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Simple Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Featured in The Defining Element of Professional Cooking.

Making homemade applesauce is simple and rewarding. Start by peeling and coring five pounds of apples, such as McIntosh or Fuji. Cook the apples with water, lemon juice, and a cinnamon stick for fragrance. Blend them to your preferred consistency, either smooth or chunky. For additional sweetness, return the puree to the pot and stir in optional brown sugar or vanilla. Serve it warm or chilled, and store leftovers in the fridge for up to two weeks or freeze for six months. It's versatile, delicious, and can even include pears or strawberries for a unique twist.
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Sarah
Updated on Sat, 15 Mar 2025 16:12:29 GMT
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Homemade Applesauce | chefmiarecipes.com

Making homemade applesauce is one of those simple pleasures that takes me back to my grandmother's kitchen. This classic recipe transforms fresh apples into a versatile, comforting dish that can be customized countless ways. The natural sweetness of carefully selected apples creates a wholesome treat that's worlds apart from store-bought varieties.

I've been making this recipe for over 15 years, and it never fails to impress. Last autumn, I made a huge batch with apples from our local orchard, and my family finished it within days.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Apples (mixture of varieties):
    • McIntosh: Provides natural sweetness and breaks down easily
    • Granny Smith: Adds tartness and helps maintain structure
    • Golden Delicious: Creates smooth texture and balanced flavor
    • Fuji: Brings natural sweetness and holds shape well
  • Lemon juice: Prevents browning and adds brightness
  • Cinnamon stick: Infuses gentle warmth without overpowering
  • Water: Just enough to prevent sticking and create steam

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Step 1:
Prep apples by peeling, coring, and cutting into uniform chunks
Step 2:
Combine apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick in a large pot
Step 3:
Bring to boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-30 minutes
Step 4:
Remove cinnamon stick and blend to desired consistency
Step 5:
For sweetened version, stir in optional ingredients and cook 10 more minutes

My youngest daughter struggled with store-bought baby food, but this homemade applesauce became her first favorite food. The natural ingredients made me feel confident about what I was feeding her.

Storage and Versatility

  • Store in airtight containers:
    • Refrigerator: Up to 2 weeks
    • Freezer: Up to 6 months
  • Can be used in baking as oil substitute
  • Perfect for holiday gift giving in mason jars

This recipe has become my go-to fall tradition, transforming simple ingredients into something truly special. Whether served warm with a dollop of whipped cream or used in baking, it's the kind of recipe that creates lasting memories and brings comfort to any table.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use any type of apples?
Yes, a mix of apples like McIntosh, Golden Delicious, or Granny Smith is recommended for the best flavor.
→ Can I make applesauce without sugar?
Absolutely! The natural sweetness of the apples is often enough, but you can add sugar if desired.
→ How long can I store homemade applesauce?
You can store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to six months.
→ Can I make applesauce in a slow cooker?
Yes, combine the ingredients and cook on high for 3-4 hours or until the apples are soft.
→ Can I add other fruits to my applesauce?
Yes, you can substitute some apples with pears or add strawberries during the last 10 minutes of cooking.

Easy Homemade Applesauce

Make homemade applesauce with ease! Adjust flavor, texture, and learn to store it.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
40 Minutes
Total Time
50 Minutes

Category: Sauce Fundamentals

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: American

Yield: 4 Servings (4 cups of applesauce)

Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Basic Ingredients

01 5 pounds of apples (use a mix of McIntosh, Granny Smith, Fuji, Golden Delicious, or Jonathan)
02 1 cup water
03 2 tablespoons lemon juice
04 1 cinnamon stick

→ Optional Additions

05 1/2 cup brown sugar
06 2 tablespoons butter
07 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
08 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

Step 01

Peel, core, and chop the apples into smaller pieces. Then, add them to a large pot or saucepan.

Step 02

Pour in the water, lemon juice, and toss in the cinnamon stick. Cover the pot and bring it to a boil over high heat.

Step 03

Lower the heat, keep the pot covered, and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes. Stir occasionally as the apples soften and break down.

Step 04

Remove the cinnamon stick and blend the apples using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Adjust the texture to your liking (smooth or a bit chunky).

Step 05

For added sweetness, return the applesauce to the pot, mix in the brown sugar, and let it thicken on low heat for about 10 minutes. For a dessert-like version, stir in butter, vanilla extract, and ground cinnamon until everything is melted and well combined.

Step 06

Serve warm or chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze for up to 6 months.

Notes

  1. Instant Pot Option: Combine all the ingredients in the pot, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, and allow a natural release.
  2. Slow Cooker Method: Place everything in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until the apples turn soft.
  3. Fruit Variations: Swap out some apples for pears (apple-pear combo) or add strawberries during the final 10 minutes of stovetop cooking.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large pot or saucepan
  • Blender, immersion blender, or food processor
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Peeler

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 227
  • Total Fat: 3 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 53 g
  • Protein: 1 g