Homestyle Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce Recipe (Print Version)

Make a batch of comforting Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce. This simple recipe captures sweet, spiced flavors with ease for a beloved family treat.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4 Hours minutes
Total Time: 19 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Core Apples

01 - 8-10 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith)
02 - 1/2 cup water

→ Sweeteners & Spices

03 - 1/4 cup light brown sugar (or to taste)
04 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
05 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
06 - Pinch of salt

→ Flavor Enhancers

07 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
08 - 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional, but recommended)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples peeled, cored, and sliced into roughly 1-inch chunks. I know, peeling can be a chore, but it's worth it for smooth applesauce. I usually just put on some music and get into a rhythm. Don't worry if they're not perfectly uniform; they'll all break down in the end. This is where I learned my lesson about coring, so make sure those seeds are *gone*!
02 - Toss all your apple chunks into your slow cooker. Add the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and that tiny pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to make sure everything is coated. It’s okay if it looks a little dry at this stage; the apples will release plenty of liquid. Honestly, this step always smells like fall before anything's even cooked, which I love.
03 - Cover your crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours. You're looking for the apples to be super tender, almost falling apart with just a touch. I usually check around the 4-hour mark on low, and give it a stir. You'll see the steam rising and the kitchen filling with that incredible spiced apple aroma – that's when you know it's working!
04 - Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and grab a potato masher. Mash the apples to your desired consistency. I like mine a little chunky, so I don't go crazy, but if you prefer super smooth, keep mashing! This is the fun part, feeling those tender apples give way. You can even use an immersion blender if you want it silky smooth, but a masher gives it that lovely rustic feel.
05 - Stir in the fresh lemon juice and the vanilla extract. Give it a taste. This is *your* Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce, so adjust the sweetness or spice if you need to. Sometimes I add a bit more cinnamon here if I'm feeling extra spicy. It’s all about making it perfect for you!
06 - Serve your warm, delicious Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce immediately, or let it cool and store it. It looks, smells, and tastes like pure homemade comfort. The scent alone is enough to make everyone in the house ask, “What’s cooking?!” It’s truly a simple pleasure that brings so much joy.

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip the lemon juice; it really brightens the flavor and prevents browning, trust me.
02 - This Pioneer Woman Crockpot Applesauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for a week, perfect for quick breakfasts.
03 - I've tried using maple syrup instead of brown sugar, and it gives a lovely, deeper note to this applesauce.
04 - Serve it warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or alongside roasted pork for a real treat.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker (Crockpot)
02 - Vegetable peeler
03 - Apple corer (optional
04 - but helpful)
05 - Cutting board
06 - Knife
07 - Potato masher (or immersion blender)
08 - Airtight containers for storage

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 0g

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