🍓 Slow Cooker Strawberry Applesauce: Comfort in a Spoon 🍎
Hey there, foodie friends! Chef Jamie here, ready to share a recipe that’s like a cozy hug from your grandma—but with a juicy, berrylicious twist. Picture this: tender apples and sun-kissed strawberries slow-cooked into a velvety sauce that’s equal parts nostalgic and exciting. Whether you’re spooning it over pancakes, swirling it into oatmeal, or eating it straight from the jar (no judgment here!), this Strawberry Applesauce is your new go-to for effortless homemade comfort. And the best part? Your slow cooker does 90% of the work. Let’s dive in!
Slow Cooker Strawberry Applesauce
Why This Recipe Tastes Like Childhood (But Better)
When I was seven, my grandma’s house smelled like cinnamon and apples every Friday afternoon. She’d hand me a warm bowl of her chunky applesauce, and I’d inhale it while scribbling homework at her checkered kitchen table. Fast-forward to last summer: I had a glut of strawberries from my garden and a craving for that same comfort. Enter this recipe—my playful mash-up of Grandma’s classic and the vibrant sweetness of ripe berries. The first time I made it, my nephew declared it “pink applesauce magic.” Sold. 🎩✨
What You’ll Need (+ Why It Works)
- 7 apples (3–4 lbs) – Mix sweet (Fuji, Gala) and tart (Granny Smith) for depth. No peeling required if you blend it smooth! (Pro tip: Toss peels into a freezer bag for future veggie stock.)
- 1 lb fresh strawberries – Frozen work in a pinch, but fresh berries give that jammy, sunshiny flavor. Got extra? Freeze ’em for smoothies!
- ½ cup apple juice or water – Juice amps up sweetness; water keeps it tart. Bonus points for homemade cider!
- Sugar (optional) – Taste after cooking! Berries vary in sweetness. Honey or maple syrup rock here too.
Let’s Get Cooking: Your No-Stress Roadmap
Step 1: Prep Party!
Core and slice apples (no need to peel—seriously!). Hull strawberries. Toss everything into the slow cooker. Chef Hack: Use an apple corer/slicer tool—it’s a 2-minute game-changer.
Step 2: Set It & Forget It
Cook on HIGH (5 hrs) or LOW (8 hrs). Your kitchen will smell like a fruit orchard at sunset. Resist opening the lid—steam is your flavor-locking BFF!
Step 3: Blend or Whisk? You Decide!
For silky sauce: Hit it with an immersion blender. Love texture? Mash with a potato masher. Hot Tip: If it’s too thin, cook uncovered for 30 mins to thicken.
Step 4: Sweeten the Deal
Taste! Add sugar 1 tbsp at a time. Stir well—it’ll melt right in. Cool slightly before jarring (unless you’re diving in immediately—I see you).
How to Serve It Like a Pro
Scoop it warm over vanilla ice cream. Layer it with granola for parfaits. Or—my fave—swirl into Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey. For brunch? Pair with crispy bacon and buttermilk biscuits. *chef’s kiss*
Mix It Up: 5 Delicious Twists
- Berry Bonanza: Swap strawberries for raspberries or blackberries.
- Spice It Nice: Add 1 cinnamon stick or ½ tsp cardamom while cooking.
- Savory Edge: Stir in a pinch of black pepper and rosemary before serving.
- Sugar-Free: Skip added sweeteners—let the fruit shine!
- Chunky Rhubarb: Replace ½ lb strawberries with diced rhubarb for tang.
Confessions from My Kitchen
True story: I once forgot to plug in the slow cooker. Three hours later… still crunchy apples. 🤦♂️ Now I triple-check the outlet! Over the years, I’ve tweaked this recipe based on reader feedback: blending half the batch for picky kids, adding lemon zest for brightness, even using it as a filling for hand pies. Got a wild idea? Try it—cooking’s an adventure!
Your Questions, Answered
Q: Can I use frozen strawberries?
A: Absolutely! Thaw first and drain excess liquid to avoid a watery sauce.
Q: Why is my applesauce too runny?
A: No sweat! Simmer it uncovered on the stove for 10–15 mins to thicken.
Q: How do I make it smoother?
A: Blend longer, or press through a fine mesh strainer for ultra-silky texture.
Q: Can I freeze this?
A: Yes! Use freezer-safe jars (leave 1-inch space). Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition Per Serving (Because You Asked!)
Calories: 86 | Fiber: 4g | Vitamin C: 33mg (That’s 37% of your daily dose! 🍓). Naturally gluten-free, vegan-friendly, and low in calories—winning!
PrintSlow Cooker Strawberry Applesauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 10 serving 1x
Ingredients
7 apples (3–4 lbs, any variety you love)
1 lb fresh strawberries
½ cup apple juice or water
Sugar, to taste (optional)
Instructions
Peel, core, and slice the apples. Remove strawberry stems.
Add apples, strawberries, and apple juice (or water) to your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on HIGH for 5 hours or LOW for 8 hours.
Once soft, whisk until smooth or blend for a silkier texture.
Taste and sweeten with sugar, if needed—1 tablespoon at a time.
Serve warm or chilled. Store in the fridge for up to a week or freeze for 3 months.
Nutrition
- Calories: 86 kcal per serving
- Fiber: 4g per serving
