Slow-Cooker Applesauce
A smooth and easy applesauce that is heavily spiced. Very easy to modify!
Ingredients
- 3.5 pounds Apples (about 7) a mix of varieties is best, I used local NY apples that were just picked
- 1/4 cup Lemon juice
- 3/4 cup Water
- 1 stick Cinnamon
- 1 piece Star anise optional
- 1 tsp Cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to taste
Instructions
- Cut the apples into one inch chunks and add to slow cooker. Add in the lemon juice and water, drizzling over the apples evenly. Add in the cinnamon stick and star anise if using.
- Cover and set the slow cooker on high for four hours. Stir 2-3 times during cooking, trying to get the apples from the top down to the bottom. Don't worry about mushing them as you stir.
- Once the apples are very soft, remove the cinnamon stick and star anise. Use an immersion blender until smooth and uniform. Add the spices to taste while stirring.
- Transfer to glass jars and cover loosely. Leave them on the counter until they cool significantly (a few hours) and then transfer to the fridge. If freezing, fill the jars only about 2/3 full, and wait until room temperature to put in freezer. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Notes
- You can use more or less apples, just adjust the amount of liquid (lemon juice + water) according, keeping the ratio about the same.
- If you want a chunkier sauce, peel the apples before cooking, and then mash with a potato masher or fork instead of using the immersion blender.
- If you don't have an immersion blender, you can use a regular blender and work in batches. Be careful blending anything hot!
- If you're not a fan, leave out the star anise. It can be a powerful flavor. You can double the cinnamon instead, or wait until the end and just season to taste.