Mohamed Shili Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce is made with assorted apples, apple juice or apple cider, lemon juice, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This simple, homemade Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe creates a dessert or snack that takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 10 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce Ingredients
- 3 lb. assorted apples
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
- Juice of half a lemon
- 1/4 cup light brown sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Prepare the apples: Begin by peeling your assorted apples. After peeling, core them and chop them into even 1-inch chunks. This size helps ensure they cook evenly and break down properly in the slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the apple chunks into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the apple juice or cider over the apples to add moisture and enhance the apple flavor. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the apples to brighten the flavor and prevent browning. Sprinkle the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt evenly over the apples. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the apple pieces are coated with the spices and juice.
- Cooking process: Secure the lid on your slow cooker to trap the steam and flavors. Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook the apple mixture for 4 hours. At the 2-hour mark, remove the lid and stir the apples thoroughly to make sure they cook evenly. Replace the lid and continue cooking.
- Blend into applesauce: Once the apples have softened and the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture into smooth applesauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less thoroughly.
- Cool and store: Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the applesauce to chill; it will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld beautifully as it cools.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature: Enjoy your homemade applesauce as a delightful side dish, a topping for desserts, or a healthy snack.
Recipe Tips
- Use a variety of apples: Combine sweet and tart apple varieties to balance the flavor profile of your applesauce. This mixture will enhance both the complexity and depth of taste.
- Monitor your cooking time: Depending on your slow cooker model, cooking times can vary slightly. Start checking your applesauce around the 3.5-hour mark to ensure it doesn’t overcook.
- Adjust sweetness and spices to taste: Before blending, taste your cooked apples and add extra cinnamon or sugar if needed. This step ensures the final product meets your sweetness preference.
- Blend to your desired consistency: Use an immersion blender for smooth applesauce or mash with a potato masher for a chunkier texture, tailoring the end result to your liking.
- Lemon juice is key: Don’t skip the lemon juice! It not only adds a subtle tangy flavor but also preserves the vibrant color of the applesauce, keeping it fresh and appealing.
What To Serve With Slow Cooker Applesauce
Slow Cooker Applesauce pairs well with pork chops, roasted turkey, grilled chicken, and duck breast. It also can be served alongside sweet potato pancakes, oatmeal, yogurt parfaits, and cottage cheese for a delightful breakfast or snack option.
How To Store Slow Cooker Applesauce
Refrigerate: Cool the applesauce completely. Then, either cover the dish with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Freeze: For extended storage, freeze the applesauce. First, portion it into freezer-safe bags or containers. The applesauce can be frozen for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before use.
How To Reheat Leftover Slow Cooker Applesauce
In The Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the applesauce in an oven-safe dish and cover it with aluminum foil. Reheat for about 10-15 minutes, or until it is warm throughout.
In The Microwave: Transfer a portion of the applesauce to a microwave-safe dish and cover it loosely with plastic wrap. Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even warming.
In The Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 350°F (175°C). Transfer the applesauce to an air fryer-safe container. Heat for 3-5 minutes, checking frequently to avoid overheating.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 110 kcal
- Carbohydrates: 29g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
- Sodium: 118mg
- Potassium: 194mg
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 23g (mainly from apples and added brown sugar)
- Calcium: 11mg
- Iron: 0.3mg
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use only one type of apple for this applesauce recipe?
Using a single type of apple can result in a less complex flavor profile. For best results, mix different varieties like Granny Smith, Gala, and Honeycrisp. This combination balances sweetness and tartness, enhancing the overall taste of the applesauce.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Yes, peeling the apples is recommended for this recipe. Unpeeled apples can result in a gritty texture. Peeling helps create a smoother, more homogenous applesauce, which is especially important if you prefer a finely pureed consistency.
How can I adjust the sweetness of the applesauce?
Adjust the sweetness by tasting the applesauce towards the end of cooking and adding more brown sugar if needed. Keep in mind that the sweetness can also depend on the apple varieties used. Sweeter apples might require less sugar.
Check out More Recipes From Pioneer Woman:
- Pioneer Woman Cinnamon Raisin Bread
- Pioneer Woman Pumpkin French Toast
- Pioneer Woman Sheet Pan Pancake
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce
Description
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce is made with assorted apples, apple juice or apple cider, lemon juice, light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. This simple, homemade Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce recipe creates a dessert or snack that takes about 4 hours and 15 minutes to prepare and can serve up to 10 people.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce Ingredients
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Prepare the apples: Begin by peeling your assorted apples. After peeling, core them and chop them into even 1-inch chunks. This size helps ensure they cook evenly and break down properly in the slow cooker.
- Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Place the apple chunks into a 4- to 6-quart slow cooker. Pour the apple juice or cider over the apples to add moisture and enhance the apple flavor. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the apples to brighten the flavor and prevent browning. Sprinkle the light brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt evenly over the apples. Stir the mixture well to ensure all the apple pieces are coated with the spices and juice.
- Cooking process: Secure the lid on your slow cooker to trap the steam and flavors. Set the slow cooker to high heat and cook the apple mixture for 4 hours. At the 2-hour mark, remove the lid and stir the apples thoroughly to make sure they cook evenly. Replace the lid and continue cooking.
- Blend into applesauce: Once the apples have softened and the cooking time is complete, use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to puree the mixture into smooth applesauce. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less thoroughly.
- Cool and store: Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers. Refrigerate the applesauce to chill; it will thicken slightly and the flavors will meld beautifully as it cools.
- Serve chilled or at room temperature: Enjoy your homemade applesauce as a delightful side dish, a topping for desserts, or a healthy snack.
