There’s something undeniably nostalgic about homemade applesauce—the kind that simmers low and slow, filling your kitchen with the cozy aroma of spiced apples melting into pure comfort. But did you know this humble dish has deep global roots?
From the French compote de pommes to German apfelmus, cultures around the world have mastered the art of slow-cooked apples, each with their own unique spin. This recipe takes a Southern-inspired approach, blending classic American flavors with the effortless technique of slow cooking—a method as old as time, yet still a weeknight hero.
The best part? It’s hands-free. Toss everything into your crockpot and let it work its magic while you go about your day. Whether you love it smooth or chunky, spiced or pure, this applesauce is endlessly customizable.
Serve it warm over pancakes, chilled as a snack, or even as a secret ingredient in baked goods. However you enjoy it, one thing’s for sure: once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
Flavor Bomb Alert!
- Aromatic Magic – The scent of apples, cinnamon, and cloves slowly simmering is like walking into a Parisian bakery or a Southern kitchen during the holidays. It’s an instant mood booster.
- Effortless Yet Gourmet – This recipe delivers deep, caramelized flavors with almost no effort. The slow cooker does all the work, making it perfect for busy schedules.
- Globally Inspired, Comforting at Heart – Whether you’re channeling the spiced apples of Germany, the silky smoothness of French compote, or the rustic feel of homemade Southern applesauce, this dish is a world of flavors in one pot.
- Beyond the Bowl – Try it swirled into oatmeal, spooned over yogurt, or even as a natural sweetener in baking. It’s surprisingly versatile.
- Endlessly Customizable – Sweeten it with honey, deepen the flavor with bourbon, or brighten it up with citrus zest—this applesauce adapts to your cravings.

Crockpot Applesauce Recipe
Equipment
- Peeler
- Potato Masher or Blender
- Slow cooker
- Spoon for stirring
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
- ¾ cup packed brown sugar
- 8 apples peeled, cored, and thinly sliced
- ½ tsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Start by peeling and chopping apples into small pieces.
- Place them in a slow cooker with sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
- Stir everything together and set the slow cooker on low.
- Let it cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once the apples are soft, mash the mixture for a chunky texture, or blend for smooth applesauce.
- Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed, then let it cool before serving.
- You can store leftovers in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- For a thicker applesauce, cook longer or reduce the liquid content.
Nutrition | Value |
Calories | 151kcal |
Carbohydrates | 39g |
Fibre | 3g |
Variations To Help Your Customise This Dish!
- Spiced Applesauce: Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Citrus Twist: Stir in some lemon or orange zest to brighten up the taste.
- Vanilla Infusion: Add a splash of vanilla extract for a deeper, sweeter aroma.
- Maple Applesauce: Replace sugar with pure maple syrup for a unique twist.
- Cranberry Applesauce: Add fresh or dried cranberries for a tart, festive touch.