Autumn brings with it a bounty of apples, and in our kitchen, it often kicks off an “appleliciousness” week – a delightful tradition of creating all sorts of apple-infused treats. Special thanks to our friends at Shugary Sweets and Inside Brucrew Life, who inspire us to dive deep into apple season with their fantastic recipes. Over the years, this has led to a flurry of delicious experiments, from classic Fried Apples and a creamy Brown Sugar Cinnamon Fruit Dip to a comforting Quick Apple Crisp and even elegant Apple Pie Danish. Once you start exploring the versatility of apples, it’s hard to stop! The sheer abundance of apple goodness is truly inspiring, and there’s even a dedicated Pinterest board overflowing with applicious treats.

Amidst all these culinary adventures, one particular request kept surfacing: applesauce. My son, who is usually quite easygoing and eats whatever I put in front of him (even rice, which he genuinely dislikes!), was persistent. I had a jar of store-bought applesauce sitting on the counter, earmarked for an applesauce cake, and he desperately wanted some. But in our house, anything opened becomes a race to see who can finish it first. You should see how quickly juice disappears from the fridge; it barely has time to get cold!

So, while catching up on my favorite blogs, pinning new ideas, bookmarking recipes, and generally drooling over delicious food, I stumbled upon a brilliant idea. A visit to Crumbs and Chaos revealed Emily’s Crock Pot Applesauce recipe, featured during her own Apple Week celebration. I still had an abundance of apples on my kitchen table – probably around 30 pounds, judging by the weight when I carried them in! Remembering my poor, deprived son and that unopened jar of applesauce still mocking him from the counter, I decided it was time for a homemade surprise.

While I usually make applesauce on the stovetop, similar to how I prepare my delicious Pear Sauce, today called for a simpler approach. With other tasks on my plate, the slow cooker was the perfect solution. It offers a set-it-and-forget-it convenience that’s hard to beat, allowing the apples to slowly break down into a naturally sweet and perfectly spiced sauce with minimal effort. This method not only frees up your time but also fills your home with the most incredible aroma. It’s the ultimate hands-off way to create a wholesome, comforting treat that the whole family will adore.

Connect with Chocolate Chocolate and More!

Facebook | 
Twitter | 
Google+

Pinterest | 
Instagram

Save your favorite recipes to your personal recipe box with the 
 button on all my recipes! Create a Meal Plan with your “favorite” recipes and the ingredients will automatically be added to your own Grocery List!

The beauty of making applesauce in the slow cooker is truly in its simplicity and the gradual transformation of humble ingredients into something spectacular. You simply dump all the ingredients in the crock pot, give it a quick toss to blend the spices and sugar, cover it, and let it work its magic. Here’s a peek at the journey:

• After 1 hour: The apples have just begun to soften, and you’ll notice a light, fragrant juice starting to form at the bottom of the pot. The kitchen begins to fill with a subtle, inviting aroma.
• After 4 hours: The apples are significantly softer, collapsing into themselves, and swimming in a generous amount of their own spiced liquid. They are ready for an initial mash if you prefer a smoother texture early on.
• At 7-8 hours: This is where perfection happens! The apples are incredibly tender, easily mashed with a spoon or potato masher to your desired consistency – whether you love it silky smooth or with delightful little chunks. The flavors are fully developed, rich, and wonderfully balanced.