This easy applesauce recipe is delicious as a dessert or snack. Made with fresh apples, this homemade applesauce recipe comes together in just about 30 minutes!
Make extra jars of this homemade applesauce to give as gifts at Christmas time. It's a wonderful side dish for every family meal.
Why This Recipe
Making fresh homemade applesauce on the stovetop is quick and easy and goes with any main dish.
Our easy applesauce recipe tastes better than store-bought applesauce.
When you make applesauce at home, you know exactly what goes into it. Zero preservatives! You can also control/adjust the amount of sugar.
You can make this delicious apple recipe easily on your stove top.
Ingredients For Homemade Applesauce
Apples - You will need about six pounds and can use apples from the local grocery store, a farmer's market, or even a pick-your-own farm nearby. Peel, core, and slice the apples.
Lemon - You'll need the juice from one lemon to coat the apple slices and keep the applesauce from turning to brown to be appetizing. Lemon juice also adds brightness from the acidity.
Apple Juice - About one cup. You can also use apple cider.
Brown Sugar. You'll need to pack the measuring cup, so in case you haven't heard of this method of measuring brown sugar, I found this video for you.
Cinnamon. Ground. Make sure your spices are used within six months from when you open the jar for best results.
Nutmeg. You can grate your own or just use what you have in a jar.
How to Make Easy Applesauce
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Clean and cut the apples and add them to a large pot.
- Squeeze lemon juice over them and toss to coat.
- Add the juice, brown sugar and spices.
- Cook for about twenty minutes or until the apples are tender.
- Puree using a stick blender, a potato masher, or a food processor. Be very careful since this mixture is very hot!
- Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled.
Pro Tips and Timesaver Shortcuts
- For best results, I like to use a potato masher to get a headstart on pureeing the apples after they are cooked, and then finish it off with a stick blender.
- Store your applesauce in the refrigerator in an airtight container for a few days.
- Use a special tool to peel, core and slice your apples all at once to save time and ensure that all the slices are uniform and cook quickly.
Ways to Use Applesauce
- You can use applesauce as a side dish with almost any meal.
- Applesauce can be used as an ice cream topping for dessert.
- Coat your pork chops in applesauce before adding a coating of flour and fry them for delicious flavor.
- Use applesauce in baked goods to reduce the need for fat.
- Use applesauce as a dip for cookies, banana slices, graham crackers and more!
FAQ
Can I use any apples I have for homemade applesauce?
The short answer is not necessarily. Not all apples lend themselves well to applesauce. The best apples will be ones with smooth, thin flesh. Granny Smith will work and have an excellent texture but are very tart. Many recipes call for a blend of different apples to balance the tartness of Granny Smith. Honey Crisp, McIntosh, Gala, Pink Lady, and Fuji will all work well. Empire apples are also a great choice.
Do I need fancy equipment to make the easy applesauce recipe?
Related recipes
Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples peeled, cored and cut into slices
- 1 lemon
- 1 cup apple juice or apple cider
- ½ cup brown sugar packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Clean and cut apples and add to a large pot.
- Squeeze the juice of a lemon over apples and toss lightly to coat.
- Add juice, brown sugar and spices.
- Stir to combine.
- Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes or until apples are tender
- Remove from heat.
- Process to desired consistency with a potato masher, food processor blender
- Serve warm, room temperature or chilled.
- Store in airtight container or glass jar with lid.
Nutrition
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Tamara
My mom used to make applesauce - I loved it! I never knew what goes into it.
Raquel
Nice that she made it for you - Mom's are the best! It is a really simple recipe and I wish I had tried it sooner.
Donna @ Modern on Monticello
I haven't enjoyed homemade applesauce in years! Thanks for sharing an easy to follow recipe so I can try it again. #HomeMattersParty