Cozy and Comforting Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce Recipe

There’s something incredibly nostalgic about the smell of apples simmering in cinnamon and sugar. This Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce recipe brings that old-fashioned comfort right to your modern kitchen. Made in a slow cooker with minimal effort, this Apple Pie Applesauce is the perfect blend of sweet, spiced, and completely homemade goodness.

Whether you’re making this for your kids, a cozy fall brunch, or just to use up those extra apples sitting on your counter, this is one of the easiest and most satisfying crock pot apple sauce recipes you’ll ever try. And if you’re already planning a fall-inspired spread, you’ll love pairing it with Pumpkin Muffins or Mini Pumpkin Bread with Cinnamon Swirl.

Save

What Is Old-Fashioned Crock Pot Applesauce?

Old-fashioned applesauce is simple: apples cooked down with a bit of sweetener and spice until soft, then mashed or puréed. Using a crockpot (or slow cooker) for this process takes all the pressure off. You toss the ingredients in, set it, and let time do the work.

Unlike stovetop methods, which require babysitting and stirring, slow cooker applesauce recipes allow the fruit to break down naturally and develop a richer, deeper flavor. The texture is soft and silky, with the option to go chunky if you like a more rustic feel.

Why You’ll Love This Apple Pie Applesauce

There are so many reasons why this recipe deserves a permanent place in your fall and winter cooking routine:

• Hands-off cooking: Set it in the morning and forget about it until it fills your kitchen with an incredible aroma.
• Kid-friendly: This is one of the best ways to get picky eaters to enjoy fruit.
• Naturally sweetened: You control the ingredients—no preservatives or additives.
• Versatile: Serve warm or cold, eat on its own, or use it in baking, like in Crescent Roll Breakfast Casserole.
• Perfect for preserving: Freeze it or can it for later use throughout the year.

It’s truly a paradise apple recipe that tastes like fall in every spoonful.

Ingredients for Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce (With Measurements)

Here’s exactly what you’ll need to make this delicious, warm, and fragrant crockpot applesauce.

• Apples – 3 pounds (1.4 kg), peeled, cored, and sliced
  Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
• Water – ½ cup (120 ml)
• Cinnamon – 1 teaspoon
• Granulated sugar – 2 to 4 tablespoons, optional (adjust to taste)
• Lemon juice – 1 tablespoon
• Nutmeg – ¼ teaspoon (optional for “apple pie” flavor)
• Salt – a pinch (balances the sweetness)

Optional Add-ins:

• Vanilla extract – ½ teaspoon
• Maple syrup – for added richness
• Pear slices or cranberries – for seasonal variations

Looking for more slow-cooked fall ideas? Try Pumpkin Baked Oatmeal or Pumpkin Twists to complete the seasonal menu.

Essential Kitchen Tools to Make Applesauce in a Slow Cooker

• Crockpot or slow cooker (4- to 6-quart capacity)
• Apple peeler/corer
• Knife and cutting board
• Potato masher or immersion blender
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Jars or containers for storage

Tip: If you’re planning to store the applesauce long-term, use mason jars and sterilize them properly, just as you would for storing Fruit Dip or jams.

How to Make Homemade Applesauce in the Crockpot – Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Prep Your Apples
Peel, core, and slice your apples. For a more rustic sauce, you can leave the skins on (especially if using softer apple types). Add them directly to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Flavor
Add water, lemon juice, cinnamon, sugar (if using), nutmeg, and salt. Give everything a quick toss to coat the apples evenly.

Step 3: Cook on Low
Cover the crockpot and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the apples are completely soft and starting to break down.

Step 4: Mash or Blend
Once cooked, use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for smooth applesauce. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as needed.

Step 5: Cool and Store
Let the applesauce cool before transferring to jars or containers. Refrigerate or freeze for later.

This also makes a great topping for High Protein Bagels or Strawberry Protein Pancakes.

