Alright, come on in, grab a mug of something warm, and let’s chat! Today, we’re talking about something that just screams “comfort” – my go-to Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. It’s one of those recipes I stumbled upon years ago, totally by accident, and it’s been a family staple ever since. I can almost smell the sweet and spicy aroma wafting through the air just thinking about it.

I remember one particularly hectic fall afternoon. The kids were bouncing off the walls, homework was piling up, and I had promised to bring something to a potluck that evening. Panic mode officially engaged. I had a fridge full of apples from our recent trip to the orchard, and that’s when the idea struck me: Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. It seemed easy enough, right? Well, the first batch was… interesting. I forgot to add any liquid, and let’s just say the bottom layer was more caramelized apple jerky than smooth, delicious applesauce. Oh yeah and here is another amazing fall recipe to check out: Cinnamon Sugar Pizza Recipe

But I persevered! After a few tweaks – adding water (duh!), the right amount of cinnamon, and a little patience – I finally cracked the code. Now, my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is something the whole family begs for, and honestly, it makes the house smell incredible. It’s become a fall tradition, right up there with pumpkin carving and cozy sweaters. This recipe is a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create something truly special.

What I love most about this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is how simple it is. We are talking ridiculously simple and if you prefer another easy recipe, here is our very delicious Crockpot Marry Me Chicken I can throw everything in the slow cooker in the morning, and by afternoon, we have a warm, comforting treat ready to go. No fancy equipment, no complicated steps, just pure, unadulterated apple-cinnamon goodness. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something heartwarming without a ton of fuss. The slow cooker does all the work, gently coaxing out the natural sweetness of the apples and infusing them with the warm, comforting spices.

Now, I’m going to share all my tips and tricks so you can make perfect Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce every single time. Don’t be intimidated – I promise it’s easier than ordering takeout! Let’s get started!

Ingredients for the Best Crockpot Applesauce

6 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and quartered: I usually use a mix of Gala and Fuji for my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. They’re sweet, readily available and give the applesauce a nice, balanced flavor. But honestly, any apples will work! When making this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce, I find the best deals on apples at the farmer’s market in the fall. The key is to use fresh, ripe apples for the best flavor and texture.
1/2 cup water: Just a little bit to get things going in the slow cooker. Don’t skip this step unless you want apple jerky like I made that first time! My mom always told me to add a bit of lemon juice to prevent browning, a trick that works wonders for my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce.
1/4 cup brown sugar, packed: I like the molasses notes that brown sugar brings, but you can also use granulated sugar or even maple syrup. When making Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce, you can find a wide variety of sugars at any grocery store. The type of sweetener you use can subtly change the flavor profile, so experiment to find your favorite.
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Because it wouldn’t be Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce without it, right? I love a good quality cinnamon; it really makes a difference.
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Just a pinch adds a lovely warmth and depth. This is one of my secret ingredients for delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce.
1/4 teaspoon ground allspice: Optional, but I love the extra layer of flavor it provides. This addition makes it a fantastic fall applesauce recipe. Allspice adds a complex warmth that complements the cinnamon and nutmeg beautifully.
1/4 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and brings out the apple flavor.

For leftover apples, I usually chop them up and freeze them for smoothies. Waste not, want not, right? I also like to buy cinnamon in bulk because we use it in everything from this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce to my morning oatmeal. Trust me, this little trick is a life saver to keep the price down.

How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce: Step-by-Step

Prep the Apples: First things first, peel, core, and quarter those apples. Now, you can skip the peeling if you want a chunkier applesauce, but my kids prefer it smooth. Trust me, this step is worth it if you want to avoid complaints later. Don’t worry if your apples aren’t perfectly uniform – this is a Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce, not a beauty pageant!
Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot: In your slow cooker, toss together the apples, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. I learned the hard way with this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce that it’s important to mix well.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the apples are very soft. The cooking time will depend on your slow cooker. In my kitchen, this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce usually takes about 7 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
Mash or Blend: Once the apples are cooked, you have a few options. For a chunky applesauce, you can simply mash them with a potato masher. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the apples to a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids! I learned the hard way with this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce that its best to let the mixture cool slightly before blending.
Taste and Adjust: Now comes the fun part – taste your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. Add more cinnamon if you like it extra spicy, or a little more sugar if you prefer it sweeter. While the Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is cooking, I usually catch up on laundry or sneak in a quick chapter of my book. This is where you can really personalize the recipe to your taste.

I can tell you from experience that forgetting the salt will make your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce taste bland, so don’t skip that step! I also love using one of those slow cooker liners for easy cleanup. Seriously, it’s a game changer. If your applesauce is too watery, just remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. The smell from this fall applesauce recipe will leave you in awe.

Serving Suggestions

Oh, the possibilities! We love our Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce warm, straight from the slow cooker, but it’s also delicious chilled. The kids love our Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce when I pack it in their lunchboxes with a little spoon.

