Slow Cooker Applesauce

If you love cozy fall flavors with a grown-up twist, this Slow Cooker Applesauce made with Angry Orchard Hard Apple Cider is about to become your new favorite comfort recipe.

The hard cider adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that makes this applesauce taste like something you’d get at a fall festival — rich, spiced, and perfectly sweet. And the alcohol cooks off as the apples simmer in the slow cooker.

You can also use water or apple cider instead of the hard apple cider.

This cozy, spiced applesauce also makes a wonderful Thanksgiving side dish — it pairs perfectly with roasted turkey, ham, or pork, adding a touch of sweetness to your holiday plate.

The best part? Your slow cooker does all the work. Just toss everything in, walk away, and come back to a house that smells like warm apple pie and cinnamon.

Tips for the Best Hard Cider Applesauce

• Mix your apples for the best balance of flavor — the cider complements both tart and sweet varieties.
• No need for extra liquid: The cider provides enough moisture and flavor.
• Make it your own: Add a splash of vanilla or a pinch of cloves for extra fall spice.
• Use it up: Try this applesauce as a side with pork chops, over pancakes, or spooned over vanilla ice cream!

Storage

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze up to 3 months.

Pro tip: Freeze individual portions in silicone muffin cups or small jars for quick defrosting later!

What is Slow Cooker Applesauce?

Slow Cooker Applesauce is a warm, comforting, and naturally sweet sauce made by cooking apples low and slow in a crockpot or slow cooker until they soften and break down into a smooth or chunky texture.

It’s one of the easiest ways to make homemade applesauce — no stirring over the stove or watching a pot boil.

You simply peel and slice your apples, toss them into the slow cooker with a little liquid (like water, apple juice, or even hard cider), add your favorite spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg, and let the slow cooker work its magic.

After a few hours, the apples turn tender and fragrant.

You can mash them for a rustic, chunky sauce or blend them for a silky-smooth version.

More Cozy Fall Recipes to Try

If you love this slow cooker applesauce, you’ll also enjoy:

• Smoked Pumpkin Seeds on the Traeger
• Fall Snack Mix
• Buttery Pecan Bars
• Homemade Apple Crisp

Ingredients

• Apples
• Angry Orchard Hard Apple Cider
• Brown sugar
• Ground cinnamon
• Ground nutmeg
• Lemon juice
• Salt

How to make Slow Cooker Applesauce

Core the apples using an Apple Corer Tool.

Peel the apples.

Chop the apples into rough chunks.

Add the apple chunks to the bowl of your slow cooker.

Pour in the hard apple cider, sugar, cinnamon, lemon juice, and salt.

Stir to combine.

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours;

Until the apples are soft and breaking apart.

For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher right in the slow cooker.

For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender once slightly cooled.

Served warm or chilled — it’s delicious either way!