Easy Homemade Applesauce (Print Version)
# 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:
01 -
Peel, core, and chop the apples into smaller pieces. Then, add them to a large pot or saucepan.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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:
01 -
Instant Pot Option: Combine all the ingredients in the pot, pressure cook on high for 10 minutes, and allow a natural release.
02 -
Slow Cooker Method: Place everything in a slow cooker and cook on high for 3–4 hours, or until the apples turn soft.
03 -
Fruit Variations: Swap out some apples for pears (apple-pear combo) or add strawberries during the final 10 minutes of stovetop cooking.