Description
A versatile, freezer-friendly slow cooker applesauce recipe that serves as a base for four different fall meals. This bulk-prep method uses simple ingredients to create a healthy, low-calorie sauce perfect for breakfast, lunch, snacks, and baking.
Ingredients
Scale
- 5 lbs apples (mix of 2.5 lbs Granny Smith and 2.5 lbs Gala, Fuji, or Braeburn)
- 1 cup water
- 2 tbsp apple juice
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks (or 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
- 1/8 tsp cardamom
- 0–2 tbsp honey or maple syrup (optional, to taste)
Instructions
- Wash, peel (optional), core, and chop apples into uniform 1-inch chunks. Place in a bowl and cover with cold water if not cooking immediately.
- Drain apples and transfer to a 6-quart slow cooker pot.
- Add water, apple juice, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cardamom. Stir gently to distribute spices.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours until apples are fork-tender and falling apart.
- Remove cinnamon sticks. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the pot until smooth.
- Taste the sauce and add honey or maple syrup if desired, stirring well.
- Let cool to room temperature to prevent condensation.
- Portion into airtight containers, leaving half an inch of headspace for freezing. Label with date.
Notes
Avoid Red Delicious apples as they become mealy. Cool completely before freezing to prevent ice crystals. If sauce is too runny, cook uncovered on HIGH for 30 minutes. If too thick, add water or apple juice. For savory uses, omit sweetener.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 13
- Sodium: 2
- Fat: 0.2
- Carbohydrates: 15
- Fiber: 2
- Protein: 0.2
Keywords: slow cooker applesauce, fall meal prep, freezer friendly, healthy snacks, bulk cooking, zero waste, homemade applesauce