Cozy Up with This Simple Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

Crockpot cinnamon applesauce is ideal for use in recipes and doubles as a delicious snack for the kiddos. I use it in muffin recipes, on top of pancakes, poured over ice cream, and even plain by itself. When it is slow cooking, my house is permeated by a warm cinnamon apple scent that rivals any Yankee Candle Shop!

I also love to make large batches of the applesauce and can them. I can stock my pantry or give them away as gifts during the holiday season. It is never a bad thing to have a few of these applesauce jars! And being apple season, you might like to stock up on apples and save this recipe!

How to Make Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce

Making Crockpot cinnamon applesauce is simple, fun, and fills your home with the cozy aroma of apples and warm spices. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

Start with 9 medium Granny Smith apples that have been peeled, cored, and cut into chunks.

You can use any type of apple, but I think Granny Smith apples are the best because they are tart and not as grainy as some other kinds. Leave the chunks on the large side since they will cook down quite a bit in the slow cooker.

In a small bowl, mix together 1/2 cup of brown sugar and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon. Then add in 1/4 teaspoon each of nutmeg and ground cloves. Give it a good stir so that all the spices are evenly distributed.

Step 2: Mix and Coat the Apples

Once the mixture is ready, pour it over the apple chunks. Toss the apples gently with your hands or a large spoon, making sure that every single piece is coated with the delicious cinnamon-sugar mixture.

Step 3: Add Apples to the Crockpot

Carefully pour the coated apples into the Crockpot, ensuring they’re spread out evenly.

Add 1 cup of water to the pot to help everything cook down beautifully. The water also prevents the apples from sticking to the bottom as they soften and release their own juices. Once everything is in, cover the Crockpot with the lid, and you’re officially on your way to a house that smells amazing!

Step 4: Cook on LOW

Set your Crockpot to LOW and let the Crockpot cinnamon applesauce cook for about 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the apples to break down gradually, soaking up all those spices and creating that rich, cinnamon-filled aroma that fills the whole house. You don’t need to stir or fuss with it during this time. Just let the Crockpot do all the hard work while you go about your day.

Step 5: Mash the Apples

Once the 6 hours are up, take off the lid and grab a potato masher. Gently mash the apples directly in the Crockpot, breaking up any remaining chunks until the Crockpot cinnamon applesauce reaches your desired consistency. If you like it smooth, keep mashing, but if you prefer it chunky (like I do), just mash it lightly. The apples should already be so soft that this step takes just a few minutes.

Step 6: Enjoy or Use in Recipes

Now scoop the Crockpot cinnamon applesauce into a ramekin and have a delicious afternoon snack! Better yet, save it to top your vanilla ice cream or to pour over your morning pancakes. I have even used this applesauce as a substitute for oil in some muffin recipes. They come out moist and flavorful!

Canning Your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce for Later

If you want to make large batches of this Crockpot cinnamon applesauce to stock your pantry or to give away as gifts this holiday season, you can use the water bath method to can the applesauce.

Simply pour the applesauce into pint-sized glass jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace. Seal the lid snugly but not too tight. Submerge the jars in boiling water so that there is at least 1 inch of space between the top of the jar and the water height. Boil for 20 minutes, remove the jars, and let them cool completely. If you live at a higher altitude, see Simply Canning’s altitude chart for adjustments.

If I am using the Crockpot cinnamon applesauce as a side dish, I often pair it with something light like this grilled chicken artichoke salad. It’s splendid with pork chops as well! If you need more dinner or side dish ideas, please visit my blog or my numerous Pinterest boards. Happy cooking, y’all!