You know those days that just call for a hug in a bowl? Maybe it’s cold outside, or the skies are gray, or you’re feeling more than a tad nostalgic. That’s when I reach for my trusty crockpot and throw together one of my all-time favorite recipes—**Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce**. Honestly, it’s like bottled-up warmth, a sweet embrace that fills your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon, apples, and a hint of vanilla. It transports me back to my grandma’s small kitchen with its sunny yellow walls, where I’d sit on a stool while she stirred a bubbling pot of applesauce on the stove.
There’s something truly heartwarming about making a batch of applesauce from scratch. I remember the first time I attempted it on my own—a kitchen disaster turned delightful masterpiece. I accidentally dumped in too much sugar, and it became a veritable candy soup. But you know what? That “oops” led to comfort food magic that had me experimenting in the kitchen for years. And trust me, there’s no fancy technique needed here. Just good ingredients, a bit of time, and the love you pour in as the apples cook down.
That’s the beauty of homemade applesauce—it’s forgiving, versatile, and it gives you the license to play around. The texture, the sweetness, the spices—those are all up to you. Whether you’re looking for a warm side dish, a topping for pancakes, or just a cozy snack, this recipe is a gift that keeps on giving.
### What Goes Into Cozy Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce?
Let’s get into the ingredients. I’ll walk you through each of them, along with some personal quirks and tips that I’ve gathered along the way.
– **Apples**: The real star of the show! I usually go for a mix of **Granny Smith** and **Honeycrisp**. The tartness of Granny Smith balances beautifully with the sweetness of Honeycrisp. You can use whatever apples you have, but I swear by this combo. And please, don’t be like me once and try to make applesauce with those sad, waxy grocery store apples on discount. It won’t feel the same!
– **Cinnamon**: Ah, cinnamon—the spice that makes everything nice. I use **ground cinnamon**, but you can also throw in a cinnamon stick if you want a deeper flavor. Just remember to remove it before serving unless you want to add an air of mystery to the mix! It can be a fun conversation starter. Trust me, I once served my friends applesauce with a cinnamon stick still in it, and we all had a laugh trying to figure out who would take the first scoop.
– **Sugar**: I usually add a touch of **brown sugar** and a little bit of **granulated sugar**. You know what? Here’s the thing, though: I always eyeball the sugar. You might find you don’t need much at all if your apples are naturally sweet. Start with a little, taste, and add more if needed.
– **Lemon Juice**: This is more than just an ingredient; it’s like a magic potion! It brightens up the flavors and prevents the apples from browning. Plus, the tanginess complements the sweetness beautifully. I often just squeeze a fresh lemon right over my mix—feel free to skip the measuring spoon; it’s all about instinct!
– **Vanilla Extract**: I adore adding a splash of this. It’s the secret weapon in my applesauce that makes people go, “Wow, what’s in this?” It adds a depth of flavor that just brings everything together beautifully. I’ve tried imitation vanilla before—don’t even bother! Go for the real stuff; it makes a world of difference.
There you go! While this isn’t an exhaustive grocery list, these five ingredients are key to crafting comforting crockpot cinnamon applesauce.
### Is Cozy Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Actually Good for You?
If you’re wondering how this stack of delights fares on the health front, fear not! It’s pretty wholesome. **Apples** are, of course, a fantastic source of dietary fiber and Vitamin C, plus they’re low in calories. When you make your own applesauce, you get to control the amount of added sugar, which can be a silent health thief in many store-bought brands.
Yes, I did mention **sugar**, but a little sweetness goes a long way, and you have the flexibility to adjust it to your taste and health goals. Just keep it moderate, and you’ll still have a delicious batch without compromising those health vibes. The lemon juice packs in Vitamin C as well, making this recipe more formulated for goodness than you might expect.
### Here’s What You’ll Need
– **4-5 medium apples**, peeled, cored, and sliced (about 4 cups)
– **2 teaspoons ground cinnamon**
– **1/4 cup brown sugar** (or to taste)
– **2 tablespoons granulated sugar** (or to taste)
– **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
– **1 teaspoon vanilla extract**
This should give you about 4 cups of dreamy, nutty, cinnamon-infused applesauce. Perfect for sharing—or hoarding all for yourself.
### How to Make Cozy Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce Step-by-Step
1. **Prep Your Apples**: Begin by peeling, coring, and slicing your apples. I find it meditative, almost like a zen task. Grab a sturdy knife and let the apples fall into a bowl as you slice. There’s something so satisfying about seeing them stack up.
2. **Mix it Up**: In your crockpot, toss together the sliced apples and all the ingredients: **cinnamon**, **sugars**, **lemon juice**, and **vanilla extract**. Give it a gentle stir. Honestly, I can’t resist stealing a slice of apple to taste here. You want those spices to coat all the apple pieces beautifully.
3. **Set Your Crockpot**: Pop the lid on your crockpot, set it to low, and let it work its magic. I usually leave it for about 4-5 hours, stirring occasionally if I’m around. The sweet smell might just tempt you to lift the lid and steal a little taste.
4. **The Fun Part—Mash or Blend**: Once the apples have cooked down and softened (no more hard bites, please), it’s time to mash. I usually take a potato masher to it, but if you want a smoother texture, feel free to blend it. There’s no judgment here! Just remember, it’s totally fine to leave it as chunky as you like. Each spoonful should remind you of cozy weekends at Grandma’s.
5. **Taste Test**: Here’s where you get to be the judge! Is it sweet enough? Adjust if necessary with a sprinkle more sugar or a hint more cinnamon. Maybe a squeeze more lemon juice? You do you, boo!
6. **Cool and Store**: Once you’re happy with the taste, transfer your applesauce to storage containers. Let it cool completely before sealing and popping it in the fridge. It keeps well for about a week, but in my house, it never lasts that long.
### Little Extras I’ve Learned Along the Way
– **Make-Ahead Magical**: This applesauce is fantastic as a freezer meal! If I know I’m in for a busy week, I’ll double the batch and freeze what I can’t eat. Just thaw it overnight before you’re ready to dive in again.
– **Creative Add-Ins**: Do you love cranberries? Throw in a handful during cooking for a little zing. Want to make it a dessert? Add a pinch of nutmeg or even a sprinkle of clove for unexpected spice.
– **Different Apples, Different Flavors**: If you want to switch things up, try using **Fuji** or **Jonagold** apples. They’ll impart their own unique sweetness and flavor notes into your applesauce; it’s like having a different flavor each time!
– **Serving Suggestions**: I love mixing this warm applesauce with oatmeal for breakfast. I’ve even used it as a topping on yogurt, pancakes, or ice cream. It’s just so adaptable!
– **My Cousin’s Crazy Twist**: So, I have a cousin who REALLY loves his heat. He once added chili flakes into his batch of applesauce. You know what? It turned out surprisingly delicious! If you’re brave enough, go wild and try it!
This one means a lot to me. It has become a staple in my kitchen, and every spoonful brings back those cozy memories. I hope you’ll give this cozy crockpot cinnamon applesauce a try. Let the scent wrap around your home and fill your heart with warmth, just like that sunny kitchen I remember. If you make it, I’d love to hear what you think or if you give it your own twist! Happy cooking!
