Simple Slow Cooker Applesauce (No Sugar Added!)

Few things taste more like fall than the rich, sweet aroma of apples cooking away in your kitchen. Whether you’ve just come back from a family trip to the apple orchard or are looking for a cozy, healthy snack, this simple slow cooker applesauce recipe is the perfect solution. It’s wholesome, delicious and incredibly easy to make, requiring just a few basic ingredients and a slow cooker!

This homemade applesauce is naturally sweetened with the apples’ natural sugars, and there’s no need to add extra sugar! In this recipe, we’ll walk you through how to make slow cooker applesauce step-by-step, discuss its nutritional benefits, and even suggest ways to customize the recipe for your family’s taste preferences.

Why Slow Cooker Applesauce?

Making applesauce in a slow cooker is one of the easiest and most hands-off methods available. You simply toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, set it on low and let the magic happen. In a few hours, you’ll have a rich, flavorful homemade applesauce that beats anything store-bought. Plus, the slow cooking process intensifies the apple flavor and fills your home with the warm, comforting scent of cinnamon and apples.

This particular slow cooker applesauce recipe calls for 12 medium red apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, apple cider vinegar and a touch of water. Not only is it no-sugar-added, but the inclusion of apple cider vinegar adds a tangy depth, while the cinnamon and nutmeg bring out the warm, spiced flavors of fall.

The best part? You don’t even have to peel the apples! The skin cooks down beautifully and adds extra nutrients and fiber to the mix.

The Health Benefits of Homemade Applesauce

There are plenty of reasons to love this homemade applesauce beyond its delightful taste. Apples are a powerhouse of nutrition, loaded with dietary fiber, vitamins and antioxidants. One medium apple contains nearly 20-percent of your daily fiber needs, which is essential for digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar levels. The skins, which are kept on in this recipe, are especially rich in fiber and essential nutrients like vitamin C.

The addition of cinnamon and nutmeg not only enhances the flavor but also offers their own health benefits. Cinnamon is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, while nutmeg is packed with antioxidants.

This slow cooker applesauce recipe is also a great option for those following specific diets. Each serving (a half-cup) is only 68 calories and counts as one SmartCarb on the Nutrisystem plan, making it an excellent snack or side dish for those working toward weight loss goals.

How to Make Slow Cooker Applesauce

Ready to learn how to make applesauce in a slow cooker? It couldn’t be easier. Here’s what you’ll need to do:

1. Prepare the apples: After washing the apples, simply remove the cores and cut them into quarters. No need to peel them! Leaving the skins on adds texture and boosts the fiber content.
2. Add the ingredients: Toss the apple quarters into the slow cooker along with water, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and nutmeg. Stir to coat the apples evenly in the spices.
3. Cook on low: Set your slow cooker to low and let the apples cook for three to three and a half hours. You’ll know they’re ready when the apples are soft and easy to mash.
4. Mash or blend: Once the apples are done, you can mash them with a potato masher for a chunkier texture, or use an immersion blender if you prefer a smoother consistency.

That’s it! You now have delicious, homemade slow cooker applesauce with no added sugar.

Serving Suggestions and Customizations

This slow cooker applesauce is versatile and can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are a few serving ideas:

• As a side dish: Serve it alongside pork tenderloin or roasted chicken for a sweet and savory pairing.
• As a snack: Enjoy a bowl on its own, warm or chilled, for a healthy, fiber-rich snack.
• In desserts: Use it as a topping for pancakes and waffles, or even ice cream for a guilt-free treat.

If you’d like to customize the recipe, there are endless possibilities. Consider these variations:

• Add other fruits: Toss in pears or cranberries for a fruity twist.
• Sweeten it up: If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, stir in a spoonful of maple syrup or honey after the apples have cooked.
• Spice it up: Experiment with other fall spices like cardamom, ginger or cloves for a unique flavor profile.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Applesauce Recipe

Aside from the amazing flavor, this recipe is a winner because it’s so easy and requires minimal effort. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to use up any apples you might have in abundance during the fall season. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a tasty side dish or a way to incorporate more fiber into your diet, this slow cooker applesauce ticks all the boxes.

With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a batch of homemade applesauce that’s not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. It’s an excellent recipe to keep on hand as we head into cooler months, offering a warm and comforting way to enjoy the best of fall’s bounty.

So, the next time you’re craving something cozy and healthy, remember this simple slow cooker applesauce recipe—it’s as easy as tossing a few apples in the slow cooker and letting the magic happen!

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