Homemade Applesauce Recipe
This homemade applesauce recipe is simple, cozy, and ready in about 40 minutes. Fresh apples, cinnamon, and lemon juice simmer into a sweet and fragrant sauce that’s delicious warm or chilled. Use your favorite apple varieties for a flavor that feels like fall in every spoonful.
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.
Notes
Texture choice: Leave small chunks for a rustic texture or blend completely for a velvety, spreadable sauce.
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.
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.
Nutrition
Serving: 1serving | Calories: 168kcal | Carbohydrates: 44g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 248mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 36g | Vitamin A: 123IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 17mg | Iron: 0.3mg
