Applesauce isn’t just simple to make, it’s easy to customize and enhance! And one of my favorite things to add – especially in the fall – is fresh pears!

Pear applesauce is just as easy to make as basic applesauce. You can make it on the stove top, but I prefer using a slow cooker. Not only does it come together easily, but it fills your home with an incredible smell! Just chop the fruit and toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do all the work!

TIP: Cinnamon isn’t the only spice that makes applesauce taste even better. Try adding star anise, nutmeg, ginger, clove, or cardamom to add interest!

NOTE: It’s not necessary to peel the apples and pears before letting them simmer. Leaving them in will make your applesauce a little chunkier. If that texture bothers you, you can peel the apples first, or you can use a blender to smooth it out after it’s cooked.

Slow-Cooker Cinnamon Pear Applesauce

8 apples of your choice, cored and chopped into chunks (I prefer Honeycrisp)
2 pears, cored and chopped into chunks (I prefer Bartlett)
1 tsp cinnamon

Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, cook on high for 4-5 hours. Mash with a masher. If you want a really smooth texture, whiz it up in a blender.

If there is still a lot of fluid remaining, continue cooking, uncovered, for another hour.