Here are a few of our favorite ways to enjoy this fall applesauce recipe:

As a side dish: It’s fantastic with pork chops or grilled chicken. The sweetness of the applesauce complements savory dishes perfectly. This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce pairs wonderfully with a hearty meal, especially during the cooler months.
As a topping: Spoon it over yogurt, oatmeal, or even ice cream. The warm spices add a cozy touch.
As a snack: Just grab a bowl and enjoy! It’s a healthy and satisfying treat. This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is perfect for an afternoon pick-me-up.
With dessert: I will even use this applesauce on top of my delicious Crockpot Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti

If you have extra Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce, you can use it to make apple muffins, apple bread, or even add it to your pancake batter. Get creative! This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe is incredibly versatile.

This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is perfect for Thanksgiving, Christmas, or any fall gathering. It’s always a hit, and people always ask for the recipe. My friends always ask for this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe because it’s so easy and delicious, which is why I wanted to share it with you!

I always put a dollop of whipped cream on top of mine, and sometimes I sprinkle on a few chopped pecans for a little crunch. Presentation matters, even with something as simple as applesauce! If you like to explore other applesauce recipe variations, this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe – Belle of the Kitchen: Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe – Belle of the Kitchen might just do the trick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! I’ve made this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce with everything from Granny Smith to Honeycrisp. A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. You know what I do when my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce tastes too tart? I add a little maple syrup!
Do I have to peel the apples? Nope! If you don’t mind a chunkier applesauce with the peels, feel free to skip that step. My family prefers it without the peels, but it’s totally up to you. When I leave the peels on, I make sure to wash the apples really well.
Can I freeze this applesauce? Yes! Let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers. It will keep for several months. You know what I do when my freezer containers are full? I use freezer bags and lay them flat to save space.
My applesauce is too watery. What do I do? Remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the excess moisture to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken it up. You know what I do when my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is too watery? I don’t sweat it! It still tastes delicious.
Can I use a different sweetener? Of course! Maple syrup, honey, or even agave nectar would work well. Adjust the amount to your taste. You know what I do when my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce needs a little extra sweetness? I add a splash of apple juice!
My applesauce is too chunky. How do I make it smoother? Use an immersion blender or transfer the apples to a regular blender. Be careful when blending hot liquids! I learned that lesson the hard way, let me tell you. You know what I do when my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is too chunky for my kids? I sneak in some extra veggies like carrots or sweet potatoes and blend them in! They never know!
Can I add other spices? Definitely! A pinch of cardamom, cloves, or even ginger would be delicious. Get creative and experiment with your favorite flavors. You know what I do when my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce needs a little extra something? I throw in a vanilla bean!

I hope these FAQs help you troubleshoot any issues you might encounter. But honestly, this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is so forgiving; it’s hard to mess up! More tips on Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce – What the Fork: Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce – What the Fork

My Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce recipe is more than just a recipe to me; it’s a memory. It’s the smell of fall, the sound of happy kids, and the feeling of warmth and comfort. It’s one of those recipes I’ll be making for my family for years to come.

My Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Pro Tips:

Use a mix of apples for the best flavor.
Don’t skip the salt – it balances the sweetness.
Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking.

Here are a few variations we’ve tried and loved:

Caramel Apple: Add a few tablespoons of caramel sauce to the slow cooker.
Cranberry Apple: Mix in a cup of fresh or frozen cranberries.
Gingerbread Apple: Add a teaspoon of ground ginger and a pinch of cloves.

My son loves the caramel apple version, while my daughter prefers the classic Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce with a dollop of whipped cream. No matter how you make it, I hope this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce becomes a favorite in your house too.

Remember, cooking is all about experimenting and having fun. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on this recipe and make it your own. And if you are into experimenting, you might even find this Cozy Up with This Simple Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe: Cozy Up with This Simple Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe recipe helpful!

I hope you enjoy this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce as much as my family does. Happy cooking!

Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce

Print Recipe

Enjoy the warm, comforting flavors of homemade applesauce with this easy crockpot recipe. Infused with cinnamon, it’s a delicious and healthy treat the whole family will love.

Author: Zoubida
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 480 minutes
Total Time: 500 minutes
Yield: 8 servings
Category: Snack
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

6 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (or maple syrup)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

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Instructions

Place the chopped apples into the crockpot.
Add the water, sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice (if using) to the crockpot.
Stir to combine all ingredients.
Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the apples are very soft.
Once the apples are cooked, use an immersion blender to blend the applesauce to your desired consistency. Alternatively, carefully transfer the apples to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Return to the crockpot if needed.
Taste and adjust the sweetness or spice levels as needed.
Let cool slightly before serving.

Notes

Serve warm or cold, on its own or as a side dish. It’s also great on yogurt, oatmeal, or pancakes!