Ingredients
Method
- Put the apples in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- In a small bowl whisk together the sugar, apple pie spice, and salt. Sprinkle over the apples.
- Pour the water and vanilla extract over the apples.
- Cover with the lid and cook for 4 hours on high.
- Whisk the apples together until smooth.
- Serve warm or allow to cool completely before storing in a sealed container in the fridge.
Notes
Slow cooker times vary! In my smaller slow cooker, I need the full four hours for the apples to soften enough into sauce. In my larger slow cooker, the apples fall apart after about an hour and a half. Keep an eye on your apples to ensure proper cook times.
You don't have to turn the apples into applesauce if you don't want to. I love slow cooker spiced cinnamon apples as a dessert. Just cut the cook times until the apples are tender but not mush (again, cook times vary). Then top with whipped cream, chopped nuts, or granola.
Need a healthier option? You can skip the sugar entirely. Just know that the sugar helps counter the sharp, sour flavor of the Granny Smith apples. For a muted, sweeter flavor, consider a different type of apple such as gala or Fuji.
Not a fan of cinnamon? Feel free to leave it out! Apple pie spice adds a warmth to the applesauce, but you don't need it to make this flavorful snack.