Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce

My boys adore homemade applesauce. (Affectionately known as “apple pie sauce” in our house.) So when my neighbor’s apple tree exploded with an abundance of apples this month, we grabbed our slow cooker and started peeling …

This lightly spiced version of a traditional classic uses pure apple juice and maple syrup, with just a hint of cinnamon, to accentuate the sweetness of the apples. Mmm…so yummy! And another great way to get your Kids in the Kitchen with you!

Homemade applesauce makes a delicious addition when creating Healthy Lunches Kids Love, as well as a tasty afternoon snack! It can also be used to create delicious baked goods like scrumptious Apple Cider Donuts – a delicious fall favorite!

Looking for more delicious ways to enjoy apples? Be sure to check out our "Favorite Healthy Apple Recipes Round Up."

Easy Slow Cooker Applesauce

Ingredients
10-12 medium-to-large crisp organic apples
1 1/4 cups 100% pure unfiltered organic apple juice
1/4 cup filtered water
2 tbsp pure maple syrup
1 tbsp fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1/8 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions
1. Peel and core apples. Cut into one-inch pieces and place in a 4-quart or 6-quart slow cooker.

2. In a 2-cup glass measuring cup (or small bowl), whisk together apple juice, water, maple syrup, lemon juice and cinnamon. Pour over diced apples.

3. Cover slow cooker and cook on low about 4 hours, until apples are very soft and easily fall apart when mashed with a fork.

4. Mash apples to desired consistency using a potato masher, an immersion blender, or pulse-puree in batches in a food processor. (If using the food processor, transfer applesauce in batches to a large bowl.)

5. If applesauce is too thick, add a few tablespoons of apple juice and stir well. Continue adding a couple of tablespoons of apple juice at a time until you reach desired thickness. (I usually need to add about 1/4 cup of apple juice to thin it out a bit.)

6. Note: Applesauce will become sweeter as it cools. We prefer just a hint of cinnamon, but feel free to season to taste with additional ground cinnamon, if desired.

7. Place applesauce in airtight containers and store in refrigerator. (Makes about 6 cups of applesauce.) Enjoy!