Easy Crockpot Applesauce

Next time you are at the grocery store, grab an extra bag of apples and make Applesauce in the crockpot.  You will not regret it.  Not only will your home smell apple-cinnamony amazing, but you won’t ever want to go back to jarred applesauce again!

When I was sick and meals were being brought, one that dish that really stood out to me was simple, homemade applesauce.  It just tasted so REAL and good.  It made the best dessert, sweet but not overly sweet.

Despite having my energy back, I continue to find ways to make things simple around here.  That is why I love this recipe.  It is simple, smells great, involves fruit, and is a great after school snack or dessert around here, which is why I don’t really mind the added sugar.  Also, to keep it REALLY simple, I usually don’t slice my apples as thin as the pic below.  I borrowed a friends apple “peeler, slicer, corer” for that.  Now I just cut my apples up in chunks.  They take longer to cook, but I use a hand blender to chop it up into a chunky applesauce, and it ends up perfect.

Try it, you will love it!

3 pound bag of apples (peeled, cored, and sliced)(or in chunks, see above)

2-3 tablespoons brown sugar (or other sweetener)

½ teaspoon cinnamon

½ cup water

Place your apple slices in the bottom of a Crockpot.  (If you don’t have a Crockpot, you can make it on the stove.) Top with brown sugar and cinnamon.  Add the water. (I always just make sure to add enough water to cover the bottom of the Crockpot.)    Cook the applesauce on low for 4-6 hours or until apples are tender.  Once the apples are tender, mash them with a potato masher for a chunkier consistency.  For a smoother consistency, mix in blender.

This is more an idea, than an exact recipe you need to stick to.  I try to keep mine pretty low in sugar, but if you like yours sweeter add some more.  Sometimes I add a handful of frozen berries to add some color and lend a slightly different flavor.  Get creative!

I just package mine in quart sized freezer bags.   Thaw and enjoy!

Katy at the Cutting Kitchen is a great blog to go explore.  Her tagline is “Big Flavors On A Bland Budget.” Love that!