Homemade Organic Apple Puree Or Chunky Organic Apple Sauce

Tell us, are you a hardcore apple fan? If you’re anything like us, you have an appetite for apples all year round. Lucky for you, we created this homemade recipe for chunky applesauce or apple puree (depending on whether you blend it) that takes almost no effort at all. Whether you’ll be serving up organic apple sauce with some vegan latkes, dished it out a snack for your plant-based kids, feeding apple puree to your baby, or eating it by the spoonful straight out of the jar, this delicious vegan apple recipe is sure to be a hit.

Have you been sensing a disconnect between you and your favorite sweet fruit? If you can’t fight that peeling anymore, it’s time to take action! Once you taste this warm, wonderful dish, you can live apple-y ever after.

Gather up a crate of crisp, autumn apples and let’s get this applesauce started! 

Why This Apple Puree Recipe Is So Awesome

A simple, whole food side is often overlooked. Just because the recipe is clear and straightforward, doesn’t mean it’s not sensational. Here’s why we adore this particular recipe so much:

• Easy-as-pie to make
• Satisfies any sweet tooth
• Filling and effortless to prepare
• Great way to use up apples that are getting a little wrinkly or old
• Gluten-free, soy-free, dairy-free, and nut-free

Superstar Ingredient––The Admirable Apple

To anyone who love apples, you already know how amazing they are. I mean, is there anything an apple can’t do? (Well, maybe change a tire…) Knowing that you can just pick the fruit off a tree and bite right into it is incredible. Not only has it been a favorite on-the-go snack for ages, the humble apple rates pretty high on the healthy scale. 

• Available in many different varieties (more than 7,500 around the world!)
• Very rich in fiber 
• High water content
• Helpful for the digestion
• Contains many vitamins and minerals, including a decent amount of vitamin C and potassium
• A good source of antioxidants, such as quercetin, catechin, and chlorogenic acid

How to Serve Up This Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

Applesauce is one of those sweet sides that makes any meal taste more mellow. While it’s traditionally served alongside an animal product, we have much better ways of enjoying the apples that are totally free of cholesterol and, more importantly, cruelty.

• Seize the Mac and Cheese – You might not think that these two dishes would make a great partnership, but they really do! There’s something about a rich and creamy pasta paired with a light and sweetly-spiced side that will blow your mind. Please give a try!
• Apple Skin Snacks – Please keep the peels! Instead of throwing them in the compost, you can make a super crunchy apple snack by baking them in the oven. Amazingly good!
• Sweet Spice Suggestions – This homemade applesauce tastes wonderful without any spices, but feel free to add cinnamon, apple (or pumpkin) pie spice, orange zest, nutmeg, cloves, cardamon, or vanilla to your applesauce. I’ve made this recipe with each of these spices (and in different combinations) and every version tasted delicious.

How to Make Homemade Slow Cooker Applesauce

There’s almost nothing easier than cooking up this autumn favorite. Three steps to start and then all you need is some patience. As soon as you smell this cinnamon applesauce seeping through the lid, you senses will be stimulated and ready for snacking!

1. Wash and peel the apples.
2. Chop into chunks and add to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the water, then add sugar and spices. Mix well.
4. Cover and turn slow cooker to the low setting. Cook for 8 hours or overnight.
5. Stir, scoop, and enjoy!

Equipment You’ll Need To Make This Homemade Chunky Applesauce

Such a snap to stew! As long as you have a knife and a slow cooker, you’re pretty much good to go. While your apples are stewing, use that time for self-care: read, go for a nature walk, watch your favorite fall movie, or just take a much-needed nap. It’s all up to you!

• Measuring Cups
• Measuring Spoons
• Sharp Knife
• Cutting Board
• Fruit or Vegetable Peeler
• Slow Cooker (or Medium Saucepan or Air Fryer)

Homemade Apple Puree or Chunky Applesauce

Author: Gina House | World of Vegan

5 from 13 votes

This homemade apple puree is a perfect way to enjoy apples. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Celebrate the crisp autumn atmosphere with a batch of sweet, fresh apple puree or chunky applesauce made in your very own kitchen. Use handpicked, local apples for an extra exceptional flavor and an even more heavenly scent to fill your home. You'll never want to buy jarred applesauce again after this!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 8 hours hours

Total Time 8 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings 3 cups

Equipment

• Potato Masher or Immersion Blender (optional)

Ingredients

• 8 medium-sized apples, choose as many varieties as you can and most of them should be tart
• ¼-½ cup sugar or sweetener of choice, to your taste
• ½ cup water
• 1 teaspoon ground sweet cinnamon, optional
• Pinch nutmeg or apple pie spice, optional

