Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce: A Mom’s Sanity Saver

Okay, Mom Tribe, let’s talk about a sanity-saving staple in my house: Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce! This isn’t just a recipe; it’s a hug in a bowl, a guaranteed kid-pleaser, and my secret weapon when I need something healthy and delicious without spending hours in the kitchen.

I remember the first time I made Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. It was a chilly October day. The leaves were turning, the kids were bouncing off the walls after a sugar-fueled Halloween party, and I was desperately craving something warm and comforting. I had a mountain of apples from our orchard trip and thought, “Why not?” I threw everything in the slow cooker, crossed my fingers, and several hours later, the most amazing aroma filled the house. The kids devoured it! It became our go-to fall treat and a tradition that continues.

This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce has been a lifesaver on busy weeknights, a comforting snack on chilly days, and a crowd-pleaser at every potluck. My family adores it and I love that it is so simple to prepare.

If you’re anything like me, you’re always on the lookout for easy, healthy recipes that your family will actually eat. We all know how hard it is to get healthy foods into our kids. This homemade applesauce recipe is the answer. It’s a simple way to ensure your little ones get a serving of fruit without the added sugars and preservatives found in store-bought versions.

Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is so simple to make; even on your busiest days. This isn’t one of those recipes that requires a million steps or fancy ingredients. Nope! We’re talking about throwing a few things into the slow cooker and letting it work its magic.

So, fellow kitchen warriors, let’s get started. I promise, this is one recipe that will become a family favorite!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s the super simple ingredient list. This list is short and sweet because this mama doesn’t have time for complicated!

• 6-8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped: I usually use a mix of Fuji and Gala, but honestly, whatever you have on hand will work. Don’t stress about getting them perfect!
• 1/2 cup water (or apple juice for extra sweetness): This helps prevent sticking, especially in older slow cookers.
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional): I often skip this for a no sugar added applesauce version!
• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Because what’s applesauce without cinnamon? I sometimes add a dash of nutmeg too!
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional): Adds a warm, spicy depth.
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: This helps to preserve the color and adds a little zing.

Mom Hack: No lemon juice? A splash of apple cider vinegar works in a pinch!

Shopping Tip: I usually grab my apples at the farmer’s market, but any grocery store will do! This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce doesn’t have to break the bank.

Ingredient Prep Shortcut: I use an apple peeler/corer/slicer gadget. It makes the prep work take mere minutes. Game changer!

Storage Wisdom: Leftover Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. It never lasts that long in my house!

Personal Preference: My kids love when I add a tiny splash of vanilla extract after cooking. It gives it that little something special.

Let’s Make it Happen!

Ready to make some magic happen? Here’s the step-by-step, mom-friendly version of how to make this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce.

1. Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop those apples. Don’t worry about making them perfectly uniform. The slow cooker will take care of the rest.
2. Combine Ingredients: Throw all the ingredients – apples, water, brown sugar (if using), cinnamon, cloves (if using), and lemon juice – into your slow cooker.
3. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. My schedule is chaotic, so I’ve done both! If you opt for the high setting, keep an eye on it to prevent burning.
4. Mash (or not!): Once the apples are soft, you have a choice. For chunky applesauce, leave it as is. For smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender and blend until smooth. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
5. Cool and Serve: Let the Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce cool slightly before serving.

Timing Tip: In my chaotic kitchen, this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce usually takes about 7 hours on low.

Perfect Time: While waiting, tackle that laundry pile, answer emails, or, better yet, pour yourself a glass of wine and relax!

Sensory Cue: Your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce should smell amazing after about 3 hours. Your family will start wandering into the kitchen, guaranteed. That aroma is a signal of the deliciousness to come, and it builds anticipation for the treat!

Common Concern: Don’t panic if your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce looks a little watery at first. It will thicken as it cools. If it is too watery, you can remove the lid for the last hour to allow excess moisture to evaporate. This allows the steam to escape, concentrating the flavors and thickening the sauce.

Family-Tested Shortcut: I often skip the peeling step and leave the peels on for added fiber. Just make sure to blend it well if your family is peel-averse. Leaving the peels adds texture and nutrients, but blending ensures everyone enjoys it!

Cooking Confession: I used to forget the lemon juice, and my applesauce would turn brown. Now, I keep a bottle of lemon juice in the fridge just for this! The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also acts as a natural preservative, keeping your applesauce looking fresh and appetizing.

While your Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is doing its thing, pour yourself that well-deserved coffee or tea. You deserve it!

How We Love to Eat This!

Okay, so you’ve made a batch of delicious Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce. Now what? Here are some of my family’s favorite ways to enjoy it.

