If you've got a pile of apples, this slow cooker applesauce is the easiest and most delicious way to use them up. It's a no-fuss recipe that cooks down beautifully and can be safely water bath canned for year-round meals, baking, and snacks.
My now nine-year-old son is a big apple lover. (He eats four a day, no exaggeration!). When he was little, he went through those applesauce pouches like nobody's business, but the cost adds up fast. And once you realize how easy it is to make your own healthier, tastier version at home, you'll never go back.
This slow cooker applesauce couldn't be simpler. Just toss everything in, let it work its magic, and you'll have perfectly smooth, flavorful applesauce ready to enjoy. You can safely water bath can it for year-round use, or simply store it in the fridge for up to a couple of weeks. You can even buy reusable squeeze pouches for a fun, on-the-go snack your kids will love. Hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
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Water Bath Canning 101
Water Bath Canning is simply the process of applying adequate heat to high acid food that is sealed in jars for the allotted time necessary to kill off bacteria and micro-organisms that cause food spoilage. During heating, oxygen is driven out of the jars, causing a vacuum seal to form when the jars cool down. This prevents any outside micro-organisms and oxygen from getting back into the food. When done correctly, canning preserves food safely for at least a year to 18 months, although probably much longer.
For more information you can check out my guide on How to Safely Water Bath Can at Home with more resources on safe home preserving.
Equipment
For the Applesauce you will need a slow cooker and a peeler (if you don't want to leave the peels on). You will also need measuring cups and spoons.
Depending on your desired texture for the applesauce you will need something to mash it with. You can use a potato masher for a chunkier texture. Or for a smoother texture I recommend using an immersion blender.
For Water Bath Canning
- Mason jars: Make sure the jars are clean and that the lids are brand new. You cannot reuse canning lids.
- Large pot with rack OR Electric Canner: If you only can once in a while using a large pot with a canning rack works just fine. As someone who personally does a lot of canning and I absolutely LOVE my Ball Electric Canner.
- Jar lifter: You will need a jar lifter to remove the hot jars from the water bath.
- Funnel: I personally love this canning funnel because it also allows you to measure the headspace easily.
- Ladle: This Prepworks Canning Scoop is my favorite.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Apples: I typically use whatever apples I have on hand. But I think the best for this recipe are a mix of Granny Smith, Cosmic Crisp and Honey Crisp. I don't recommend using Red and Delicious, but other than that pretty much any variety will work.
- Apple juice or water: I like using apple juice for that extra bit of sweetness and apple flavor, but water works as well. You can also use pure apple cider.
- Lemon juice: Fresh or bottled will work.
- Honey, brown sugar or maple syrup: I recommend adding about ½ cup of sweetener to this recipe, but you can adjust this amount according to taste. You can use any combination of sugar, honey or maple syrup.
- Cinnamon, Ginger & Nutmeg (optional): I love the flavor these give but feel free to omit if you prefer. You could also spice it up more by adding cloves, cardamom or allspice.
- Pinch of salt
Recipe FAQs
You don't have to, but peeling helps create a smoother applesauce and prevents bits of skin from affecting texture. If you prefer to keep the peels on for extra fiber, I recommend using an immersion blender or food mill to break up the peels before bottling.
Properly canned applesauce will last about 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dark place. If you're refrigerating instead, plan to use it within 1-2 weeks.
If your applesauce is too thick or the apples are looking a little dry while cooking, simply add in a splash of apple juice or water to bring it to the right consistency.
That is completely up to you! I prefer a smoother texture with a few bits of apple chunks so I like to use an immersion blender straight in the slow cooker. If you prefer it to be chunkier and more rustic then giving it a good mash with a potato masher should suffice.
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Made this homemade Slow Cooker Applesauce for canning recipe? Let me know what you think in the comments!
Recipe
Slow Cooker Applesauce {for canning}
Equipment
- Slow Cooker
- Potato Masher OR Immersion Blender
- Water Bath Canning Equipment (optional, see above)
Ingredients
- 6 lb apples, peeled and cored You can leave the peels on if you prefer.
- 1.5 cups apple juice or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- ½ cup brown sugar, honey or maple syrup Adjust to taste.
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon ginger optional
- ⅛ teaspoon nutmeg optional
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Cut your prepared apples into large chunks. Add to the bowl of a slow cooker along with all other ingredients. Stir to combine. Cook on low heat for 5 to 6 hours until soft. Depending on the consistency you prefer, mash with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or use an immersion blender for a smoother applesauce. At this point you can either ladle the jam into jars and store in the fridge for 1-2 weeks or follow the water bath canning instructions below.
Water Bath Canning Instructions
- Ladle the applesauce into jars leaving about ⅓rd inch of headspace.Remove air bubbles and wipe the jar rims.Place on new, clean lids and bands and process in a boiling water bath for 15 minutes (adjusting time for altitude).Turn off the heat and allow the jars to rest in the warm water for 5 minutes before removing and placing on a towel on the counter (do not place directly on the counter).Allow the jars to cool undisturbed for about 24 hours until all the lids have sealed.Store sealed jars in a cool dry place for 18 months for best quality.*Note* If any of the jars do not seal simply store in the refrigerator and consume within 1-2 weeks.
Notes
- I weigh the apples before peeling and coring. This recipe is very flexible so having a little more or less than 6 pounds is fine.
- You can leave the apple peels on if you prefer.
Sonia
Made this applesauce with Honeycrisp apples and honey. Turned out delicious. My kids loved it so much!
jamjarkitchen
Hi Sonia- So glad you liked the recipe!
Tatiana
I love this apple sauce recipe, it's easy and delicious. I know what ingredients my apple sauce has and feel safer eating it. Thanks!
jamjarkitchen
Glad you liked it!
Jasmin
This is the best applesauce I've ever made. i love how easy it is with the slow cooker.
jamjarkitchen
Yay! Love to hear that! 🙂
Dave
I love this applesauce. It's very easy to make in the slow cooker, and it tastes like my Grandma's applesauce.
Asha
This worked perfect, my kids love homemade applesauce way better than store bought!