Slow Cooker Pear Applesauce Recipe
This Slow Cooker Pear Applesauce is a deliciously cozy and naturally sweetened homemade applesauce infused with warm spices and a hint of vanilla. Perfect for a comforting snack or a flavorful addition to breakfast, this recipe combines tender fruits and aromatic spices, slow-cooked to a smooth, luscious texture.
- Author: Dana
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups (1 quart) 1x
- Category: Side Dish, Snack
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Fruits
- 28 ounces (800 grams) apples (about 4 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks
- 24 ounces (680 grams) pears (about 4 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into large chunks
Flavorings and Sweeteners
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) lemon juice
- 1 vanilla bean or 1 teaspoon vanilla bean paste
- 2 tablespoons (25 grams) light brown sugar
Spices
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
- Prepare fruits: Peel, core, and cut the apples and pears into large chunks. Place them in a large slow cooker to start building the base of the sauce.
- Add lemon juice: Drizzle the lemon juice over the fruit chunks and toss gently to coat thoroughly. This helps prevent browning and adds brightness to the flavor.
- Incorporate vanilla: Cut the vanilla bean in half lengthwise, scrape out the seeds into the slow cooker, then toss the pods in as well. If using vanilla bean paste instead, simply add 1 teaspoon to the mixture.
- Add sweeteners and spices: Add the light brown sugar, cinnamon stick, freshly grated ginger, ground cardamom, ground cloves, and grated nutmeg. Toss the fruit gently again to evenly distribute all flavors.
- Slow cook: Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for about 6 hours or until the apples and pears become completely tender and aromatic, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Puree the sauce: Remove and discard the cinnamon stick and vanilla pods. Use an immersion blender directly in the slow cooker to carefully puree the apples and pears to your desired smoothness. Alternatively, transfer the mixture to a stand blender and puree in batches.
- Serve or store: Serve the pear applesauce immediately warm or refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. It can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for yogurt, pancakes, or oatmeal.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less brown sugar according to your preference or use a natural sweetener alternative.
- If you prefer a chunkier texture, pulse the puree lightly instead of fully blending.
- This applesauce can be frozen in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
- Make sure to remove the cinnamon stick and vanilla pods before blending to avoid any unwanted texture.
- Using fresh ginger and freshly grated nutmeg enhances the depth of flavor significantly.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (125 ml)
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: slow cooker applesauce, pear applesauce, homemade applesauce, slow cooked fruit sauce, fall recipes, easy slow cooker recipes, healthy snack