Description
This homemade applesauce recipe is easy, healthy, and full of comforting apple flavor. Made with just a handful of ingredients and ready in under an hour, it’s the perfect way to enjoy apples as a snack, dessert, or side dish. Customize it with warm spices, keep it chunky or smooth, and even can it for longer storage. A wholesome, family-friendly recipe you’ll make again and again!
Ingredients
3 pounds (1.4 kg) apples (about 6–8 medium, any variety or mix) 1/2 cup (120 ml) water 2–3 tablespoons granulated sugar or maple syrup (optional, to taste) 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional) Pinch of salt
Instructions
1. Wash, peel if desired, core, and chop apples into small chunks. 2. In a large pot, combine apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Bring to a simmer over medium heat. 3. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft. 4. Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for smooth. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed. 5. Let cool slightly before serving warm, or chill in the fridge to serve cold.
Notes
• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth of flavor. • Taste before adding sweetener — some apples are sweet enough on their own. • For canning, ladle hot applesauce into sterilized jars, seal, and process in a water bath for 15–20 minutes. • Store in the fridge for up to 1 week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 16g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: homemade applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, classic apple dessert, healthy applesauce, canning applesauce