Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

For a more rustic texture, you can mash the apples with a potato masher instead of stirring vigorously. This leaves small, identifiable pieces of fruit in the sauce, which some prefer for a heartier experience.

If you find the sauce is too thick after cooking, add a small splash of apple cider or water and stir well to achieve your desired consistency. The sauce will naturally thicken slightly as it cools down to room temperature.

Consider adjusting the amount of brown sugar based on the natural sweetness of the apples you select. If using particularly sweet apples, you may find that slightly less sugar is sufficient. Conversely, if your apples are quite tart, a little extra sugar can help balance the acidity. Always taste the sauce after it has finished cooking and stir in a small amount of additional sweetener if needed while the mixture is still hot.

Variations

• Spiced Apple-Pear Sauce: Replace half of the apples with ripe, peeled pears. The pears add a subtle floral sweetness that complements the cinnamon and brown sugar perfectly.
• Apple-Ginger Sauce: Add 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger to the slow cooker along with the cinnamon. This provides a bright, zesty contrast to the sweet apples.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.

Freezer

Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheat

Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or in the microwave in 30-second intervals until warmed through.

Allow the applesauce to cool completely to room temperature, which should take no longer than two hours. Once cooled, transfer the sauce into airtight containers. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to one week.

When storing, ensure the containers are sealed tightly to prevent the absorption of other odors from the refrigerator. For longer storage, the applesauce can be frozen, which allows it to maintain its quality for up to three months.

This applesauce is an excellent candidate for making ahead of time as the flavors tend to meld and deepen upon resting. Prepare the entire batch as directed, let it cool, and store it in the refrigerator. It can be served cold directly from the fridge or gently reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave before serving. This makes it a convenient option for holiday gatherings or meal prepping for the week ahead.

Serving ideas

Serve this applesauce warm in small bowls as a simple, comforting dessert. It pairs beautifully with a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of toasted walnuts for added texture.

For a more sophisticated presentation, serve it alongside roasted pork dishes or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal. The natural sweetness and spice make it a versatile addition to both breakfast and dessert menus, providing a comforting touch to any meal.

The sauce is equally delicious served chilled, especially on warmer days. Consider serving it in elegant glassware to showcase its glossy texture and vibrant color.

Whether served as a standalone dish or as a flavorful accompaniment to other foods, this applesauce is sure to be a welcomed addition. Its simplicity allows it to complement a wide array of flavors, making it a reliable staple to keep on hand throughout the apple season.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce

Prep 10 minCook 4 hRest 10 minTotal 4 h 20 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 4 lbs apples, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 cup dark brown sugar
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon
• 1/2 cup apple cider

Instructions

1. Begin by peeling the apples, removing the cores, and cutting them into quarters. Place the prepared apple quarters into the bottom of the slow cooker to ensure even cooking throughout the process.
2. Scatter the dark brown sugar evenly over the apple quarters in the slow cooker. Sprinkle the ground cinnamon over the sugar and apples, then pour the apple cider over the top to provide the necessary moisture for steaming.
3. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 4 hours until the apples are very tender and falling apart. Once cooked, stir the mixture well to break down any remaining chunks into a smooth sauce. Allow it to rest for 10 minutes before serving warm in a bowl.

Contains: sulfites

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

185

Protein

0.5 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

0.5 g

Fiber

6 g

Sugar

38 g

Sodium

5 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.