Slow Cooker Applesauce

I've recently developed a crock pot applesauce obsession. Many of you know I have a lot of fruit/veggie allergies, and apples are among the fruits I can actually eat. Needless to say, I eat a lot of them. I started with the applesauce thing when I overbought on apples and needed to use them before they went bad. This is SO EASY that I now overbuy on purpose and make a pot of this every couple of weeks.

Since this takes about 6-8 hours, I like to do it overnight. I'm gone far longer than 6-8 hours during the day and I hate leaving my crock pot on for 14+ hours at a time, so I've ascribed to the overnight method.  Also, I have a small crock pot (4 quarts). I imagine you could double this and do it in a larger crock pot if you have a lot of people to feed or want to freeze some apple sauce.

(For a printable version of this recipe, click here)
Slow Cooker Applesauce - Yield 5 cups in a 4 quart slow cooker
Adapted from "Spiced Slow Cooker Applesauce" found here.

8 large apples, peeled and thinly sliced
1/2 cup water
1/2 teaspoon all spice
1 teaspoon cinnamon
Optional: 1/2 cup brown sugar

Step #1 - Peel and slice apples.

Step #2 - Put apples and water in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.

Step #3 - After 5-6 hours, add in spices, (add the sugar if you are using it) and stir. Allow to cook for 15-30 more minutes.  You can also simply add in the spices/sugar at the end if you prefer. Since I cook mine overnight, I usually add the spices when I wake up and turn my crock pot off at the same time. This way, the sauce is cool enough for me to put in containers before I leave for work. The apples will not look like sauce when you first look at them. Once you stir them, you will find they 'melt' apart. I usually use a whisk when I stir them after I add the spices. This creates a nice, even texture.

This is how it will look after cooking for 6+ hours.

This is how it will look after you stir/whisk it.

Step #4 - Eat! Or pack in airtight containers/zip top bags and put in the fridge or freezer. If you do not use sugar, this is a very healthy snack/desert option! It counts as zero points under the weight watchers program.