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Easy Homemade Applesauce that is perfectly spiced and so comforting! It's a healthy snack that is sugar free, full of fiber, and flavor! #apple #applesauce #easyrecipe #homemadeapplesauce

Easy Homemade Applesauce

Course: Breakfast, Snack
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Crockpot Applesauce, homemade applesauce, Instant Pot Applesauce, Slow Cooker Applesauce
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 13 minutes
Servings: 6
Calories: 161kcal
Author: Malinda Linnebur
Easy Homemade Applesauce that is perfectly spiced and so comforting! It's a healthy snack that is sugar-free, full of fiber, and flavor! Directions for slow cooker, instant pot, and stove top!
Print Recipe

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds (1670g) apples
  • 3/4 cup (177ml) water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla, optional
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, optional
  • hefty pinch of salt (just trust me)

Instructions

Instant Pot:

  • Wash, core, and quarter your apples. (peel if you don't have a high powered immersion blender or food processor)
  • Place all ingredients into a 6qt or larger Instant Pot and stir to combine. Close the lid and turn valve to sealing. Cook at high pressure for 8 minutes and do a natural release. I don't recommend doing a quick release but if the pin hasn't dropped after 15 minutes you can do a quick release to release the remaining pressure. 
  • Blend apples with potato masher, blender, food processor, or food mill to desired consistency. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a container to store.

Slow Cooker:

  • Wash, core, and quarter your apples. (peel if you don't have a high powered immersion blender or food processor)
  • Place all ingredients into a 6qt slow cooker and stir to combine. Close lid and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. 
  • Blend apples with potato masher, blender, food processor, or food mill to desired consistency. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a container to store. 

Stove Top:

  • Wash, core, and cut your apples into small chunks. (peel if you don't have a high powered immersion blender or food processor)
  • Add apples and remaining ingredients to a large stock pot. Stir to combine. Cover and bring to a simmer. Cook for 25 minutes stirring often or until the apples are very soft and mushy. 
  • Blend apples with potato masher, blender, food processor, or food mill to desired consistency. Allow to cool completely before transferring to a container to store.

Notes

  1. Don't be alarmed the applesauce will thicken considerably once it cools. It will also taste differently once it has cooled. 
  2. To store: Place cooled applesauce in a container and refrigerate for up to 10 days. Or freeze for up to 3 months. You can also can applesauce but I haven't tried it with this recipe so I can't provide instructions. A good reference is Ball.
  3. If you prefer plain applesauce just leave out the spices. 
  4. I suggest using apples you like to snack on plain. I also recommend using a variety of apples for better flavor. If you are using really tart apples you may want to sweeten the applesauce. Just add whatever sweetener you desire to use and continue to cook as directed. 

Nutrition

Calories: 161kcal | Carbohydrates: 42g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 5mg | Potassium: 324mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 32g | Vitamin A: 165IU | Vitamin C: 14.9mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.4mg