Save

Best Apples to Use for Homemade Crockpot Applesauce

Using a mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best balance of flavor. Here are top picks:

• Sweet Apples: Fuji, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp
• Tart Apples: Granny Smith, Braeburn, Jonathan, Pink Lady

For naturally sweet applesauce, go heavy on Fuji or Gala. For a more traditional tang, blend with Granny Smith.

Flavor Variations for This Easy Crockpot Applesauce

Want to spice it up a bit? Try these add-ons:

• Vanilla & Maple: Stir in a splash of vanilla and a drizzle of maple syrup.
• Spiced Apple Pie: Add ground cloves and allspice.
• Cran-Apple: Add ½ cup fresh cranberries for a tangy twist.
• Pear-Apple Mix: Replace half the apples with ripe pears.

Pair with Mini Halloween Pizzas or Pumpkin Cheesecake Cookies for a party-perfect combo.

Applesauce Recipes Slow Cooker Style – Tips & Tricks

• Don’t add too much water. The apples release their own moisture.
• Stir halfway through if you’re home—this helps prevent sticking.
• Taste before sweetening. Some apples don’t need any sugar at all.
• Let it rest before storing. Cooling enhances flavor and prevents condensation in jars.

Want a slow cooker breakfast option? Try Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches with applesauce on the side!

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Crock Pot Apple Sauce

• Using only tart apples—it may turn out too sour.
• Skipping lemon juice—it helps preserve color and freshness.
• Over-blending—makes it gummy rather than smooth.
• Forgetting spices—a little cinnamon goes a long way!

For a lighter twist, serve with a drink like Lavender Lemonade or Peach Smoothie.

How to Store and Preserve Homemade Apple Sauce

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight jars for up to 10 days.
• Freeze: Spoon into freezer-safe containers, leaving 1-inch headspace, for up to 6 months.
• Can it: If using a water-bath method, properly sterilize jars and follow canning guidelines.

You can also make Apple Pie Dip with Cinnamon Sugar Chips using this applesauce as a base!

Ways to Use Paradise Apple Recipe Applesauce in Meals & Baking

Homemade applesauce is incredibly versatile:

• As a topping: Serve with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal
• In baking: Replace oil in cakes and muffins
• With meats: Serve alongside roasted pork or chicken
• Snacks for kids: Mix into yogurt or serve as is
• Sweet + savory: Use as a side for Ground Beef Wellington

It also makes a great addition to High Protein Chocolate Chia Pudding for an apple-cinnamon twist.

Serving Ideas and Presentation Tips for Crockpot Applesauce

• Warm in ramekins with a dollop of whipped cream and sprinkle of cinnamon
• Serve in jars for rustic charm at brunch
• Spoon into mini cups with granola as dessert parfaits
• Top with maple syrup and chopped nuts for a comforting dessert

Pair with Cinnamon Roll Breakfast Bake or Pumpkin Whipped Cottage Cheese for a hearty, seasonal combo.

Save

FAQs – Everything You Need to Know About Making Crockpot Applesauce

Do I need to peel the apples?
No. Leaving the skin on adds fiber and texture. Just be sure to blend thoroughly for a smooth finish.

Can I make this sugar-free?
Absolutely! Many apple varieties are sweet enough on their own.

How long does applesauce last in the fridge?
Up to 10 days in a sealed jar or container.

Can I double the recipe?
Yes, just make sure your crockpot can handle the volume.

Can I can this recipe for long-term storage?
Yes, use proper canning techniques and sterilized jars.

Final Thoughts + Share Your Old Fashioned Applesauce Love!

This Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce is not just a recipe—it’s a taste of home, warmth, and comfort in a jar. With just a few minutes of prep and a handful of wholesome ingredients, you can create a treat that delights everyone from toddlers to grandparents.

Try it once, and you’ll be hooked for life. If you loved this recipe, please share it, leave a comment below, and subscribe to our blog for more easy, comforting, and seasonal recipes. For more cozy inspiration, check out our French Strawberry Cake or Apple Crisp with Oatmeal.

Print