Slow Cooker Atomic Fireball Applesauce Recipe (2024)

We’re sharing a fun homemade applesauce recipe that your family will go crazy for! This Slow Cooker Atomic Fireball Applesauce recipe is made in your slow cooker or Crock-Pot with fresh apples and a surprise ingredient: Atomic FireBall candies!

Making homemade applesauce is the best! Not only is it so easy to make, but it’s also absolutely delicious, AND it makes your kitchen smell WONDERFUL!

The homemade applesauce we’re sharing today is easy to make with thanks to your Crock-Pot or slow cooker. It’s also a lot of fun and sure to impress your family and guests! This recipe could be made year-round, but we think it’s the best in the autumn months when apples are in season. It’s great for your fall holidays! The addition of Atomic FireBall candies pairs it perfect with Halloween, but it’s also an alternative to the typical cranberry sauce at Thanksgiving.

What Apples to Use for Applesauce?

So what are the best apples to use for applesauce? If I ask 5 different people, I bet they will give me 5 different answers! Everyone has an opinion and I won’t say they are wrong. To me, it really comes down to a matter of personal preference.

During the autumn months, you’ll also get the lowest prices on apples, which makes it the best time to make homemade applesauce and other apple recipes, such as our Apple Crumble in a Jar and Snickers Caramel Apple Bars. If you are lucky enough to have a U-Pick Farm (like our Gilcrease Orchard here in Las Vegas), you might even be able to go pick your own apples which is great fall fun.

TIP: Search for a U-Pick Farm in your area: Pick-Your-Own Farm Directory

For this homemade applesauce recipe, we used three different kinds of apples: Fuji, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp. I don’t always use three different kind of apples, but using a variety can give you different textures and sweetnesses. The Fuji apples give off more juice, while the Granny Smith and the Honeycrisp will hold their shape more in the sauce, which is especially nice if you like chunky applesauce as we do.

Beyond the apples that we used, it will matter on what kind of texture you want for your applesauce, how sweet you want it, and what color you would like it to be.

While we didn’t use them in this recipe, we like Golden Delicious apples for a smoother applesauce. If you like your applesauce smooth, this is a great choice.

What are Atomic FireBalls?

Atomic FireBall candies are an intense, hot cinnamon candy that was first created in 1954 by Nello Ferrara, the son of the founder of Ferrara Pan. They are round and hard candy — similar to a jawbreaker. The exact description of Atomic FireBalls on their website is: “A spicy hot ball of sweet burning cinnamony deliciousness”. They are red in color and come individually wrapped in a simple clear wrapper.

How to Make Homemade Applesauce with Atomic Fireballs

To make our Atomic FireBall Applesauce recipe, you’ll first start with the apples. Peel your apples and remove the core and cut the apple into 6-8 slices.We do this with an apple slicer, but you can use a knife if you prefer.

Cut each apple slice into 3-4 pieces (depending on its size) and place in the bottom of your slow cooker. Cut the end off a lemon and then slice the lemon into 4 slices. Set the slice aside.Squeeze any juice from the lemon ends over the top of the apples. Toss the apples with the lemon juice to help prevent browning.

Pour the apple cider/juice on top of the apples.Sprinkle the brown sugar on top and add the Atomic Fireball candies. Finally, top with the lemon slices.

Cook your apples in the slow cooker on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. After this time, allow the applesauce to cool. After it’s cooled, remove the lemon slices.

If you prefer your applesauce chunky, just give it a few stirs and you are good to go. If you prefer your applesauce smooth, use an immersion blender or food processor to purée.

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