Irresistible Easy Applesauce Recipe

I make this Easy Applesauce Recipe whenever I have a bag of apples sitting on my counter. It takes just three ingredients and turns out smoother and fresher than anything I’ve found at the store.

The best part is keeping the peels on, which means my family gets all the fiber and vitamins without any extra work. I toss everything in the slow cooker, blend it smooth, and have jars of homemade applesauce ready to go.

What makes this Easy Applesauce Recipe a keeper for years to come

I love that this recipe skips the sugar and artificial ingredients completely. The natural sweetness from the apples is more than enough, and I can control exactly what goes into every jar.

It works with any variety of apples I have on hand, whether I’m using Honeycrisp, Gala, or a mix of sweet and tart. The slow cooker does all the work while I go about my day, and the cinnamon adds just the right warmth.

I can make a big batch in the fall when apples are at their peak and freeze or can the extras for months of easy snacks. My kids eat it straight from the jar, and I use it in baking recipes like breakfast bars and muffins.

Looking for more ways to use fresh apples? My The Best Roasted Apples and Sweet Potatoes brings out the natural sweetness in a savory side dish, and the Easy Caramel Apple Cookies turns apple season into a batch of chewy, caramel-filled treats.

Everything you need for the perfect Easy Applesauce Recipe

• 3 pounds apples (about 10 medium apples, organic preferred, washed well, any variety like Honeycrisp, Pink Lady, Gala, Jazz, Granny Smith, or a sweet/tart mix)
• ½ cup water
• ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional but recommended, can add a pinch of nutmeg too)

I suggest using organic apples to avoid pesticides, especially since we’re keeping the peels on. A combination of sweet and tart varieties gives the best flavor balance, and the cinnamon is optional but adds a cozy touch.

My Method for Easy Applesauce Recipe

1. If desired, peel the apples, but I prefer leaving the skins on for added fiber and nutrition. Quarter the apples and remove the seeds and core.
2. Add ½ cup water and the cut apples to the container of a slow cooker. Don’t worry if it doesn’t look like enough liquid – the apples will release moisture as they cook.
3. Cook on high for 2 hours, until the apples are soft to the touch and easily mashed with a fork.
4. Transfer the contents of the slow cooker (liquid and all) to the container of a high-powered blender. Blend, starting on low speed and increasing to high speed, until the mixture is completely smooth (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Add the cinnamon (if using) and blend until combined, about 5 seconds. Taste and adjust cinnamon if desired.
6. Let cool slightly before transferring to glass jars or airtight containers for storage.

My kitchen secrets for getting this Easy Applesauce Recipe just right

I always use a high-powered blender to make sure the peels break down completely and the texture stays silky smooth. If your blender struggles, you can strain the mixture through a fine-mesh sieve, but I’ve never needed to with a good blender.

Don’t add sweetener unless you taste it first and find it needs more. Fresh, ripe apples have plenty of natural sugar, and I’ve never had to add honey or maple syrup.

For the best flavor, I like mixing a tart apple like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties like Honeycrisp or Gala. The contrast makes the applesauce more interesting and balanced.

How I love to share this Easy Applesauce Recipe

I serve this as a snack for my kids with a sprinkle of extra cinnamon on top, and they eat it straight from the jar. It also makes a great side dish with pork chops or roasted chicken, and I use it as a natural sweetener in baked goods.

I’ve also used it as one of the first purees for my babies, and it’s gentle enough for little ones just starting solid foods. It freezes beautifully in small portions, so I always have some ready when I need it.