This brown sugar cinnamon applesauce is a simple and easy healthy recipe made in the slow cooker. It’s naturally gluten-free and vegan, and can also be customized to be refined sugar free or paleo.
Scroll down for the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce recipe made in the crock pot.
Are you new here? I also have the following posts to help you live gluten-free without the stress!
- How to live a gluten-free lifestyle when you are CRAZY busy
- The ULTIMATE guide to gluten-free skin care
- How to SAVE MONEY eating gluten-free
- How to make ANY recipe gluten-free
- 4 Steps for preventing gluten CROSS CONTAMINATION in the kitchen
…and of course, you should join my EXCLUSIVE Facebook community “Stress-Free Gluten-Free” by clicking here!
This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.
Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce
Gluten-Free | Vegan | Paleo Option
One of the perks of living in the Northeast is the abundance of apples in the fall. We love to go apple picking, but also get apples through our CSA. Each fall, we take all our apples and turn them into applesauce. It’s so simple to make and the kids love it. We’ve experimented with many variations, but this recipe for brown sugar cinnamon applesauce is my absolute favorite!
Be sure to add this super-simple recipe to your weekly menu, and keep reading for the recipe!
Ready to take back control of your meals and love your gluten free life? Take the 45 second quiz to get a personalized plan with the guide you need to thrive!

Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Cinnamon Recipe Variations:

This recipe is naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan, but can easily be modified to be refined sugar-free or paleo!
Refined Sugar Free Crock Pot Applesauce
If going for a recipe with reduced sugar, substitute the brown sugar for a sugar substitute. My two favorite brown sugar substitutes are:
- Swerve Brown Sugar
- and Lakanto Golden Monk Fruit
I’ve made this applesauce with each of these—it doesn’t lose any flavor! Often, Thrive Market has excellent deals on both of these sweeteners–I typically buy them at Thrive Market. You can save up to $20 off your purchase at Thrive Market by purchasing through this link.
Paleo Crock Pot Applesauce
If wanting to keep this recipe paleo, substitute a brown coconut sugar like this one that’s gluten-free.
Ingredients for Gluten-Free Slow Cooker Applesauce
This slow cooker cinnamon brown sugar applesauce only requires 4 ingredients. All these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store, but you’ll find great deals on spices and sweeteners at Thrive Market.
To make this gluten-free crock pot applesauce you’ll need:
- 3 lbs apples (your favorite!)
- 3 tbsp Brown Sugar (or sugar substitute)
- 1 tbsp Cinnamon
- 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
- ¼ cup Water
Tools Needed for Crock Pot Cinnamon Brown Sugar Applesauce
To make this cinnamon brown sugar applesauce, you’ll need:
- cutting/chopping tools
- a slow cooker
- a stick blender
A regular knife and cutting board are fine for chopping apples, but if you plan to make this frequently, I highly recommend investing in an apple corer and slicer. It just makes the process so much quicker!
This apple corer and slicer from OXO is super affordable and easy to use:
If you’re looking for something which requires a bit less strength, this spiralizer by Kitchen Aid will not only core and slice your apples but peel them as well. Plus, it can be used to make veggie noodles—and I’m all for multi-functional kitchen gadgets!
Personally, when I’m making this applesauce, I don’t peel my apples. It tastes great, so why bother? I just wash them, chop them, and throw them into the crockpot.
I love having a slow cooker with a timer—and they are so affordable! You can also use an Instant Pot or the Ninja Foodie as a slow cooker, so an all-in-one appliance may be a really great choice for your family (and a space saver!)
To finish off this recipe, you’ll use a stick blender to puree the cooked apples into applesauce. There are so many stick blenders on the market, but I have the Cuisinart. We use this multiple times a week for soups, bulletproof coffee, and whipping up cream.
How to Make Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce
Step 1:
Wash, chop, and core your apples (and toss them into the crockpot).
Step 2:
Add in the lemon juice, water, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Step 3:
Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
Step 4:
Blend with the immersion blender until it’s the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add water 1-2 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Step 5:
Serve either warm or cold!
How Long Does Homemade Applesauce Last?
Before storing the applesauce in your refrigerator or
freezer, be sure it cools to room temperature.
In the fridge, store in airtight containers for up to a week
In the freezer, store in freezer bags and freeze for 3 months.
What’s they key to loving your gluten free life? Take this quick quiz to get a personalized plan with the guide you need to thrive!

Save this brown sugar cinnamon applesauce recipe for later!
Be sure to pin this super easy recipe to your Crock Pot Recipes Pinterest board or add it to your Yummly recipe box so you can access it quick and easy whenever you’re ready to make it!

Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce
Equipment
- slow cooker
- apple chopper
- immersion blender
Ingredients
- 3 lb apples
- 3 tbsp brown sugar (or sugar substitute–see notes)
- 1 tbsp cinnamon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
Instructions
- Wash, chop, and core your apples (and toss them into the crock pot).
- Add in the lemon juice, water, brown sugar, and cinnamon.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Blend with the immersion blender until it’s the desired consistency. If it’s too thick, add water 1-2 tbsp at a time until the desired consistency is reached.
Notes
- Swerve Brown Sugar (for sugar-free)
- Lakanto Golden (for a natural monk-fruit sweetener)
- Brown Coconut Sugar (for a Paleo option)

Looking for more gluten-free recipes?
Here are more recipes you will LOVE:
- 10 Minute Gluten-Free Fried Rice
- Grain-Free Lemon Mug Cake for One
- No-Soy Steak Marinade
- 17+ Vegan Shakes & Smoothie Bowls
- Homemade Greek Seasoning
Sandy L
Monday 22nd of February 2021
So easy and delicious! Won't be buying store bought apple sauce again!
thehelpfulgf
Wednesday 24th of February 2021
I know! I love it so much more than the store bought stuff.
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Saturday 30th of November 2019
Congrats! Your post is FEATURED at #AThemedLinkup 6 for All Things Christmas from my previous linkup for Thanksgiving Recipes!
thehelpfulgf
Friday 6th of December 2019
Awesome! Thank you for the feature
Dee | Grammy's Grid
Friday 22nd of November 2019
Sounds yummy!! Thanks so much for linking up at #AThemedLinkup 5 for Thanksgiving Recipes. Shared.
thehelpfulgf
Saturday 23rd of November 2019
thanks!