When autumn rolls around and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of homemade applesauce bubbling away in the crockpot. Inspired by the Pioneer Woman’s delightful recipe, I found myself rediscovering this simple pleasure while rummaging through my pantry. The moment those fresh apples hit the slow cooker, the sweet and spicy symphony of cinnamon and lemon mingled around my kitchen, instantly melting away the day’s stresses.
This Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce is not only ridiculously easy to whip up, but it also stands as a healthier alternative to store-bought versions—no sugar added! Whether you prefer it smooth or chunky, this versatile recipe caters to your taste and is fantastic for everything from a topping on oatmeal to a satisfying snack. Trust me; once you try this homemade delight, you’ll never want to go back to fast food snacks again!
Why is Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce a Must-Try?
Warmth and Comfort: This recipe brings the serene essence of autumn into your home with its delightful aromas.
No Sugar Added: Embrace a healthier option perfect for all ages, letting natural apple sweetness shine.
Versatile Texture: Choose from smooth or chunky applesauce to perfectly suit your family’s preference.
Effortless Preparation: Simply toss ingredients into the crockpot, set it, and relax while it cooks to perfection.
Crowd-Pleasing Delight: Serve alongside pancakes, yogurt, or as a wholesome snack that everyone will love!
Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce Ingredients
For the Applesauce
• Apples – 3 pounds, peeled and chopped; choose a mix of sweet and tart varieties for a more complex flavor.
• Water – ½ cup; keeps the apples juicy during cooking; just the right amount for perfect consistency.
• Cinnamon Sticks – 2 (optional); infuses a warm, aromatic touch; omit if you prefer a straightforward apple flavor.
• Lemon Juice – 1 tablespoon; brightens the taste while preventing browning; fresh lemon works best.
• Salt – ¼ teaspoon; enhances the flavors throughout; skip if making for little ones under 1 year old.
How to Make Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce
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Prepare Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into 1-2 inch chunks. This will create a beautiful base for your applesauce, allowing them to cook evenly.
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Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and salt into the crockpot. Stir them gently to coat the apples evenly with the ingredients.
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Cook: Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours. If you like, stir occasionally to help the flavors meld together and allow the apples to soften beautifully.
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Blend or Leave Chunky: After cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks. For a chunky applesauce, simply stir well. If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender and blend until it reaches your desired consistency.
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Cool and Store: Allow your homemade applesauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to jars. You can refrigerate it for up to 5 days or freeze it for longer storage.
Optional: For a fun twist, sprinkle in some nutmeg or ground ginger for a spiced finish.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce?
Elevate your homemade applesauce experience by complementing it with delightful pairings that enhance its warm, comforting flavor.
- Pancakes: Fluffy, golden pancakes drenched in syrup make a delightful canvas for your applesauce, adding sweetness and spiced notes.
- Yogurt: Creamy, tangy yogurt topped with a generous scoop of applesauce creates a balanced, refreshing breakfast or snack full of texture.
- Oatmeal: Stirring applesauce into a bowl of hearty oatmeal infuses it with a sweet and cozy vibe, perfect for chilly mornings.
- Pork Chops: Juicy, savory pork chops drizzled with applesauce provide a beautiful sweet and savory contrast that’s utterly satisfying.
- Grandma’s Biscuit Crumble: Serve warm applesauce alongside fluffy biscuits for a nostalgic touch reminiscent of family gatherings. It’s a true comfort combo!
- Spiced Chai: Sip on warm spiced chai while enjoying applesauce for a calming, aromatic experience that fuses flavors beautifully.
Make Ahead Options
Looking to save time with your Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce? This recipe is perfect for meal prepping! You can peel and chop the apples up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container with a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning. Additionally, gather all the ingredients and place them in the crockpot, then refrigerate until you’re ready to cook. When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply add water and set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours. Enjoy the same delicious, comforting flavors without the last-minute rush! This ensures that your homemade applesauce will be just as delightful.
Expert Tips for Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce
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Choose the Right Apples: Select a mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a balanced flavor in your Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce.
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Avoid Soupy Sauce: Use only the recommended ½ cup of water; exceeding this can lead to a watery consistency instead of the perfect texture.
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Peel with Care: Ensure all apples are peeled thoroughly to avoid the unpleasant chewiness of the skin in your applesauce.
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Customize Sweetness: For a naturally sweeter applesauce, consider using sweeter apple varieties or a touch of maple syrup after cooking.
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Spice It Up: Add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or even ground ginger towards the end of cooking for an aromatic kick that can elevate your delicious applesauce.
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Make Ahead & Store: Prepare a large batch and freeze in airtight containers for months; it’s a great way to enjoy homemade applesauce anytime!
How to Store and Freeze Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce
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Fridge: Store your homemade applesauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure it cools to room temperature before sealing to maintain freshness.
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Freezer: For longer storage, freeze applesauce in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes.
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Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw in the fridge overnight or place the container in warm water. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring until warm.
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Serving Suggestions: Serve warm or cold as a delightful snack, topping for yogurt, or as an ingredient in your favorite baked goods.
Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize your applesauce to match your taste buds!
- Apple Variety: Mix different apples, such as Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for tartness, for a complex flavor profile.
- Chunky Style: Simply mash the apples with a fork after cooking instead of blending for a delightful, rustic texture full of apple goodness.
- Spiced Up: Add a dash of ground nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract during cooking to enhance warmth and flavor depth.
- Cinnamon Alternatives: Swap cinnamon sticks for cardamom pods for a unique twist that introduces an exotic touch to your sauce.
- Sweetness Boost: For a sweeter applesauce, mix in a bit of maple syrup or honey at the end, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Lemon Zest: Incorporate the zest of a lemon alongside the juice for an extra zing that brightens every spoonful.
- Ginger Kick: Toss in a teaspoon of grated fresh ginger for a warm, spicy note that complements the apple’s natural sweetness.
- Fruit Medley: Add chopped pears or peaches to the mix to create a fruity medley that’s bursting with flavor and unique textures.
Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the best results?
Absolutely! I recommend a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji for sweetness and Granny Smith for a hint of tartness. This combination creates a wonderfully complex flavor in the applesauce that everyone will love.
How long can I store homemade applesauce in the fridge?
Your homemade applesauce can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Make sure to let it cool to room temperature before sealing it to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Can I freeze Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce?
Very much! To freeze your applesauce, simply pour it into airtight containers or freezer bags. Remember to leave some space at the top for expansion as it freezes. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge or place it in warm water to speed up the process.
My applesauce turned out too runny. How can I fix it?
If your applesauce is too watery, don’t worry! You can simply place it back in the crockpot without the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally. This will help to evaporate excess moisture and thicken your applesauce to the perfect consistency.
Is this recipe suitable for young children and infants?
Yes! This applesauce is a lovely option for children. Just be sure to omit the salt if you’re making it for babies under one year old and stick to sweeter apples for a natural sweetness.
Can I add spices to my applesauce after cooking?
Absolutely! I often experiment with spices. After cooking, you can mix in a bit of ground cinnamon, ginger, or even nutmeg to enhance the flavor. Start with a small amount, taste, and adjust to your liking for a delightful aromatic boost to your delicious applesauce!
Delicious Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into 1-2 inch chunks.
- Place the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, and salt into the crockpot.
- Cover the crockpot and cook on high for 4 hours.
- After cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks. Stir for chunky applesauce or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to jars.