This Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added) comes together easily in the slow cooker with just 4 simple ingredients for a healthy and delicious snack. It can be served either warm or cold, but I prefer it warm, reminiscent of a fresh apple pie.
There's no better way to embrace fall produce by making this slow cooker Homemade Applesauce. It's the perfect way to use up a stash of freshly picked apples or even some less desirable ones that are past their prime after sitting around for a few weeks. If you haven't even eaten homemade applesauce, then this recipe is a must-try! The aroma that drifts through the house as the apples simmer is nothing short of heavenly.
This recipe is not just delicious but also aligns with various dietary needs, being gluten-free, grain-free, vegan, and dairy-free. Get ready to savor the essence of fall with a spoonful of this homemade delight.
Looking for other cozy fall recipes? Try these Healthy Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins.
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Ingredients
Here's what you need to make Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added):
- Apples - any variety of apples works here so use whatever you like.
- Apple juice - I like no-sugar-added apple juice for this, but any form of apple juice or apple cider works.
- Cinnamon - use ground cinnamon from the baking and spice aisle of the store.
- Salt - I use sea salt in this recipe but iodized salt or kosher salt would also work.
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Here's how to make Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added):
1. Use a knife and cutting board to peel, core and dice the apples. Check out this article for instructions on how to peel, core and dice an apple.
2. Add the apple juice, cinnamon, salt and diced apples to a greased slow cooker, stirring to combine.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, or until the apples are tender and have broken down.
4. Serve warm immediately, or cool to room temperature, store in an airtight container and refrigerate until serving.
Hint: To adapt this slow cooker homemade applesauce recipe for the stovetop, simply add the ingredients to a large pot over medium heat, simmer, stirring occasionally until they soften, about 20-30 minutes. To make this in a pressure cooker, add the ingredients to a pressure cooker, seal the pot, and set it to high pressure for 8-10 minutes. Naturally release the pressure for a few minutes before quick-releasing the remaining pressure.
Substitutions
Want to substitute an ingredient in Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added)?
- Apples - use a different fruit such as any form of berries or stonefruit with this same method to have a different flavor of fruit compote.
- Apple juice - use an equal amount of apple cider or water in place of the apple juice.
- Cinnamon - leave the cinnamon out of replace it with ¼ teaspoon ground cloves.
Variations
Try one of these variations of Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added):
- Sweet - add 2-4 Tablespoons of sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup for a sweeter applesauce.
Equipment
Here's what you need to make Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added):
Storage
Refrigerator - To store in the refrigerator, allow the applesauce to cool completely before transferring it into airtight containers or glass jars and refrigerate for up to 4-6 days.
Freezer - For longer-term storage, freeze the applesauce by portioning the cooled applesauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving room for expansion, and label them with the date. Frozen homemade applesauce maintains its quality for up to 6 months in the freezer. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it when you're ready to enjoy.
Top tip
For a smooth homemade applesauce, use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to effortlessly puree the cooked apples to your desired consistency, resulting in a velvety smooth texture.
FAQ
The best apples for homemade applesauce are typically those with a balance of sweetness and tartness, such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or McIntosh, as they break down easily when cooked, resulting in a flavorful, naturally sweet sauce. Consider mixing different varieties for a complex and well-rounded taste in your homemade applesauce.
Related
Looking for other healthy snack recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
Serve Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added) alongside one of these breakfast recipes for a balanced meal the whole family will love:
Recipe
Homemade Applesauce (No Sugar Added)
Equipment
- 1 knife
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples
- ½ cup apple juice
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Use a knife and cutting board to peel, core and dice the apples. Check out this article for instructions on how to peel, core and dice an apple.
- Add the apple juice, cinnamon, salt and diced apples to a greased slow cooker, stirring to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 4 hours or high for 2 hours, or until the apples are tender and have broken down.
- Serve warm immediately, or cool to room temperature, store in an airtight container and refrigerate until serving.
Notes
Nutrition
Food safety
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
Shannon
A fall staple!