Instructions

• Wash and peel the apples. Cut apples into large chunks. Place in the crockpot.
• Add the sugar, water, and spices. Mix well. Cover the slow cooker and turn the heat lever to low.
• Cook for 8 hours or overnight.
• When the applesauce is done, take off the cover carefully and stir well.
• Drain off any excess liquid if you like a chunkier sauce. (Tip: Save the liquid to use in smoothies.) For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or a potato masher to blend to the desired consistency. Pop it in a high-speed blender of a creamy apple puree that’s perfect for babies! 
• Serve warm and enjoy immediately or let the applesauce come to room temperature and then store in a covered container in the fridge.

Notes

• Sugar-Free Version – You can leave out the sugar entirely if you wish or add few tablespoons of agave or maple syrup to the mixture. If you’re not adding in any sweetener at all, use a variety of sweet apples, rather than tart in this recipe. 
• No Slow Cooker? – You can also make this recipe using a large saucepan on the stovetop. Add an extra ¼ – ½ cup of water with the rest of the ingredients into the pan. Cook, uncovered, on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. When the applesauce is done, follow step 7 to get the consistency the way you like it.
• Instant Pot Option – A third option to make the applesauce in the Instant Pot. Prepare the fruit and other ingredients in the same way as above, but place into the liner of your pressure cooker. Cover, place in the sealed position, and cook on the manual setting for 5 minutes. Once done, let the applesauce naturally release for 10 minutes. Release the rest of the pressure, stir well, and enjoy!

Nutrition

Calories: 318kcal | Carbohydrates: 84g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 523mg | Fiber: 12g | Sugar: 67g | Vitamin A: 264IU | Vitamin C: 22mg | Calcium: 37mg | Iron: 1mg

Course Side

Cuisine American

Keyword homemade apple puree, homemade apple sauce, slow cooker applesauce recipe

If you try this vegan homemade cinnamon applesauce recipe, let us know what you think by leaving a comment and rating below. Be sure to follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook for even more vegan recipe inspiration.

What Else Can I Do With Apple Puree?

There are so many fun (and flavorful) ways you can use this recipe. Here is a list of our favorite ideas:

• As an egg substitute
• Mix with equal portions of peanut butter (or any nut/seed butter) for a light, sweet, and slightly savory spread
• Topping for pancakes, waffles, or even hash browns
• Make a decadent dessert using a serving of warm applesauce and adding a substantial scoop of vegan ice cream, sprinkling the top with candied walnuts or anything you wish
• Whip up a fantastic fruit gelato using equal parts applesauce, frozen banana, and lemon juice. Blend, freeze, and serve!

Frequently Asked Questions

I don’t like to consume added sugar. Can I still make this vegan apple puree recipe?

For sure! If you use sweet apples instead of sour versions, you can absolutely leave out the sugar. You could also puree a few soaked dates or raisins and add it the mix before cooking. That way, you’ll have added sweetness, but from whole food sources instead.

What if I don’t own a slow cooker? Will I be able to make the applesauce with a different method?

We’re so happy that you asked. Yes, you can! All three cooking methods result in the most appetizing applesauce you’ve ever tasted!

Stovetop Method: Add an extra ¼ – ½ cup of water with the rest of the ingredients into the pan. Cook, uncovered, on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. When the applesauce is done, follow step 7 to get the consistency the way you like it.

Instant Pot or Pressure Cooker Method: Prepare the fruit and other ingredients in the same way as above, but place into the liner of your pressure cooker. Cover, place in the sealed position, and cook on the manual setting for 5 minutes. Once done, let the applesauce naturally release for 10 minutes. Release the rest of the pressure, stir well, and enjoy!

Simple Storage

Any uneaten applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week in a covered container. If you don’t think you’ll be able to finish the sweet and spiced sauce before that time, feel free to add it to a freezer safe, sealed container and keep in the freezer for around 6-9 months. 

More Appealing Apple Recipes to Try

• Best Vegan Apple Pie
• Apple Banana Smoothie
• Mini Vegan Apple Strudels
• Homemade Vegan Caramel Apples
• Apple Walnut Pastry Purses
• How to Order Vegan at Applebee’s

This easy slow cooker homemade chunky organic applesauce recipe was created by Gina House, and also adapted to work as a perfect baby food apple puree. Apple sauce photos from Canva.com. Recipe article edited by Amanda Meth. Thanks to Ruth Havertz for recipe testing. Please note that this article may contain affiliate links which supports our work at World of Vegan.