Are you craving that warm, comforting taste of homemade applesauce, just like Grandma used to make? Forget the store-bought stuff – this Crock-Pot Cracker Barrel copycat applesauce recipe is unbelievably easy, delivers incredible flavor, and requires minimal effort. It’s the perfect healthy side dish, a delicious topping for your favorite desserts, or even a satisfying snack on a chilly evening. Get ready to experience the magic of slow-cooked applesauce! This easy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and offers a healthier alternative to processed applesauce.
Ingredients:
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix are ideal), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (packed) – adjust to your sweetness preference
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
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Combine ingredients: In your slow cooker, gently combine the chopped apples, apple cider (or juice), brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, and salt. Stir everything together to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
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Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, or until the apples are completely tender and easily mashed. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld and deepen.
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Mash and serve: Once the apples are cooked through, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to achieve your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunky applesauce, simply mash lightly. For a smoother texture, blend until creamy. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed.
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Enjoy! Serve your homemade applesauce warm or cold. It's delicious on its own, alongside pancakes or waffles, spooned over ice cream, or used as a filling for baked goods.
Tips for the Best Crock-Pot Applesauce:
- Apple selection: Choosing a mix of apple varieties adds depth of flavor and texture. Granny Smith apples provide tartness, while Honeycrisp adds sweetness.
- Sweetness level: Adjust the amount of brown sugar according to your preference and the sweetness of your apples. You can also substitute with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile.
- Spice it up: Feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or ginger for a unique twist on this classic recipe.
- Make it ahead: This applesauce tastes even better the next day! It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can even freeze it for longer storage.
Delicious Variations:
- Cranberry Applesauce: Add 1/2 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries during the last hour of cooking for a festive twist.
- Spiced Applesauce: Increase the spices to 1 ½ teaspoons cinnamon, ¾ teaspoon nutmeg, and ½ teaspoon allspice for a warmer, more intense flavor.
- Cinnamon Sugar Applesauce: Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of cinnamon sugar over the apples before serving for an extra layer of sweetness and spice.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This information is based on 6 servings using the recipe above and may vary slightly depending on the specific ingredients used.
- Calories: Approximately 150
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 35g
- Sugar: Approximately 20g
- Fiber: Approximately 4g
This Crock-Pot applesauce recipe is a quick dinner idea, a healthy meal addition, and a fantastic homemade cooking project, perfect for those seeking delicious dishes and the best recipes. It’s simple, adaptable, and undeniably delicious – a true crowd-pleaser! Enjoy!