Crockpot Pumpkin Applesauce

Every fall my backyard apple trees produce way more fruit than I can possibly eat or give away. That means I start getting creative in the kitchen, and this crockpot pumpkin applesauce is the latest addition to my healthy apple recipes. My kids can’t get enough of it, and I’m also a big fan. It’s the kind of recipe that quietly simmers away in my slow cooker, filling my whole house with the aroma of warm fall spices, with minimal effort on my part.

Key Ingredients

• Apples – I like a variety of apples from my backyard trees and any sweet apple variety will work. For the sweetest flavor, I recommend Honey Crisp apples. I don’t recommend Granny Smith, however, as they are tart and get even more tart after slow cooking. I leave the peels on for a chunkier texture and a boost of both insoluble and soluble fiber.
• Pumpkin puree – I use canned pumpkin puree for the best pumpkin flavor and an easy option. Double check that the can says pure pumpkin puree and not pumpkin pie filling, which contains added sweetener and spices. While I’m in the kitchen, I use leftovers to make a few of my favorite pumpkin recipes, too.
• Maple syrup – I like to include just a little bit of maple syrup to enhance the sweetness of the apples. However, brown sugar or honey also works, or the sweetener can be omitted completely for unsweetened applesauce, if preferred.
• Warm spices – Ground cinnamon, pumpkin pie spice, and salt add warmth and infuse the applesauce with a pumpkin pie-inspired taste. For a warmer flavor, feel free to include a dash of allspice, ground cloves, or nutmeg, too.

How to Make Crockpot Pumpkin Applesauce

Made in my favorite crockpot, this recipe is foolproof and most hands-off. I get the ingredients started in the morning then come back in the afternoon to blend and finish the recipes. Here’s how to prep my pumpkin applesauce: 

1. Combine the ingredients. Core and cube the apples, then combine all the wet and dry ingredients in a slow cooker.
2. Cook. Cover and cook on low until the apples are soft and easy to mash, which takes 4 to 6 hours.
3. Adjust the consistency. For chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher to smash the apples right in the crockpot. Or, for a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender right in the crockpot or transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender, and pulse until smooth.

For serving size and the complete directions and ingredient amounts, scroll down to the recipe card below. All of our recipes include the nutrition analysis, listing calories (kcals), protein, carbohydrates/carb, fiber, sugar, sodium, cholesterol, and more per serving.

My Favorite Ways to Use

My kids’ favorite way to enjoy this pumpkin spice applesauce is by the spoonful from a large bowl while it’s still warm. I also serve it swirled into yogurt bowls or over top of this Instant Pot pumpkin oatmeal. It’s absolutely divine slathered over pumpkin bread, buttered toast, protein pancakes, and meal prep waffles. I even sometimes serve it as a sweet side dish for dinner with savory main courses like my sheet pan honey mustard pork chops, spatchcock chicken, and sauerkraut pork.

I also use this applesauce in recipes that call for applesauce, such as my morning glory muffins and healthy carrot cake. For a sweet homemade food gift, I spoon the applesauce into mason jars with a label noting what it is, the date it was made, and a reminder to store it in the fridge. Then I add a festive ribbon and give it away to my friends and neighbors.

How to Store

Once cooled, transfer the applesauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 10 days. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. For single-serving portions, I often spoon the applesauce into these 1-cup freezer trays, freeze until solid, and then transfer the frozen portions to a freezer-safe bag.

To reheat from frozen, I simply thaw leftovers in the refrigerator overnight and serve cold, at room temperature, or slightly warmed on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Recipe Changelog

September 2025: We previously published a version of this applesauce that included collagen. Download the previous version here.

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The photos in this post were taken by Megan McKeehan.

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