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Home » Gluten-Free Recipes

Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce

Published: Nov 8, 2019 by Sharon McCaskill · Modified: Dec 14, 2023 · ✅Edited and Reviewed by: Sharon McCaskill, MA, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 6 Comments

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pin image for slow cooker brown sugar cinnamon applesauce with pin text gluten free
pin image for slow cooker brown sugar cinnamon applesauce with pin text naturally gluten free

Discover the joy of homemade goodness with this homemade brown sugar cinnamon applesauce recipe. Crafted effortlessly in the slow cooker, this healthy delight is not just gluten-free and vegan, but also versatile enough to tailor to your preferences.

Get ready to savor simplicity and wholesome autumn flavors in every spoonful.

Scroll down for the Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce recipe made in the crock pot.

Jump to Recipe SaveSaved!

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The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, 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. 

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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 apple sauce is my absolute favorite!

cooked applesauce recipe with brown sugar in mason jar with spoon by tea towel with apples in background

Why you'll love this Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce

  • Making brown sugar and cinnamon applesauce in your slow cooker provides a delightful, homemade flavor reminiscent of homemade apple pie filling that surpasses store-bought versions.
  • It allows you to control the ingredients, ensuring a healthier and preservative-free option for you and your family.
  • The slow cooker simplifies the process, making it a convenient and hands-off way to enjoy the warm, comforting aroma and taste of freshly made applesauce.

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.

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Ingredients for brown sugar cinnamon applesauce bowl of red apples, measuring cup of water, brown sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon on cement

To make this gluten-free crock pot applesauce recipe with brown sugar you’ll need:

  • apples (your favorite!)
  • brown sugar (or sugar substitute)
  • cinnamon
  • lemon juice
  • water

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 sugar free applesauce recipe, substitute the brown sugar for a sugar substitute.  My two favorite brown sugar substitutes are:

  • Swerve Brown Sugar
    • Find Swerve on Amazon here
  • and Lakanto Golden Monk Fruit
    • Find Lakanto on Amazon here

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.

Paleo Crock Pot Applesauce

If wanting to keep this recipe paleo, substitute a brown coconut sugar like this one that's gluten-free.

Tools Needed for Crock Pot Cinnamon Brown Sugar Applesauce

To make this brown sugar cinnamon 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:

I love that this one has cushioned handles! See the reviews on Amazon here.

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! 

This Kitchen Aid attachment is AH-MAZING! It peels and slices your apples quickly. Click here to see why users love it on Amazon.

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.

See what reviewers love about this Cuisinart immersion blender at Amazon here!

How to Make Gluten-Free Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce in the Slow Cooker

Making this recipe in the crockpot couldn't be easier.

First, get your apples all cleaned up, core and chop them, and toss them right into the crockpot.

Now, pour in the lemon juice, water, brown sugar, and a dash of cinnamon.

Let it all cook up on high for 3-4 hours, or if you've got time, low for 6-8 hours.

cooked apples in slow cooker ready to be blending into applesauce

Now, grab your immersion blender and give it a good blend until it's just how you like it. If it's too thick, just add a splash of water, a little at a time, until it's perfect.

Serve your crockpot applesauce with brown sugar 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.

cinnamon brown sugar applesauce in mason jar with apples and white tea towel and amber jug in background

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Save this applesauce recipe with brown sugar 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!

Looking for more gluten-free recipes?

Here are more easy 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
apples in crock pot

Homemade Brown Sugar Cinnamon Applesauce

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.
5 from 2 votes
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 6 hours hrs
Total Time 6 hours hrs 15 minutes mins
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 12
Calories 50 kcal

Equipment

  • slow cooker
  • apple chopper
  • immersion blender

Ingredients
  

  • 3 lb apples
  • 3 tablespoon brown sugar (or sugar substitute--see notes)
  • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup water
Get Recipe Ingredients

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 tablespoon at a time until the desired consistency is reached.

Notes

**If using a brown sugar substitute, I recommend one of the following 3:
  • Swerve Brown Sugar (for sugar-free)
  • Lakanto Golden (for a natural monk-fruit sweetener)
  • Brown  Coconut Sugar (for a Paleo option)
note: nutrition information is provided as a courtesy, but may not accurately reflect the final nutrition composition of your final dish depending on ingredients, substitutions, and serving size.
see the full blog post above post for:
  • ingredient and equipment suggestions & substitutions,
  • tips for preparing the recipe, and
  • frequently asked questions
Keyword apple, brown sugar, cinnamon, crock pot, gluten-free, paleo, refined sugar free, slow cooker, vegan, vegetarian
pin image for slow cooker brown sugar cinnamon applesauce with pin text naturally gluten free & vegan

Easy Slow Cooker Brown Sugar Applesauce Recipe

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Dee | Grammy's Grid

    November 22, 2019 at 1:26 am

    5 stars
    Sounds yummy!! Thanks so much for linking up at #AThemedLinkup 5 for Thanksgiving Recipes. Shared.

    Reply
    • thehelpfulgf

      November 23, 2019 at 5:43 am

      thanks!

      Reply
  2. Dee | Grammy's Grid

    November 30, 2019 at 3:28 am

    Congrats! Your post is FEATURED at #AThemedLinkup 6 for All Things Christmas from my previous linkup for Thanksgiving Recipes!

    Reply
    • thehelpfulgf

      December 06, 2019 at 6:03 am

      Awesome! Thank you for the feature

      Reply
  3. Sandy L

    February 22, 2021 at 7:16 pm

    5 stars
    So easy and delicious! Won't be buying store bought apple sauce again!

    Reply
    • thehelpfulgf

      February 24, 2021 at 11:15 am

      I know! I love it so much more than the store bought stuff.

      Reply

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Hi! I’m Sharon McCaskill, RDN and I'm so happy you are here! Welcome to The Helpful GF where I help you live gluten-free with confidence and without the stress. ♥

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Please note that some of The Helpful GF's links are affiliate links, and TheHelpfulGF.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.

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