How to Make Easy Homemade Freezer Applesauce

It will soon be apple season here on the Knerl farm, and our yellow delicious apple tree is full of small but sweet little apples that the kids and I look forward to snacking on in the next few weeks.  One thing I always wish I had more time to do is find unique ways to preserve the apples for the winter time, but with so much going on right now, canning is just out of the question.

Instead, I've taken to making homemade applesauce in my slow cooker, then freezing it in vacuum-sealed freezer bags.  This not only ensures that I spend minimal time cooking, but cleanup and storage are a breeze!

How to Make Homemade Freezer Applesauce

Here is how I make my simple from crockpot to freezer applesauce!

1.  I wash the apples and only use apples that have no bruises or bumps (since these can be difficult to peel.) 

2.  Then, I use my apple corer and peeler to remove the scraps.  (Some apples are so small that I leave the skins on.  A little extra peel in the sauce is not noticeable once it's fully prepared.)

 3.  Finally, I put enough apples into my crockpot to fill it, and I add 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1 teaspoon apple pie spice, and 1/4 cup water.   Then, I cook on high for about 4 hours, or until all the apples are cooked through.  I mash with a potato masher for a chunky sauce or use my stick blender for a smoother sauce.

This sauce is perfect enjoyed a bit warm.  We keep some in the fridge for putting on top of oatmeal, baking into cakes and pastries, or for enjoying in place of fresh fruit at meals.  The rest is immediately frozen for later use!