Description
Homemade Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce brings warmth and comfort to autumn tables with its rustic simplicity. Fragrant cinnamon and sweet apples meld together, creating a delightful spread that draws friends and family closer around the kitchen.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 3 pounds (1.36 kilograms) assorted apples
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) apple juice or apple cider
Sweeteners and Spices:
- ¼ cup (50 grams) light brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Seasonings:
- Juice of ½ lemon
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
Instructions
- Meticulously select and prepare fresh, crisp apples by peeling their skin completely. Carefully core the fruits and dice them into uniform 1-inch (2.5-centimeter) cubes to guarantee consistent cooking and optimal texture.
- Transfer the apple chunks into a 4- to 6-quart (3.8- to 5.7-liter) slow cooker. Generously pour apple juice or cider over the fruit to infuse moisture and deepen the natural apple essence. Squeeze fresh lemon juice from half a lemon across the apples to prevent discoloration and introduce a subtle tangy brightness.
- Evenly distribute light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt across the apple mixture. Gently fold the ingredients together, ensuring each apple piece is thoroughly coated with the aromatic spices and liquid.
- Securely place the slow cooker lid to trap steam and concentrate flavors. Program the device to high heat and allow the apples to simmer for 4 hours. Midway through cooking, remove the lid and stir the contents thoroughly to promote uniform softening.
- Once the apples have transformed into a tender, almost mushy consistency, utilize an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly inside the slow cooker. Adjust blending duration based on desired applesauce texture – less blending creates a chunkier result, while more blending produces a silky smooth consistency.
- Allow the freshly prepared applesauce to cool to room temperature. Carefully transfer the applesauce into clean, airtight containers. Refrigerate to enhance flavor melding and achieve a slightly thicker consistency.
- Serve the homemade applesauce chilled or at ambient temperature as a versatile accompaniment to various dishes or enjoy independently as a nutritious, wholesome snack.
Notes
- Enjoy a versatile applesauce that transforms bruised or windfall apples into a delightful, waste-reducing culinary creation.
- Freezing individual portions ensures you can savor this homemade treat for up to three months, making meal prep a breeze.
- Customize your sauce’s warmth by experimenting with cinnamon and nutmeg, creating a personalized flavor experience.
- An immersion blender streamlines the pureeing process, keeping cleanup minimal and preserving every drop of delicious cooking liquid.
- Brown sugar works magic by caramelizing during cooking, intensifying the sauce’s natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Lemon juice provides a dual benefit of preventing browning and introducing a bright, tangy undertone to the final product.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Category: Snacks, Desserts
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 20 g
- Sodium: 100 mg
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg