Why You’ll Love this Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe
When you taste this Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce, you’ll understand why it quickly becomes a favorite in my kitchen.
The aroma fills the air, wrapping you in warmth and nostalgia. Each bite is a delightful blend of sweetness and spice, with a smooth, velvety texture that’s simply irresistible.
I love how easy it’s to make; just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the work. It’s perfect for a cozy dessert or a topping on pancakes and waffles.
Plus, it’s a great way to use up those apples sitting in the fridge. I promise, once you try it, you’ll be hooked on this delicious, homemade treat!
You won’t want store-bought applesauce ever again.
Ingredients of Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce
When you’re craving something sweet and comforting, this Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce is just the thing. It brings that cozy, homey feel right into your kitchen. The ingredients are simple, and most of them you probably already have on hand.
Plus, the best part? It’s a fantastic way to use up those apples that are just sitting there, waiting for their moment to shine. So, let’s explore what you’ll need to whip up this delightful treat.
Ingredients:
- 3 1/2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1/2 cup firmly packed brown sugar
- 1 1/2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Using Granny Smith apples is key for that perfect balance of tart and sweet, and they hold up well during cooking. If you’re feeling adventurous, you could mix in some other apple varieties for added flavor, like Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Just be cautious with the sugar, as some apples are sweeter than others, so you might want to adjust the brown sugar to your taste. And don’t skip the lemon juice—it brightens up the whole dish and prevents the apples from browning too quickly.
Trust me, it makes a difference. Now that you know what to gather, let’s get ready to cook up some deliciousness!
How to Make Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce
Alright, let’s plunge into the delightful world of making Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce. This recipe is as easy as pie—or should I say applesauce? You’ll want to start by grabbing your trusty 3 1/2-quart electric slow cooker. It’s about to become your best friend in the kitchen.
First things first, take 3 1/2 pounds of Granny Smith apples. Yes, that’s right, a whole bunch of them. Peel, core, and slice those bad boys up. I often find myself thinking, “Why did I choose such a labor-intensive fruit?” But trust me, the end result is totally worth it.
Toss those apple slices into your slow cooker along with 1/2 cup of firmly packed brown sugar and 1 1/2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. The brown sugar adds that lovely caramelized sweetness, while the lemon juice brightens everything up.
Once you’ve got your apples, sugar, and lemon juice all cozy in the slow cooker, give them a gentle toss to mix everything together. Now, cover it up and set your slow cooker to the high heat setting. Let those apples simmer for about 3 hours. Yes, three whole hours. You might be tempted to sneak a taste before they’re done, but resist the urge. Patience is a virtue, my friend.
After the time is up, the apples should be incredibly tender. This is where the magic happens—grab a potato masher and mash those apples up. You can make it as chunky or smooth as you like. I personally enjoy a bit of texture, so I go for a rustic mash, but you do you.
Now, sprinkle in 1/4 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and stir it all up. The aroma that fills your kitchen is simply divine. And just like that, you’ve got yourself a warm, comforting bowl of cinnamon applesauce ready to be enjoyed, maybe even over a scoop of vanilla ice cream if you’re feeling extra indulgent.
Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce Substitutions & Variations
If you’re looking to put your own spin on Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce, there are plenty of substitutions and variations to contemplate.
For a sweeter twist, try using honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar. If you’re after a different flavor profile, mix in some nutmeg or ginger for added warmth.
You can also swap Granny Smith apples for sweeter varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp if you prefer a milder taste. For a chunkier texture, leave some apple slices unmashed.
Want to get adventurous? Add dried fruits like raisins or cranberries for a chewy contrast.
Finally, a splash of vanilla extract can elevate the flavor, giving it that extra oomph! Enjoy experimenting!
What to Serve with Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce
After you’ve perfected your Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce, it’s time to think about what to serve alongside it.
I love pairing it with warm, fluffy pancakes or waffles for a cozy breakfast treat. It also makes a fantastic topping for vanilla ice cream—there’s nothing like that warm applesauce melting into the cold scoop.
If you’re in the mood for something savory, try serving it with roasted pork or chicken; the sweet and cinnamon flavors complement the meat beautifully.
For a simple snack, I’ll spread it on toast or use it as a dip for cinnamon sugar pita chips.
No matter how you choose to enjoy it, this applesauce is sure to elevate any meal!
Additional Tips & Notes
While making Slow Cooked Cinnamon Applesauce is straightforward, there are a few tips that can enhance your final dish.
First, try adding a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for an extra flavor dimension. If you prefer a smoother texture, blend the applesauce with an immersion blender after mashing.
I’ve also found that letting it cool before refrigerating helps the flavors meld beautifully. If you want to reduce sweetness, adjust the brown sugar according to your taste.
Don’t forget, you can experiment with other apple varieties for a unique twist.
Finally, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Enjoy your homemade applesauce, and feel free to share it with friends!