• As a Snack: Straight from the fridge, this is the perfect healthy and satisfying snack. It’s a great alternative to sugary treats and provides a natural energy boost.
• With Pork Chops: My kids love having Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce as a side dish with pork chops. It’s a classic pairing for a reason. The sweetness of the applesauce complements the savory pork perfectly.
• On Yogurt or Oatmeal: Add a spoonful to your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a touch of sweetness and flavor. It’s a simple way to jazz up your breakfast and add extra nutrients.
• As a Dessert Topping: Warm applesauce over vanilla ice cream is a simple but delicious dessert. This is a great option when you want something sweet but don’t want to spend a lot of time in the kitchen.
• In Baking: Use it as a substitute for oil or butter in muffins or cakes. It adds moisture and sweetness. This is a healthier alternative to traditional fats and adds a unique flavor to your baked goods.

Kid-Approved Side Dish: The kids devour this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce when I serve it with grilled cheese sandwiches. The combination of cheesy, savory, and sweet is a winner every time!

Perfect Occasion: This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is perfect for those crazy weeknight dinners when you need something quick and easy. It is also perfect for holiday meals, adding a touch of homemade goodness to your celebrations.

Presentation Tip: I like to sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top before serving. It makes it look fancy, even though it took minimal effort. A simple garnish can elevate the dish and make it more appealing.

Leftover Ideas: Use leftover Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce to make apple butter! Just cook it down further in the slow cooker until it thickens. Apple butter is a delicious spread for toast, bagels, or even as a glaze for meats.

Seasonal Variation: In the fall, I add a splash of maple syrup for extra warmth. Maple syrup adds a cozy, autumnal flavor that’s perfect for the season.

Guest Reaction: I brought this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce to a potluck once and everyone raved about it! They couldn’t believe it was homemade. Homemade dishes always have that special touch that people appreciate.

FAQs: Your Questions Answered

Got questions? I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get about my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce, answered with my mom-to-mom wisdom.

• Can my picky eater handle this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce?
  • Absolutely! My super picky eater loves it because it’s naturally sweet and comforting. If your child is sensitive to texture, make sure to blend it until smooth. The no sugar added applesauce is a great way to introduce this treat without added guilt.
• What if I burn my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce? (Asking for a friend… okay, it was me!)
  • Don’t worry, it happens! If it’s just a little bit burnt on the bottom, carefully scoop out the good applesauce and discard the burnt part. To prevent burning, make sure to add enough liquid and stir occasionally.
• Can I make this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce ahead for meal prep?
  • Yes! This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is perfect for meal prep. It keeps well in the fridge for up to a week. You can also freeze it in individual portions for easy grab-and-go snacks.
• Can I use different kinds of apples?
  • Definitely! I usually use a mix of Fuji and Gala, but you can use whatever apples you have on hand. Some apples, like Granny Smith, will give it a more tart flavor, while others, like Honeycrisp, will make it sweeter. I have also made this with pears!
• How do I make this without sugar?
  • Simply omit the brown sugar! The apples are naturally sweet enough on their own. You can also add a touch of stevia or monk fruit sweetener if you prefer. This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce is amazing with no sugar added!
• Can I add other spices?
  • Absolutely! Get creative! Nutmeg, ginger, and allspice are all great additions. I also sometimes add a vanilla bean to the slow cooker for extra flavor.
• My applesauce is too watery. What do I do?
  • Remove the lid from the slow cooker and cook on low for another hour or two, until it thickens to your desired consistency. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a little water to help thicken it.
• Can I use my instant pot?
  • Yes! You can make this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce in your Instant Pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes before releasing the remaining pressure manually.

For more tips, check out this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe – Belle of the Kitchen.

Final Thoughts

This Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce isn’t just a recipe; it’s a memory maker, a comfort food, and a sanity saver all rolled into one. It’s special to my family because it’s something we can all enjoy together, and it fills the house with the most amazing aroma.

Here are my Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Mom Hacks:

• Freeze in ice cube trays for easy baby food portions.
• Add to smoothies for extra flavor and nutrients.
• Use as a topping for pancakes or waffles.

And now, for some family-tested variations:

• Maple Cinnamon Applesauce: Add 2 tablespoons of maple syrup for a richer flavor.
• Caramel Apple Cinnamon Applesauce: Add 1/4 cup of caramel sauce after cooking.
• Cranberry Apple Cinnamon Applesauce: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries for a tart twist.

My son loves the maple version, while my daughter prefers the classic. I’m a fan of the cranberry version, especially around the holidays. No matter what you choose, make it your own! Try this Easy Crockpot Applesauce Recipe: No Sugar Added if you want to limit your sugar intake.

I hope you love this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce as much as my family does. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to bring a little bit of joy to your kitchen. Don’t be afraid to experiment and make it your own. You got this, mama! This Slow Cooker Cinnamon Applesauce – What the Fork recipe is another great option if you want a bit more guidance!

Go ahead and try this Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce, and let me know what you think. Remember, even if it’s not perfect, it’s still homemade with love! You are amazing and you are doing great!

 

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