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Cozy Crockpot Applesauce with Cinnamon and Cloves

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This easy, slow-cooker applesauce is made with simple ingredients like apples, cinnamon, and cloves. It’s naturally sweet, perfect for fall, and requires minimal effort—just chop, toss, and let the crockpot work its magic.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium), a mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith
  • 3 cinnamon sticks
  • 1 teaspoon whole cloves
  • 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2–3 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional)
  • ¼ cup water
  • Pinch of salt

Instructions

  1. Prep the apples: Peel about three-quarters of the apples (or leave skins on for more texture). Core each apple and cut into roughly 1-inch chunks.
  2. Layer the ingredients in the crockpot: Add apple chunks, tuck in cinnamon sticks and whole cloves, pour in lemon juice, water, and maple syrup (if using). Sprinkle with salt and stir gently.
  3. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until apples are completely tender and falling apart.
  4. Remove the whole spices: Fish out cinnamon sticks and whole cloves with a slotted spoon.
  5. Mash or blend to desired consistency: Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for smooth. For in-between, mash partially.
  6. Taste and adjust: Add more maple syrup for sweetness or a pinch of cinnamon for spice if desired.
  7. Cool and store: Let cool to room temperature (about 30 minutes), then transfer to jars or airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.

Notes

Don’t skip the lemon juice—it prevents browning and brightens flavor. Whole spices are worth using for a gentler, more aromatic taste. For a thicker applesauce, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes of cooking. The applesauce gets better after a day in the fridge as flavors meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot applesauce, slow cooker applesauce, cinnamon applesauce, homemade applesauce, fall recipe, easy applesauce

Find it online: https://leilameals.com/cozy-crockpot-applesauce-with-cinnamon-and-cloves/