If you love cozy, comforting flavors that warm your kitchen and heart, then this Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe is going to be your new best friend. I absolutely love how effortless it is to make and how deeply flavorful the apples get after slow cooking, especially with the hint of cinnamon that makes it perfect for any time you want a touch of sweetness without added sugar. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want to keep a batch in the fridge at all times!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-off Cooking: Just prep the apples, set your slow cooker, and come back to cozy deliciousness.
Natural Sweetness: Combines tart Granny Smith with sweet Fuji apples for perfect balance without added sugar.
Versatility: Enjoy it smooth or chunky – the texture is totally customizable to your liking.
Aromatic Comfort: The cinnamon-infused scent fills your kitchen with warm, homey vibes that you’ll love.

A glass bowl filled with thick, chunky apple sauce that is orange-brown in color with a shiny texture, showing small pieces of cooked apple mixed in. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface surrounded by cinnamon sticks, cream-colored beaded garland, beige cloth, and bright red apples, adding a cozy and warm feel to the image. A spoon is partially visible inside the bowl, resting against the apple sauce. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients You’ll Need

These simple ingredients come together to create applesauce that tastes far from basic. The mix of Granny Smith and Fuji apples gives you a beautiful tangy-sweet flavor, while cinnamon adds cozy warmth.

Granny Smith apples: Tart and firm, they help balance sweetness and keep a pleasant texture.
Fuji apples: Naturally sweet and juicy, perfect for softness after slow cooking.
Water: Just enough to steam the apples gently without making the sauce watery.
Lemon juice: Keeps the apples from browning and adds a touch of brightness.
Ground cinnamon: Adds that classic, comforting flavor we’re all craving.
Light brown sugar (optional): A little helps enhance sweetness, but you can leave it out for a natural taste.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how easily you can mix things up with this Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe to suit your taste buds or what you have on hand. It’s super forgiving, so don’t be afraid to experiment!

Add Spices: Sometimes I toss in a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for an extra cozy flavor boost during fall and winter months.
Use Different Apples: Feel free to swap Fujis for Gala or Honeycrisp if you prefer a sweeter or crisper result.
Make it Sugar-Free: I often skip the brown sugar entirely because the slow cooking brings out the apples’ natural sweetness beautifully.
Chunky vs Smooth: Leave it chunky as a side or blend it silky smooth to use as a dip or dessert topping.

How to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe

Step 1: Prepare Your Apples

This step is where most of your work happens, but I promise it’s worth it. Wash, peel, core, and cube 1.5 pounds each of Granny Smith and Fuji apples. I like to use a good paring knife or an apple peeler/corer if you have one to save time. Getting the apples uniformly cubed helps them cook evenly in the slow cooker.

Step 2: Layer and Season in the Slow Cooker

Dump your prepared apple cubes into the slow cooker basin along with 1/2 cup water, 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon. Stir gently to combine everything. The lemon juice is key as it keeps the apples from turning brown and adds a nice brightness to your applesauce.

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover and cook on LOW for 5-6 hours, or if you’re short on time, set it to HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if you can, but don’t worry if you get busy—this recipe is pretty hands-off and forgiving. When the apples are very soft and breaking apart, you know it’s ready!

Step 4: Mash or Blend to Your Desired Texture

I like my applesauce to have a bit of texture so I usually mash it gently with a spoon or a potato masher. But if you prefer it smooth, whirl it with an immersion blender right in the slow cooker pot. Then, taste your sauce and decide if it needs a touch of that optional brown sugar for sweetness. Add ⅛ – ¼ cup, stir, and taste again.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Serve your warm applesauce immediately or let it cool to room temperature. I usually transfer mine to airtight containers and chill it in the fridge for up to a week.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe

Choose Your Apples Wisely: I discovered mixing tart and sweet apples creates the best flavor with natural balance.
Don’t Skip the Lemon: Lemon juice not only prevents browning but brightens the whole batch beautifully.
Slow Cooker Size Matters: Use a 6-8 quart slow cooker to prevent overcrowding for even cooking.
Avoid Overcooking: Keep an eye after the 5-hour mark to ensure apples are soft but not mushy or burnt on the edges.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe

A close-up of a spoon holding a thick, orange-brown chunky apple sauce mixture with small bits visible, held above a clear glass bowl filled with the same chunky apple sauce. The background shows blurred red and green apples and warm tones, with a cinnamon stick placed in front of the bowl on a white marbled surface. The texture of the applesauce looks moist and soft, with a slight shine that catches the light. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I love sprinkling a little extra cinnamon or nutmeg on top before serving, and sometimes a small dollop of plain Greek yogurt or whipped cream adds a nice creamy contrast. Toasted chopped nuts like walnuts or pecans also bring a fun crunch!

