This large batch slow cooker applesauce that you can freeze in canning jars is perfect for snacks, baking, and other delicious fall recipes.
Our next-door neighbors have an apple tree. It’s right on the border of our properties, and by right on, I mean that part of the tree grew under the fence and is on our side too. The first summer we moved here the apples were very small and there wasn’t a lot of them, the kids ate them, but I don’t think they were that great. Over the past two years the tree has grown, and this year by far the apples have been at their best, they are large, and there are lots of them. I put it down to the constant watering from our side of the fence.
We had so many apples recently that I decided to whip up some batches of applesauce to pop into the freezer. We tend to go through quite a bit of applesauce; the little man loves to eat it, I put it in muffins and cakes in the place of oil, and it’s also yummy in oatmeal. Plus, I couldn’t stand to see all of those apples go to waste.
Ingredients
- Apples - peeled, cored, and diced (I had enough that the slow cooker was 3/4 full)1 cup apple juice (approximately, I used what was left in the bottle)2 tsp cinnamon1/2 cup brown sugar (again, it's approximately, I used what was left)1 tbs agave nectar
Instructions
- Put all of the ingredients into the slow cooker and cook on low for 7 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Use an immersion blender to break down any large chunks of apple. Or if you want it completely smooth, spoon it into a blender.
- Pour into canning jars.
Notes
Quantity: I filled 12 8oz canning jars for the freezer and one larger jar for the refrigerator. Freezer tip: Don't fill each jar to the very top, leave a little space. It keeps for 12 months. Defrost in the refrigerator.
What size slow cooker do you use? I have a fairly large oval shaped….maybe it doesn’t make a difference….sounds good.
Hello! I have really limited pantry space, so I love the idea of freezing this. Question: do you think it would keep well in freezer bags, instead of in jars!?! I ask because freezer bags are the most space-saving option for me. Thanks! 🙂
Hi Leeanndra,
You can absolutely use freezer bags instead.
The glass jars won’t break on freezer?
Hi Heather, I haven’t had any problems with glass jars breaking in the freezer. I’ve frozen pasta sauce, pesto and applesauce. Just make sure the jars and filling are cool before popping them into the freezer.
I have several slow cookers of various sizes from 2qt. through 7 1/2 qt. It would be helpful if you could tell me the capacity of your cooker, please.
It looks delish and sounds wonderful. I just don’t want to use the wrong amount of apples…Thank you.
Do I need to seal the jars? Like do a water bath?
Hi Felicia, no you don’t need to seal the jars before freezing, they will be just fine.
What an you use in the place of agave, I’m trying to use ingredients I have.
You can substitute with honey, but I haven’t tried it to see how it changes the taste, I’m sure it would be great though.