There’s something so comforting about making a batch of homemade applesauce, especially when it’s this crockpot cinnamon applesauce recipe! It’s incredibly simple, and I promise it fills your kitchen with the most delightful aromas that will make you want to cozy up with a warm blanket. Just imagine the sweet scent of cinnamon wafting through the air as the apples soften and meld together perfectly over hours of slow cooking. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl! Plus, this recipe is perfect for busy days when you want something delicious with minimal effort. Trust me, you’re going to love it!
Ingredients
- 6 cups of peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
How to Prepare the Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
First things first, let’s get those apples ready! I like to use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Just peel them and chop them into uniform pieces—about an inch is perfect. This ensures they cook evenly and get that deliciously soft texture we’re after. Don’t worry about making them super pretty; they’ll be mashed anyway!
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Now, it’s time for the fun part! Toss those chopped apples right into the crockpot. Then, pour in the water, sprinkle the sugar, add the ground cinnamon, and drizzle in the lemon juice. Give it all a good stir to combine everything thoroughly. This mix of flavors is what makes the magic happen as it cooks!
Step 3: Cooking Process
Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Now, here’s the best part: let it cook for about 6 to 8 hours. Seriously, the smell will be heavenly! You’ll know it’s ready when the apples are tender and can be easily mashed with a spoon. Just check the apples after about 6 hours to see how they’re doing. You want them really soft, like a cozy blanket of sweetness!
Step 4: Mash the Apples
Once the apples are nice and soft, it’s time to mash them up! I love using a potato masher for this—just mash them to your desired consistency. If you like it chunky, go for a few good mashes. If you prefer it smooth, just keep mashing until it’s how you like it! It’s all about personal preference here, so have fun with it!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It’s super easy to make—just toss everything in the crockpot and let it do the work!
- The aroma of cinnamon and apples fills your home, creating a cozy atmosphere.
- Perfectly customizable; adjust the sugar based on your taste or the sweetness of the apples.
- This applesauce is not only delicious but also healthy, packed with fiber and nutrients.
- It’s great for meal prep—make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week!
- It can be served warm or cold, making it versatile for any occasion.
Tips for Success
To make sure your crockpot cinnamon applesauce turns out just right, here are a few handy tips I swear by:
- Choose the right apples: A mix of sweet and tart apples gives the best flavor. I love using Granny Smith and Fuji together; they create a beautiful balance!
- Adjust the sugar: Depending on how sweet your apples are, you might want to tweak the sugar. Taste the mixture before cooking—if your apples are naturally sweet, you might not need the full amount.
- Experiment with spices: Feel free to add a dash of nutmeg or allspice for an extra flavor kick! Just a pinch can elevate your applesauce.
- Don’t skip the lemon juice: It not only adds a nice brightness but also helps prevent the apples from browning. Trust me, it makes a difference!
- Consistency matters: If you find the applesauce too thick after mashing, simply stir in a little water to reach your desired consistency.
- Perfect leftovers: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It’s great for a week and makes an easy topping for yogurt or oatmeal!
Following these tips will help you create a delicious, homemade applesauce that’s bursting with flavor and warmth. Happy cooking!
Nutritional Information
When you whip up this delicious crockpot cinnamon applesauce, you’ll be happy to know it’s not just tasty, but also nutritious! Here’s a rough estimate of the nutritional values per serving (1/2 cup):
- Calories: 100
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Sugar: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 1mg
These values can vary based on the specific ingredients you choose to use, so keep that in mind! But overall, this applesauce is a healthy, guilt-free treat that you can enjoy any time of the day!
Storage & Reheating Instructions
After you’ve enjoyed your delicious crockpot cinnamon applesauce, you might have some leftovers (if you’re lucky!). To store it properly, let the applesauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It’ll keep in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a perfect addition to your breakfast or snacks throughout the week!
When it comes to reheating, I recommend warming it up on the stove over low heat. Just add a splash of water if it thickened up too much in the fridge, and stir gently until it’s heated through. You can also pop it in the microwave—just make sure to use a microwave-safe container and cover it loosely to prevent splatters. Heat it in 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until it’s just the way you like it. Enjoy it warm for a cozy treat or cold for a refreshing snack! Either way, it’s delicious!
FAQ Section
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely! Using different types of apples can really enhance the flavor of your crockpot cinnamon applesauce. I love mixing Granny Smith for a tart kick with sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp. This combo gives you a nice balance of sweetness and tanginess. Just keep in mind that firmer apples will hold their shape a bit more, while softer apples will break down quickly, so pick a mix that suits your taste!
How do I make this recipe without sugar?
If you want to skip the sugar, there are some great alternatives to keep it sweet! You can use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup, just remember to adjust the amount since they’re sweeter than sugar. Another option is to simply let the natural sweetness of the apples shine through; just make sure you’re using sweeter apple varieties. You might want to add a little extra cinnamon for flavor if you decide to go sugar-free!
Can I freeze the applesauce?
You can totally freeze your crockpot cinnamon applesauce! Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. I recommend leaving a little space at the top of the container, as the applesauce will expand when frozen. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it overnight in the fridge, or if you’re in a hurry, you can warm it gently on the stove. It’s such a convenient way to have homemade applesauce on hand for quick snacks or desserts!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve whipped up this delightful crockpot cinnamon applesauce, you might be wondering how to enjoy it best. There are so many delicious ways to incorporate it into your meals! Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:
- Breakfast Boost: Spoon it over a warm bowl of oatmeal or yogurt for a sweet, hearty breakfast. It adds a lovely cinnamon kick that will start your day on a delicious note!
- Pancake Perfection: Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles instead of syrup. The natural sweetness and spice of the applesauce make for a delightful twist!
- Savory Pairing: Serve it alongside roasted meats like pork or chicken. The sweetness of the applesauce beautifully complements the savory flavors of the meat.
- Snack Time: Enjoy it on its own as a quick snack or dessert. You can even add a sprinkle of granola on top for some extra crunch!
- Delicious Desserts: Use it in baking—mix it into muffins or cakes for moisture and flavor. It’s a fantastic substitute for oil or butter in many recipes!
Whatever way you choose to serve it, this applesauce is sure to bring a cozy, comforting touch to your meals. Enjoy every spoonful!
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Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe for Cozy Comfort
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This crockpot cinnamon applesauce is a simple and delicious recipe that brings warmth to your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 6 cups of peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup of water
- 1/4 cup of sugar
- 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
Instructions
- Peel and chop the apples.
- Place the apples in the crockpot.
- Add water, sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or until apples are soft.
- Use a masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency.
Notes
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of the apples.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This recipe can be easily doubled.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: crockpot cinnamon applesauce recipe
