Imagine walking into a kitchen filled with the warm, comforting aroma of slowly simmering apples, cinnamon wafting through the air, promising a dessert so delicious it'll transport you straight to grandma's kitchen. This isn't just any applesauce – this is a crockpot masterpiece that transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering treat that will have everyone begging for seconds. Get ready to discover the easiest, most delectable homemade chunky applesauce recipe that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 6 cups peeled and chopped apples
- 1/2 cup sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 6 cups of peeled and chopped apples, 1/2 cup of sugar, 1 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 1/4 cup of water.
- Choose your apples wisely. A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp, will give your applesauce a balanced flavor. Peel and chop the apples into bite-sized pieces, ensuring they are uniform for even cooking.
- In your crockpot, combine the chopped apples, sugar, and cinnamon. Stir gently to distribute the sugar and cinnamon evenly among the apples.
- Add the 1/4 cup of water to the mixture in the crockpot. This will help create steam and prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom during the cooking process.
- Cover the crockpot with its lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the apples to break down and become soft, resulting in a chunky texture.
- After 6 hours, check the applesauce. The apples should be tender and easily break apart when stirred. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency.
- Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness if necessary. If you find it needs more sugar, add a little at a time, mixing well after each addition.
- Once done, turn off the crockpot and let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or let it cool completely and store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This homemade chunky applesauce can be served as a side dish, a topping for pancakes or waffles, or even enjoyed on its own as a delicious snack.
Tips
- Apple Selection is Key: Mix sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith for a complex, balanced flavor profile.
- Uniform Chopping Matters: Cut apples into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and consistent texture.
- Spice it Up: Don't be afraid to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or a pinch of vanilla extract for extra depth.
- Texture Control: For chunkier applesauce, stir minimally. For smoother consistency, use a potato masher or immersion blender.
- Storage Hack: This applesauce freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, so make a big batch and enjoy later!
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond a simple side dish, use this applesauce as a topping for pancakes, stirred into oatmeal, or as a healthier dessert option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120kcal
Carbohydrates: 31g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
