This homemade applesauce is a simple and delicious way to preserve the fall harvest. It’s naturally sweet, customizable, and can be used as a healthy substitute for oil in baking. Whether you like it chunky or smooth, this easy recipe ensures fresh, flavorful applesauce every time.

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Cuisine: American
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 8

Why You’ll Love Making It

• Easy & Beginner-Friendly – Just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time.
• Customizable Texture & Sweetness – Adjust the sweetness and consistency to your liking.
• Versatile & Healthy – Enjoy it as a snack, a topping, or an oil substitute in baking.
• Great for Meal Prep – Make a big batch and store it in the fridge or freezer for later.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds apples – Peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 medium apples). A mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith, gives the best flavor.
• ⅓ cup water – Helps the apples soften and cook evenly.
• 2 to 4 tablespoons granulated sugar – Optional, depending on the sweetness of the apples. You can substitute honey or maple syrup.
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon – Adds warmth and enhances the apples’ natural sweetness. You can adjust the amount or omit it.

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Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. Cutting them evenly helps them cook at the same rate. If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, cut the apples into larger pieces.

Step 2: Cook the Apples

Place the apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a large saucepan. Stir to coat the apples evenly. Heat over medium-high until the mixture comes to a boil.

Step 3: Simmer Until Soft

Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the apples simmer for 15–20 minutes. Stir occasionally. The apples should become very soft and start breaking down. If they look dry, add a splash of water.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Remove the lid and let the apples simmer for another 5 minutes. This helps any excess liquid evaporate, giving the applesauce a thicker consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 5: Mash or Blend

For a chunky texture, mash the apples with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree until you reach your desired consistency.

Step 6: Serve and Store

Enjoy warm or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I make applesauce without sugar?
Yes! If your apples are naturally sweet, you can skip the sugar or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup. A splash of apple juice can also enhance the sweetness.

How do I store homemade applesauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. If freezing, let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers. Thaw in the fridge before using.

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