In my opinion, fall couldn’t come soon enough. This summer was HOT, which made running pretty miserable at times and made other outdoor activities sound not-so-attractive. Drenched in sweat after a stroll in the neighborhood? No thanks. Though I love the bounty of summer’s produce, my favorite seasonal flavors are from the fall. Pumpkin. Apple. Squash. Cranberry. Yum.
Even though I’ve been graduated for three years now (!), fall takes me back to my alma mater, with pretty leaves on the trees, homecoming festivities, and cross country races. Oh, how I miss Wittenberg, dear Wittenberg!
I’m learning to love fall on my new campus, Indiana University. I love walking in the midst of these grand old limestone-and-brick buildings with a chill in the air and leaves crunching beneath my feet. Fall weather, whether it comes in the first week of the semester or the sixth, just screams academics to me. Does this resonate with anyone else? I just love the line in You’ve Got Mail about this:
“Don’t you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has it’s charm.”
one aspect of fall…
Last fall, Ben and I even got to partake in a classic fall ritual–apple picking! It was really fun, and we came back with dozens of apples–a whole peck, I do believe.
Apple picking last fall.
We made many an apple recipe last fall, and since I wasn’t blogging then, I haven’t shared them yet!
In honor of the first day of fall, I made this applesauce last night to celebrate. Since it’s a crock pot recipe, made is a loose term. After getting home, I quickly enlisted Ben’s sous-chef skills and hopped to it!
8 apples, cored, peeled, chopped [I used 3 Gala apples and 5 Granny Smiths, but feel free to use whatever you like/have on hand.] — about 8-9 cups
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
Directions:
Prepare apples, and don’t feel like you have to peel all the skin off–we like a little left on for texture! Combine all ingredients in a crock pot. Stir well, then cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4 hours. Resist the temptation to open the lid! It adds cooking time if you do that because the air escapes. [Ask me how I know… :)] When it has finished cooking, use a potato masher to mash apples to desired texture. Eat and enjoy!
Notes:
If you don’t have a crock pot, I’m sure you can make this recipe on the stove, too, but I haven’t tried that. If you do, let me know how it goes! Also, this recipe can easily be doubled or even tripled, depending on the size of your crock pot. Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your apples too. Or the seasonings too. Or add pears. That’s yummy also. Basically, this is a very versatile recipe. Do with it what you like!
Librarian. Runner. Wife. Jesus follower. Loves reading, Indiana basketball, trying new recipes, coffee, cuddling with my kitties, cozy scarves, and cardigans.
View all posts by Sarah
23 thoughts on “Crock Pot Chunky Applesauce”
I need to make this! Apples are so cheap here, and I am always buying too many. I’ve been looking for an applesauce recipe I like. This is perfect!
Oh, I’m jealous . . . I loved fall at IU! The trees, the Jordan river flowing through campus, the hippy coffee shops, mochas from that Starbucks in the Read dorms . . .
Ha I just found your blog and I like it a lot! And that is one of the best quotes EVER! 🙂 Also, I have a crock pot and I have been looking for recipes! This is perfect!
Fall at Wittenberg was the best! Beautiful trees, perfect walking weather, homecoming…I miss it too 🙂
Your applesauce looks so tasty–I made a huge batch of homemade applesauce two weeks ago when I received a massive bushel of apples from my mom. When it comes to applesauce, I think the chunkier the better (I always leave the skins on!)
Fall is my favorite season as well! My roommate makes homemade applesauce pretty frequently and it’s always delicious. I’m going to have to pass this recipe on to her!
The Pajama Chef 
I need to make this! Apples are so cheap here, and I am always buying too many. I’ve been looking for an applesauce recipe I like. This is perfect!
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Oh, I’m jealous . . . I loved fall at IU! The trees, the Jordan river flowing through campus, the hippy coffee shops, mochas from that Starbucks in the Read dorms . . .
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BEST QUOTE EVER! 🙂 I just found your blog and I love it! Also I have a crock pot and I have been looking for recipes. This is just perfect!
http://annawalker1992.blogspot.com/
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Ha I just found your blog and I like it a lot! And that is one of the best quotes EVER! 🙂 Also, I have a crock pot and I have been looking for recipes! This is perfect!
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great! i’m glad you found me 🙂
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Fall at Wittenberg was the best! Beautiful trees, perfect walking weather, homecoming…I miss it too 🙂
Your applesauce looks so tasty–I made a huge batch of homemade applesauce two weeks ago when I received a massive bushel of apples from my mom. When it comes to applesauce, I think the chunkier the better (I always leave the skins on!)
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I haven’t tried applesauce in a slow cooker before. Thanks for the recipe.
Plan B
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Your recipe sounds delicious, and I love the name of your blog!
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thanks!
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Fall is my favorite season as well! My roommate makes homemade applesauce pretty frequently and it’s always delicious. I’m going to have to pass this recipe on to her!
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oh good! i think the pumpkin pie spice really adds to it!
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Pssst! You can also sub apple cider for the water. But I can’t say it’s better as I haven’t tried it with water. It is good with cider, though! 🙂
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what a good idea 🙂 thanks!
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Can this sauce be frozen?
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Yes, it freezes really well! I’ve frozen it in bulk & also in individual containers for lunch and whatnot.
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