I first posted this crock pot applesauce recipe over on MC, but wanted to make sure I stuck it here, with the rest of my recipes. This recipe is SO simple. Lily Bean and I had fun together in the kitchen prepping our apples and throwing them all into our trusty crock pot.
I tweaked the recipe a little – increasing all of the ingredients so that we had a full crock pot.
This recipe is perfect for freezing. You can also can it using the water bath method.
Makes: About 4 pints
You will need:
- 18 cups apples (one variety or mix and match, I used a mix of Gala, McIntosh and Macoun) – cored, peeled and sliced. *Note: some people prefer to leave the skins on – this is totally personal preference. I usually peel my apples.
- 3/4 cup water
- 3/4 cup brown sugar
- 3/4 cup sugar
- 1 TBSP cinnamon
How to make:
- Add cored, peeled, sliced apples to your slow cooker. Stir in all remaining ingredients.
- Turn slow cooker on low. Simmer apples on low for about 5 hours, stirring every so often.
- Apples will break down into a mush (<–official, technical term). Turn slow cooker off and let apples cool for an hour or so (until it’s cool enough to handle).
- You have several options when it comes to preparing your applesauce – and this will all depend on your consistency preference. If you like a chunkier applesauce, you might just use a potato masher. If you like it with a smoother texture, like I do, you can run it through a food mill or other processor.
- I broke out my trusty KitchenAid Blender and used the puree mode on pulse a few times to get the desired consistency.
- Your applesauce is now ready for freezing/canning!
- We have a lot of freezer space, so I picked up some BPA free Ball Freezer Jars (8 oz). I used a couple of smaller Glad containers at the end – we will keep these in the refrigerator to enjoy this week!
- Whether you choose to freeze or can, you can’t go wrong. You will have tasty applesauce to enjoy throughout the harsh winter months. Plus, I am psyched that we got our apples for just $.59/lb during a local farm’s apple festival. Cheap, wholesome, no preservatives… love that!
