Preheat the crockpot to high.
Peel and core apples. You can cut them up into small chunks (the smaller the easier they will break up) but no need to dice.
Place the apple chunks in the crock pot and toss with the lemon juice. Once coated, go ahead and the cinnamon and sugar (if using) and give it all a stir. Lastly, add in the water.
The hardest part is done! Set your timer for 3 hours, checking at the thirds house mark. If the apples are completely cooked through and consistency is right for apple sauce, you're good to go! If not, leave it for another hour.
Enjoy immediately or store in the fridge to chill and then eat. Will last for about a week in the fridge. Enjoy!