Slow Cooker Pumpkin Sauce
When my friend Nicole made fresh applesauce in her crockpot, her whole house filled with the scent of cinnamon and fall. I loved the idea so much that I wanted to try it with pumpkin, and that’s how this Pumpkin Sauce was born.
Think of it as pumpkin applesauce. Smooth, lightly spiced, comforting, and naturally sweet. The perfect side dish or snack to celebrate the season. It’s wholesome, simple, and feels like a warm hug from fall itself.
Whether you’re using pumpkins from your garden or just found some beautiful pie pumpkins at the store, this recipe is a delicious way to make the most of the season’s bounty.
Ingredients
- 2 medium pie pumpkins, peeled, seeded, and cubed (about 6–7 cups of pumpkin)
- 1 ½ cups apple cider (not vinegar!)
- ½–1 cup brown sugar, to taste
- ¼ cup honey or pure maple syrup
- 2 ½ Tbsp pumpkin pie spice (cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, clove)
- 2 cinnamon sticks (or 1 ½ tsp ground cinnamon)
- 1 tsp pure vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Directions
- Prep the pumpkin.
Peel, seed, and cube your pumpkins. The smaller the cubes, the faster they cook. - Combine ingredients in the slow cooker.
Add pumpkin, apple cider, brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, and salt. Stir everything together until well mixed. - Cook low and slow.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–7 hours, or until the pumpkin is tender and mashable. Stir occasionally as it cooks. - Mash or blend.
Remove the cinnamon sticks. For a chunky texture, mash the pumpkin with a potato masher. For a smooth, applesauce-like consistency, use an immersion blender. - Taste and adjust.
Sweeten to your liking. Add a little more brown sugar or maple syrup if you want it sweeter, or a splash more apple cider if it’s too thick. - Cool and store.
Let it cool, then store in airtight jars or containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
How to Enjoy Pumpkin Sauce
This pumpkin sauce is wonderfully versatile and can be eaten warm or chilled. Enjoy it:
- As a cozy side dish
- As a snack on its own, just like applesauce!
- Stirred into yogurt, oatmeal, or cottage cheese
- With a dollop of whipped cream or a sprinkle of granola
- Served warm as a simple comfort dessert
It’s naturally wholesome, easy to digest, and full of flavor, perfect for fall gatherings, kids’ lunches, or quiet evenings by the fire.
From the BLeaves Farms Kitchen
There’s something magical about slowing down to make a recipe like this. One that celebrates the season and the simplicity of real food. Whether your pumpkins come from your own patch or a local farmer’s market, this recipe captures the cozy essence of autumn in every bite.
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Shop This Recipe
- Crockpot Slow Cooker: The perfect hands-off tool for cozy fall recipes.
- Pumpkin Pie Spice: A balanced blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and allspice.
- Potato Masher: For a chunky, rustic texture.
- Immersion Blender: For ultra-smooth, silky pumpkin sauce.
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