Side Dishes

This slow cooker applesauce pairs beautifully with roasted pork, chicken, or even with warm oatmeal for breakfast. My family goes crazy for it alongside homemade pancakes or waffles as a natural syrup alternative.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch or holiday table, I sometimes serve the applesauce in pretty glass jars or mini mason jars topped with a cinnamon stick tied with twine. It’s charming and makes a wonderful gift or party favor too!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I always store leftover applesauce in airtight glass containers in the fridge, where it keeps beautifully fresh for about 5 to 7 days. It tastes even better after a day or two as the flavors meld.

Freezing

Freezing this applesauce is a game-changer for me! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or even ice cube trays for easy thawed servings later. It freezes well for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm it on the stove over low heat with a splash of water if needed, stirring occasionally. This keeps the texture just right without drying it out or burning it in the microwave.

FAQs

Can I use other types of apples for this Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe?

Absolutely! While I recommend mixing tart Granny Smith with sweet Fuji apples for natural balance, you can use varieties like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn based on your preference. Just remember that tart apples add acidity and structure, while sweeter ones bring natural sweetness – balancing the two gives you the best flavor.
Do I need to add sugar to the applesauce?

Nope! This recipe is delicious as is because the slow cooking really helps the apples’ natural sugars shine through. The optional brown sugar is just for those who want a bit more sweetness, but feel free to skip it to keep things wholesome.
How long will the Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, the applesauce will keep fresh and tasty for about 5 to 7 days. Beyond that, it’s best to freeze what you won’t use to preserve quality.
Can I make this recipe without peeling the apples?

You can, if you want extra fiber and don’t mind a chunkier texture with bits of peel. However, I prefer peeling because it gives the applesauce a smoother consistency and a sweeter, more delicate flavor overall.
What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?

Yes! Simply simmer the apples with water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large pot over low heat, stirring occasionally until very soft, about 30-40 minutes. The slow cooker provides hands-off convenience but the stovetop method works well too.

Final Thoughts

Honestly, this Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe has become a staple in my kitchen because it’s just so simple and satisfying. I love how it fills the house with warm, inviting aromas and how versatile it is for snacking, sides, or desserts. If you’re looking for a wholesome treat that requires little effort but delivers maximum comfort, you have to try this. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, and I’m sure you and your family will go crazy for it just like mine do!

Slow Cooker Applesauce with Cinnamon Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.5 from 136 reviews

Author: Nora
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 5 to 6 hours
Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes to 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings (approximately 6 cups)
Category: Sauce
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Low Fat

Print Recipe

Description

This Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe is a simple, no-sugar-added way to enjoy homemade applesauce with a perfect balance of sweet and tart flavors from Granny Smith and Fuji apples. The slow cooker gently softens the apples, infusing them with warm cinnamon and bright lemon juice, resulting in a naturally sweet and comforting treat that’s perfect for any time of day.

Ingredients

Apples

1.5 pounds Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes
1.5 pounds Fuji apples, peeled, cored, and cut into cubes

Other Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh squeezed lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
⅛ – ¼ cup light brown sugar (packed, optional)

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Instructions

Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, core, and cut both Granny Smith and Fuji apples into cubes, measuring 1.5 pounds of each variety to ensure a nice balance of tartness and sweetness.
Add ingredients to slow cooker: Place the cubed apples into the basin of your 6-8 quart slow cooker. Add the water, fresh lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Stir everything together to combine the flavors evenly.
Cook the apples: Cover the slow cooker and set it to LOW for 5-6 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, depending on your time availability. If possible, stir occasionally to help the apples cook evenly.
Texture adjustment: Once the apples are very soft, break them apart using a spoon or meat chopper to maintain some chunkiness. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree to your preferred consistency.
Sweeten if desired: Taste the applesauce and add light brown sugar between ⅛ to ¼ cup if you prefer it sweeter. Stir well to incorporate.
Serve or store: Enjoy the applesauce warm, or allow it to cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for later use.

Notes

The calming aroma of cinnamon and cooked apples filling your home makes this applesauce recipe a cozy favorite, especially in cooler months.
This recipe is mostly hands-off after preparation, ideal for busy days—just let the slow cooker do the work.
If you prefer a no sugar added version, omit the brown sugar entirely; the Fuji apples provide natural sweetness.
Using a combination of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Fuji) apples creates a balanced flavor without needing extra sugar.
The applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage.