Slow Cooker Recipe: Crock Pot Applesauce

Last week I told you about our trip to the local apple orchard.  We have SO many apples and I put out the call for your apple recipes.  The first one that I tackled was crock pot applesauce.  Reader Charlene emailed me a super simple recipe and this morning Lily Bean and I spent some time 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) – cored, peeled and sliced.  *Note: some people prefer to leave the skins on – this is totally personal preference.  I usually peel my apples.  I used a mix of Gala, McIntosh and Macoun 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.  (Note: I tend to adjust my sugar amounts slightly depending on how sweet the apples are.  If I’m using sweeter apples, I will cut down on the sugar a bit.)

• 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 slower 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 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!