Description
Slow Cooker Pear Applesauce is a warm, comforting treat that blends the sweetness of ripe pears with the tartness of apples for a naturally delicious sauce. Made in the slow cooker, this recipe requires minimal effort and allows the fruits to cook down to a perfectly smooth, flavorful puree. It’s an easy way to enjoy homemade applesauce with a fruity twist—ideal for breakfast, snacks, or a side dish.
Ingredients
4 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
4 ripe pears (such as Bartlett or Anjou), peeled, cored, and chopped
1/4 cup water
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
1/4 teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare the Fruit: Peel, core, and chop the apples and pears into small chunks. This helps them cook down faster and ensures a smooth applesauce.
- Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped apples and pears into the slow cooker. Add the water, cinnamon, ginger, lemon juice (if using), and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together to combine.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours, until the fruit is soft and tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Mash or Puree: Once the fruit is cooked down and soft, use a potato masher for a chunkier applesauce or an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the fruit mixture to a regular blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Serve and Enjoy: Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness if needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little honey, maple syrup, or more cinnamon to taste. Serve warm or let it cool before storing.
Notes
Add a splash of vanilla extract for extra flavor.
Mix in a handful of raisins or dried cranberries for a little extra sweetness and texture.
Use a combination of pears and apples with varying levels of sweetness for a more complex flavor profile.
Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a warmer spice flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-6 hours on low or 2-3 hours on high
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: Varies depending on ingredients used
- Sugar: Varies
- Sodium: Varies
- Fat: Varies depending on fruit sweetness
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: Varies
- Fiber: Varies
- Protein: Varies
- Cholesterol: 0g
