A simple, no-frills homemade applesauce recipe, that lets you control the sugar! Perfect for families of all sizes, make a big batch for all of you to enjoy!
When you have a pile of apples that reallllllly need to be either eaten or cooked – what do you do? Since there were so many, I decided to make some applesauce and enjoy them this way. I love homemade apple sauce, and being able to control the sugar content and the flavoring makes me even happier. Use to make Applesauce Pancakes!
I love making pantry staples from scratch, if you do too – you’ll enjoy my Homemade Taco Seasoning, Homemade Bisquick or my FABULOUS Homemade Chicken Stock!
What you’ll find in this post:
Add fresh strawberries and peaches and enjoy a tasty alternative to just eating it plain!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It has just 4 ingredients.
- Takes under 30 minutes to make.
- Totally customizable to whatever apples you have, and sugar is totally optional!
The Best Apples for Applesauce
I prefer to use Granny Smith apples, but McIntosh and Golden Delicious also do really well. These types of apples soften easily, making them a great choice.
That said, I have used Honeycrisp, Gala and Red Delicious apples – sometimes all at once (I just raid the fruit bowl).
Depending on the type of apples I have around, I leave out the sugar, or use less – some apples don’t need anything added!
Kylee’s Notes
- Add some strawberries and cook along with the apples, or add some canned peaches to the mix right before you blend for a delicious way to change it (adjust the cinnamon or leave it out).
- You can use brown sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup in place of sugar.
- Add 1 cup of this applesauce in place of apples in my Apple Cinnamon Waffles recipe.
How to store applesauce
Keep in the fridge for up to 7-10 days in a sealed container.
I don’t can this and store in the pantry, but you could! You will need to add lemon juice to the water while cooking – and use a water bath or pressure cooker to can effectively.
Freezing instructions
Applesauce can be frozen (I put it in silicone muffin pans in the freezer and just pop out what I need)
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Apples. See above for which types to use.
- Water. I use about a cup of water, sometimes a cup and a half.
- Sugar. Substitute your sweetener of choice – honey, agave, maple – or leave it out altogether!
- Ground cinnamon. A little pumpkin pie spice goes really well in this recipe as well.
How to make this recipe
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Peel, core and slice apples and add to large pot or Dutch oven.
Add water, sugar and cinnamon.
Mix well and bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes (up to 30 minutes) or until the apples are tender.
Remove some of the liquid, and puree using an immersion blender, or remove apples and use a regular blender – adding extra cooking liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency/texture. You can also use a potato masher, or a food mill! If you like chunky applesauce, simply mix to break up large pieces.
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Update: This was originally posted in October of 2009, and has been updated new photos and instructions to improve reader experience.
Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 apples
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Peel, core and slice the apples.
- Add the apples to a large saucepan, add the water, sugar and cinnamon and toss until well combined.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes – until apples are tender and soft.
- Depending on how thick/thin you like it – drain off some of the liquid and reserve.
- Use an immersion blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add leftover liquid as needed to get your ideal consistency.
- Devour.
Notes
- Add some strawberries and cook along with the apples, or add some canned peaches to the mix right before you blend for a delicious way to change it (adjust the cinnamon or leave it out).
- You can use brown sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup in place of sugar.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days in a sealed container.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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