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Slow Cooker Pear Sauce

The PUREST Slow Cooker Pear Sauce

This unsweetened applesauce substitute is made with fresh pears, a cinnamon stick, and a splash of water for a naturally sweet and flavorful 1:1 replacement for applesauce in baking. Perfect for apple-free diets or when you’re out of applesauce!
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Slow Food DIY
Cuisine: American
Calories: 70
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 8 cups pears peeled, cored, and chopped into large pieces
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 3 tablespoons water

Equipment

  • knife
  • Peeler
  • slow cooker
  • Potato masher
  • Food Processor (optional)

Method
 

  1. Peel, core, and chop your pears into large chunks.
  2. Place the pears in your slow cooker. Add the cinnamon stick and pour the water over the top.
  3. Cover and cook on HIGH for 6 hours. The pears will look watery, but once mashed, the mixture thickens to an applesauce-like texture. Mash the pears, then cook on LOW for 1 more hour.
  4. If your sauce is still watery, transfer to a stovetop pot and simmer until reduced. Alternatively, remove the lid and use the sauté function on a multipurpose cooker.
  5. Remove the cinnamon stick and let the sauce cool. For a chunkier texture, leave as-is; for smooth sauce, blend using a food processor or immersion blender. Chill before serving or using in recipes.

Notes

Expert Tips from Dietitian Summer Yule:
• This pear sauce offers a nutritious, low-fat alternative to oil or butter in baking.
• Replacing ½ cup of oil with this substitute can save up to 900 calories and 110g of fat.
• For smoother texture, blend with a food processor or immersion blender.
Other Substitutes:
• For a higher-calorie recipe, use butter or oil.
• For a higher-protein alternative, use plain Greek yogurt.
Storage: Refrigerate for up to 5 days in an airtight container, or freeze for up to 3 months.