Are you ready to transform simple apples into a deliciously smooth and budget-friendly treat? Our Slow Cooker Budget Friendly Applesauce Pouches are not only easy to make but also a delightful way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples without breaking the bank! Perfect for busy families or anyone looking to add a wholesome snack to their pantry, this recipe will have your kitchen smelling like an autumn orchard in no time. Dive into the world of homemade goodness and discover how you can whip up 8 pouches of scrumptious applesauce with just a few ingredients and a slow cooker. Your taste buds will thank you!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 4 hrs
Total Time: 4 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 pouches
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Wash and prepare apples by peeling, removing cores, and chopping into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure even cooking.
- Place chopped apples into the slow cooker, spreading them evenly across the bottom of the cooking vessel.
- Pour water over the apples to provide moisture and prevent sticking during the slow cooking process.
- Sprinkle brown sugar and ground cinnamon evenly over the apple pieces, ensuring all chunks are lightly coated.
- Drizzle lemon juice across the apples to help prevent browning and add a subtle tangy flavor to the applesauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting, allowing the apples to cook slowly and break down over 4 hours.
- Stir the apple mixture gently every hour to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking and caramelization.
- After 4 hours, use a potato masher or immersion blender to achieve desired applesauce consistency - smooth or slightly chunky.
- Let the applesauce cool completely before transferring to clean pouches or storage containers.
- Store pouches in refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for longer preservation.
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, mix different varieties of apples, such as sweet Fuji or Gala with tart Granny Smith. This will give your applesauce a well-rounded taste.
- Uniform Chopping: Chop the apples into uniform 1-inch chunks to ensure they cook evenly. This prevents some pieces from becoming mushy while others remain firm.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of brown sugar based on your taste preference or the sweetness of the apples. You can also substitute with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Add Flavor Variations: Experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract to customize your applesauce. A pinch of cloves can also add a warm depth of flavor.
- Stir Regularly: Remember to stir the apple mixture every hour while cooking. This not only helps prevent sticking but also promotes even caramelization for richer flavor.
- Texture Preference: Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for a smoother finish. Adjust according to your family’s preference!
- Storage Tips: Once cooled, transfer the applesauce into pouches or airtight containers. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for longer shelf life.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and portion it out for quick snacks or lunchbox additions. Homemade applesauce is a healthier alternative to store-bought options!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 49kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
