Applesauce Recipe

Homemade applesauce is one of my favorite recipes for using fresh fall apples. It’s a simple blend of apples, sugar, and cinnamon for the perfect, fresh fall flavors!

bowl of Applesauce Recipe with cinnamon sticks beside it

It needs only 3 ingredients plus a splash of water.
You can use any variety of apples.
It’s healthy and delicious, make it to your liking and add a little or a lot of sugar and spice.
This recipe freezes well and makes a great snack, or even a dessert served warm with a scoop of ice cream.

The Best Apples to Use:

Any kind of apple is great for homemade applesauce. Try a combination of any of the following: Granny Smith, Gala, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Fujis.

Keep in mind that a sweeter apple will make a sweeter sauce, while a tart apple (like Granny Smith) will result in a tart sauce. You can add an extra sweetener if needed, or find your perfect balance of tart and sweet apples.

cinnamon apples in a dutch oven with a white spatula

How to Make Applesauce

Peel, core, and chop the apples (full recipe below).
Cook the apples with cinnamon, water, and sugar. Stir occasionally.
Mash apples with a masher or blend until smooth.

Serve as a dessert with yogurt or over vanilla ice cream, or as a side with pork chops!

Variations

Swap the water for your favorite juice or apple cider.
Add extra spices like pumpkin pie spice or a pinch of nutmeg.
Sugar can be substituted for a sweetener of your choice. Adjust the sweetness according to the apple’s sweetness.
You can also cook this in a crockpot. Set it on low for about 3 hours.

cinnamon apples being mashed in a dutch oven

Storing Leftovers

Homemade applesauce will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator. Place the applesauce into small containers or freezer bags. I like to freeze it in one-cup portions for up to four months.

Delicious Ways to Use Apples

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image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

close up of homemade applesauce in a bowl with a spoon in it

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Homemade applesauce is an easy way to preserve the fall harvest. Applesauce can be used as an oil substitute and makes baking light and fluffy.

Prep Time 20 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover.
Cook 15-20 minutes or until apples are very tender. Remove lid and simmer an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
Mash apples with a masher for a chunky consistency or blend/puree with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
Serve warm or chilled.

This recipe makes approximately 4 cups of applesauce.
*Apple sauce may need more or less sugar based on the variety of apples. If apples are very sweet, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons if desired. If they’re very tart, add more.
Mash with a potato masher for a chunkier consistency or use an immersion blender to create a smoother apple sauce.
Applesauce can be blended in a traditional blender. Ensure the lid is not sealed tightly while the apples are warm or the steam can build up. You may need to add a little bit of liquid to blend smoothly. If you add liquid, the blended sauce can be simmered on medium-low heat until thickened.
Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week and 4 months in the freezer.

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

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