Description
This Homemade Applesauce recipe is a cozy, naturally sweet side dish made from fresh apples and customizable with cinnamon or sugar. Perfect for snacks, baking, and pairing with savory meals. A healthy, family-friendly applesauce with no added preservatives, great for fall and year-round comfort.
Ingredients
3 pounds apples
1 cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 to 2 tablespoons sugar (optional)
1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into even-sized chunks.
2. Place apples in a large pot with water, lemon juice, and if using, the sugar and cinnamon.
3. Cover and simmer over medium heat for 25 to 30 minutes until apples are very soft. Stir occasionally.
4. Mash with a potato masher for chunky applesauce, or blend for smooth consistency using an immersion blender or standard blender.
5. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if needed.
6. Let cool completely, then transfer to airtight containers for storage in the fridge or freezer.
Notes
Use a blend of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor.
Leave the skins on for extra fiber if blending smooth.
Skip the sugar entirely for a naturally sweet version.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 0.5 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 1mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg