This homemade applesauce recipe tastes like fall in a bowl and fills the kitchen with cozy cinnamon as it simmers. Growing up on a dairy farm in Indiana, we watched the apples in the orchard near my grandma’s house blush red and gold, a sure sign that cooler days were coming. She’d peel, slice, and fill her biggest pots, canning most for winter and always saving a warm bowl for supper that night. This homemade applesauce is my way of bringing that memory to your kitchen. It’s easy, comforting, and filled with all the goodness of fall.
Fresh Picked Homemade Applesauce Recipe
There are few things more comforting than a bowl of warm applesauce on a cool day. This easy homemade applesauce comes together quickly with simple ingredients, and the flavor is so much fresher than anything you can buy at the store. It’s naturally sweet, perfectly spiced, and fills your kitchen with the scent of baked apples and cinnamon.
You can make it unsweetened for a wholesome breakfast or add a little honey for dessert. It keeps well, freezes beautifully, and makes a thoughtful gift to share with friends and family. Simple, cozy, and full of fall flavor, it’s the kind of recipe that makes your home feel welcoming.
Ingredient Notes
Here’s a quick overview of the key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and exact measurements, be sure to check the recipe card at the bottom of this post.
- Apples: The best apples for applesauce are a mix of sweet and tart varieties. I like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for sweetness and Granny Smith for a little tang. Mixing apples gives you the best flavor and texture.
- Water: A small amount helps the apples cook evenly. For a deeper flavor, use apple cider instead of water.
- Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and prevents browning. Fresh lemon juice is best, but apple cider vinegar or orange juice works too.
- Cinnamon: Adds warmth and that classic fall aroma. If you want to change it up, try nutmeg, pumpkin pie spice, or even a touch of ground ginger.
- Sweetener (optional): If your apples are naturally sweet, you may not need any. If you prefer sweeter applesauce, stir in a spoonful of sugar, maple syrup, or honey once the sauce has cooled a bit.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
Prep the Apples
Rinse your apples and peel them if you prefer a smooth sauce. Sometimes, I like to leave the skins on for extra fiber and color. Core and chop the apples into one-inch chunks so they cook evenly.
Add your chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan. Stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat. Once it begins to bubble, lower the heat and let the apples simmer for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally so they don’t stick.
Pro Tip: If the apples start to look dry while cooking, add a splash of water to keep them steamy and soft.
Blend
When the apples are very tender, it’s time to mash or blend them. For chunky homemade applesauce, use a potato masher to crush the apples to your desired texture. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or carefully transfer the apples to a blender or food processor.
Pro Tip: Always taste before sweetening. Add just a little at a time until it’s perfect for you.
Peeling is optional. The skins add color and nutrients, but you can blend or strain the sauce if you prefer it smooth.
Yes, this unsweetened applesauce recipe is delicious with just the natural sweetness of the apples. Add honey or maple syrup if you prefer a sweeter taste.
Variations, Substitutions, and Recipe Tips
Dietary Modifications: For an unsweetened applesauce recipe, skip any added sugar. Use naturally sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor balance.
Flavor Enhancements: Add a splash of vanilla at the end, or try one of my four make-your-own pumpkin pie spice blends.
Add-In Options: Try stirring in chopped pears, cranberries, or a drizzle of maple syrup for a fun twist.
Simple Substitutions: If you run out of lemon juice, use apple cider vinegar. Out of cinnamon? Pumpkin pie spice or ginger works nicely.
Tips for Recipe Success: Use a sturdy pot for even cooking, stir often at the start, and remember that applesauce thickens as it cools. Blend gently to keep a soft texture.
Hospitality Challenge
Text a friend or two and plan a simple apple-picking day, then head back to your kitchen to make a big pot of cozy, homemade applesauce together. Set up three stations to keep it fun and welcoming: a peel and chop spot at the table, a simmer station at the stove, and a jar and label station on the counter for gifting. Before you start, pray out loud for joy and good conversation, and as the apples bubble, ask each person to share one way God has blessed them this fall. When you are done, fill mason jars with warm applesauce to share with someone in need or an elderly member of your church who finds it challenging to pick fresh apples.
Savory and Sweet Apple Recipes
- Cozy Apple Pie Filled Cinnamon Rolls Bake (5-Minute Prep, Easy Fall Breakfast)
- Apple Roasted Pork Chops with Cinnamon-Glaze
- Crock Pot Pork Chops Hidden Valley Ranch Recipe
- Southern Fried Apples Recipe
- Fruit Salad Recipe With Honey Lemon Dressing
This homemade applesauce recipe is one of those simple, soul-warming dishes that reminds us how good it feels to slow down and savor something made with love. If you have any questions about making this recipe, feel free to ask in the comments below. I’m here to help!
Homemade Applesauce Recipe
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Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples, a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala, or your favorite varieties
- 3/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 cup sugar, more or less to your desired taste
Instructions
Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1-inch chunks. Try to keep the pieces roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Cook the Apples
- In a large saucepan, combine the apples, water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon. Stir until the apples are evenly coated.4 pounds apples, 3/4 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 30 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples are very soft and starting to break down.
Mash or Blend
- For chunky applesauce, mash the cooked apples with a potato masher.
- For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor and blend until smooth.
- If you want to sweeten your applesauce, add the sugar to your desired sweetness level.1/2 cup sugar
Serve
- Serve warm for a cozy treat or chill in the refrigerator for a refreshing snack.
Gina’s Notes and Tips
Savory version: Skip the cinnamon and add a pinch of salt to serve alongside pork chops or roasted vegetables.
Low-sugar option: Use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala—no added sugar needed.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to seven days.
- Freezer: Freeze in small containers or bags for up to six months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in short bursts, stirring between each one.
