How to Make Applesauce

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If you’ve been wondering how to make applesauce, here’s a foolproof recipe for making the best one I’ve tried so far. Here is a foolproof recipe for making applesauce. Homemade applesauce is simply fresh apples that have been simmered in water with sugar and spices to taste.

With just a few basic ingredients like apples, some light brown sugar, and a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, you’ll have a delicious homemade applesauce in no time. It’s simple, healthier than many store-bought versions, and super satisfying. Perfect for spooning over pancakes, adding to yogurt, or just enjoying by the spoonful. Homemade applesauce also puts the cook in the driver’s seat – make it sweet, tart, spiced, or plain. It’s your choice.

Why you’ll love this easy applesauce recipe

• Simple Ingredients. You probably have most, if not all, of these items in your pantry or fridge already. No need for any fancy ingredients or last-minute grocery store runs. 
• Naturally Sweet. This applesauce recipe uses light brown sugar, which gives the applesauce a rich, natural sweetness. It’s a sweet treat without a ton of added sugar. Bonus? It smells heavenly when cooking.
• Kid-Friendly. If you have picky eaters at home, this applesauce is sure to please. It’s sweet, a bit spicy, healthier than most store-bought versions, and super fun to make. Let your little ones help with mashing the apples; they’ll love it!
• Versatile in Use. Beyond just a spoonful snack, you can use this applesauce in baking, cooking, or as a topping. It’s great for muffins, as a side dish, or even as a yogurt mix-in.

Ingredients & substitutions

• Apples: Which apples make the best sauce? There are so many opinions on this! Bottom line: use what you have and like (except Red Delicious and their cousins like Envy apples. They do not cook down well.) Go tart with with Granny Smith or sweet with Galas.
• Sugar: Any type of granular sugar – white, brown, or cane sugar will do. Honey or maple syrup can sub in, too.
• Spices: Cinnamon is the classic. Simmer with a stick or about ½ teaspoon of ground spice. Or try any warm spice, like pumpkin spice mix, nutmeg, or cardamon.
• Water: Used to simmer with the apples for the perfect consistency.

How to make applesauce

Prepare the apples

• Peel the off the apple skins.
• Core using spoon, melon baller or corer.
• Chop into small-ish pieces.

Cook the apples

• Place all your ingredients into a sauce pan.
• Stir to mix well.
• Cover and bring to a boil then reduce to simmer.
• The sauce is ready when the apples are soft and can easily be pierced with a knife.

Tips for making the best applesauce from scratch

1. Choose the freshest, most flavorful apples. This will make a big difference in the texture and flavor of your homemade applesauce.
2. Feel free to mix varieties of apples, especially if you want to blend sweet and tart apples. There’s no rule that says you only have to use one type.
3. Be stingy with your sweetener in the beginning. Wait until the apples are cooked down, and then taste and adjust to avoid over-sweetening.
4. Check for the moisture level of the applesauce. If your cooked-down apple mixture seems very watery, drain a little excess water out before mashing. Some apple varieties are naturally more watery than others.

Popular substitutions & additions

• Mix apple types. For a more complex flavor, use a mix of apple types. Something tart like Granny Smith combined with something sweet like Gala can give your applesauce a unique twist.
• Spice it up. While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic spices for homemade applesauce, feel free to experiment with other spices like cardamom or allspice.
• Add apple cider. For an extra apple punch, replace half of the water with apple cider. It amplifies the apple flavor and adds a bright tangy note.
• Make it chunky or smooth. If you prefer chunkier applesauce, just mash it less. For a smoother sauce, cook the apples a bit longer and give them a good mix using a food processor or a blender.

How to store & reheat cinnamon applesauce

Once your homemade applesauce has cooled down, transfer it into an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Keep it in the fridge, away from strong-smelling foods.

If you want to enjoy your applesauce warm, just spoon out the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and heat for a few seconds. You can also warm it in a saucepan over low heat on the stove. 

How long will this homemade applesauce last in the fridge?

Your cinnamon applesauce will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 4-6 days. Always give it a quick sniff and look for any changes in texture or color before enjoying.

Can i freeze this applesauce recipe?

Yes, you can freeze applesauce! Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving a little space at the top for expansion. When you’re ready to use it, thaw in the fridge overnight or warm it directly from the freezer on low heat on the stove.

recipes with applesauce

• Soft Chocolate Chip Cookies
• Chai Spiced Muffins
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bread
• Double Chocolate Chip Muffins
• Pumpkin Bars
• Carrot Banana Bread
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins

Frequently asked questions

So there you have it, the best guide on how to make applesauce from scratch! This recipe is an easy and practical way to use up extra apples, and it gives you control over sweetness and spices. It’s a healthier alternative to many store-bought versions, and you can use it in a variety of ways, from a standalone snack to an ingredient in other recipes. With so many reasons to love it, you might just find yourself making this homemade applesauce on repeat!

MORE COOKING TUTORIALS:

• How to Cook Artichokes
• How to Cook Couscous
• How to Cook Quinoa
• How to Cook Rice
• How to Cook Brown Rice
• How to Cook Pasta

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