. However, I love applesauce and am thinking this would make my house smell delicious. Totally on my to do list for this winter.
I’ve never made applesauce in the crockpot, but when my boys were babies I did make them applesauce as baby food and I just steamed them in my fancy little baby bullet steamer. It was great fun, but now that I have no more babies I will have to give this a try! They all LOVE applesauce!
I am going to have to try this recipe I never have cooked applesauce in the crockpot. Would be so much easier
I never made applesauce before but now I would love to.