I can clearly recall the first time I smelled this homemade applesauce recipe cooking. Jimmy and I were still in high school and had recently started dating. I walked into his house and the scent of actual heaven permeated the air. My now mother-in-law happily informed me she was cooking applesauce. I had only experienced jarred applesauce up to this point, so this concept was new to me. After a small sample I was hooked. She shared the recipe (which is WAY easy), and we’ve been making it regularly ever since then.
This homemade applesauce recipe is easy, healthy, flexible and simple. Can you even ask for more? Not really.
Recipe
Ingredients
- 5-6 lbs apples (see Tips & Tricks below for suggestions on types of apples to use)
- 3-4 tsp cinnamon, depending on your preference
Directions
- Peel apples, remove the cores and slice into pieces. The pieces do not have to be pretty since it is all going to cook down together anyway.
- Add apples to a large slow cooker. There is really no exact science for the size here, just fill your slow cooker to the top with apple pieces (yes, it’s as simple as that, isn’t it amazing?!).
- Sprinkle cinnamon over apples.
- Let cook on high for 6-8 hours, until apples easily fall apart with a fork.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer apples to a stand blender and puree.
- Enjoy!
Tips & Tricks
- You can really use any type of apples. My favorite is a mixture of half gala and half fuji, this makes a sweet applesauce without added sugar.
- Add a little bit of sugar if you want your applesauce even sweeter.
- Use a few granny smith apples if you want a little tartness.
- Feel free to add as much or as little cinnamon as you like. We like a cinnamon flavor so add the full 4 tsp.
- If you have guests coming over, plan to make this applesauce and your house will smell like a glorious fall candle you just can’t get enough of.
My mother-in-law has shared many great recipes over the years, but I believe this homemade applesauce is my favorite just because it is SO dang easy and delicious. I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
P.S. Throw some burgers on the grill with these veggies + this homemade applesauce for dessert = winning (Whole 30, gluten free, dairy free, perfection).
Hanna – I love your recipes. They really lend themselves to working families but are just so good and present well too (just like your blog…is presents just beautifully) . I have made the applesauce, the homemade whipped cream, the grilled veggies and the potatoes leek mashed potatoes. Honestly, one is better than the next. Keep sharing your recipes and your simple, yet elegant southern charm. Honestly, it is what the world need more of. Go girl!!!