Homemade Small Batch Crockpot Applesauce
Easy and delicious recipe for homemade small batch Crockpot applesauce that makes just 24 ounces. If you are cooking for two, this recipe is perfect!
Last month, I spent two weeks visiting with my daughter-in-law and grandchildren. It was amazingly fun and wonderful. We spent most of the time here at home, but my daughter found an apple orchard (complete with a pumpkin patch) that we could visit without worrying too much about the COVID restrictions. We ate pumpkin donuts, picked apples, and we brought home the best and most beautiful pumpkin ever…and as you can see from the picture below, it was a really hard choice!
Homemade Small Batch Crockpot Applesauce
When I was deciding what to do with all the apples we picked, the first thing that came to mind was applesauce. So I made a big batch, and it was enjoyed by all. I wanted to make it again, but the second time around I needed a much smaller amount. So I started experimenting, and came up with this recipe for homemade small batch crockpot applesauce. It took a few tries to get the ingredients correct, but it was worth the time…because it’s so good. This small batch recipe makes about 24 ounces. The day I finally got it right, my husband and I had a helping each with our dinner, and there was enough left over to fill a 16 ounce mason jar. The perfect, small batch amount.
Honeycrisp Apples
The orchard where we went picking grows Honeycrisp apples. They were quite small, but firm and tasty…and they made the best applesauce. For the small batch version, I used Honeycrisp again, but they were the larger apples. It was equally delicious as that first big batch.
Best Apples for Making Applesauce
There are many other good choices when it comes to picking an apple variety to make applesauce. Here are just a few:
- Gala
- Fuji
- Golden Delicious
- McIntosh
- Braeburn
- Rome
- Granny Smith
*Affiliate links (Amazon & others) included. Click HERE for my disclosure statement.
When the applesauce is finished cooking, it works very well to simply stir it for a few minutes with a large spoon. This results in a slightly chunky applesauce. For a smoother consistency, an immersion hand blender can be used.
Crockpot Applesauce Tip
I used a 4 quart oval crockpot to cook this small batch applesauce. If you want to make more than 24 ounces, simply double the recipe. There should be plenty of room in the crockpot.
I believe that a gift presented in a mason jar has its own particular charm…and this homemade small batch crockpot applesauce proves my point! These fluted 16 ounce mason jars (pictured above) are relatively new, and they have the prettiest shape. Add a free printable fall gift tag, and you have a lovely gift that comes straight from your kitchen…and your heart.
Homemade Small Batch Crockpot Applesauce
Equipment
- 4 quart slow cooker
Ingredients
- 2 - 2 1/2 lbs. Honeycrisp apples (about 4 large apples)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 cup white sugar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (optional)
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples.
- Place the apples in a 3 or 4 quart slow cooker.
- Add the lemon juice, and stir so apples are coated.
- Add white sugar, brown sugar, and water.
- Mix together. Place cinnamon stick on top.
- Cook for 2 1/2 hours on high.
- When done, remove the cinnamon stick and stir the apples well. They will break up easily.
- Store in mason jars in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Quick Shopping Links
- 4 quart manual Crock-Pot
- my favorite cutting board
- porcelain knife set
- immersion hand blender
- Flute Ball Jars
- round wooden cutting board
- blue plaid towel (similar)
- get the gift tags HERE
Love apple recipes? Try this easy apple crumble!
Until next time…
