There’s something magical about homemade applesauce—its velvety texture and naturally sweet flavor make it a timeless treat. This recipe transforms fresh apples into a luscious, cinnamon-kissed delight in just under an hour. Perfectly balanced, it’s a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, packed with fiber and vitamins. Whether served warm or chilled, its comforting aroma and smooth consistency will make it a family favorite.
With only 30 minutes of prep and 25 minutes of cooking, this applesauce is as easy to make as it is delicious. The blend of tart and sweet apples creates a rich, vibrant flavor, while a hint of spice adds warmth. Enjoy it as a snack, dessert, or even a versatile ingredient in baking. Each spoonful is a burst of autumn in a bowl, offering both nourishment and nostalgia.
What You’ll Need
- 3 lbs (1.4 kg) apples – peeled, cored, and diced into ½” pieces (use crisp, sweet varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Cortland). Weigh before peeling/coring.
- 1 cup (236 ml) water
- 3 Tablespoons (38 g) granulated sugar – adjust to taste or omit for a less sweet version.
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice – adds brightness and prevents browning.
- 2 cinnamon sticks – optional, or substitute with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon.
How to Make It
- Combine ingredients: In a large pot, add the diced apples, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks. Stir to mix well.
- Simmer: Turn the stovetop to medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer. Reduce the heat to medium/low, cover with a lid, and cook for 20-30 minutes. Stir once or twice to prevent burning.
- Check for doneness: The apples are ready when they are completely soft and tender. Test by piercing them with a fork; they should offer no resistance.
- Remove cinnamon sticks: Take the pot off the heat and carefully remove the cinnamon sticks.
- Mash or blend: For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher. For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth.
- Adjust consistency (optional): If the applesauce is too watery, return it to the stovetop and cook over medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reaches your desired thickness.
- Cool and serve: Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled!
Perfect Pairings: Serving Suggestions for Your Applesauce
This homemade applesauce is incredibly versatile! Serve it warm as a comforting side dish with roasted pork or chicken. For a sweet treat, pair it with pancakes, waffles, or vanilla ice cream. It also makes a great topping for oatmeal or yogurt for a healthy breakfast boost.
Keep It Fresh: Storage and Reheating Tips
Store your applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it in portion-sized containers for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short intervals, stirring occasionally.
Mix It Up: Fun Recipe Variations
Customize your applesauce by trying different apple varieties or adding unique flavors. For a tart twist, use Granny Smith apples. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for extra warmth, or stir in a handful of fresh berries for a fruity twist. You can even reduce the sugar for a healthier option!
Kitchen Essentials: Equipment Guidance
While this recipe is simple, having the right tools makes it easier. A sturdy potato masher works great for chunky applesauce, while an immersion blender creates a silky smooth texture. If using a traditional blender, be sure to let the mixture cool slightly and blend in batches to avoid spills.
Quick Tips: Save Time Without Sacrificing Flavor
To speed up prep, use an apple corer and slicer before dicing. You can also make a double batch and freeze half for later. If you’re short on time, skip peeling the apples—just blend thoroughly for a rustic, fiber-rich version!
Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples peeled, cored, and diced to be about ½” (I recommend using a crisp, sweet apple like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, or Cortland.) Weigh before peeling/coring apples.
- 1 cup water
- 3 Tablespoons granulated sugar ¹
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks optional, see note to omit or use ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine apples, water, sugar, lemon juice, and cinnamon sticks in a large pot on the stovetop. Stir to combine.
- Turn stovetop heat to medium and bring mixture to a simmer. Reduce heat to medium/low, cover with lid, and continue to cook for 20-30 minutes, checking/stirring just once or twice to make sure the heat is not too high and apples are not burning to the bottom of the pot.
- Cook until apples are completely soft and tender when pierced with a fork (they should give easily to the fork and offer no resistance).
- Remove from heat and carefully remove cinnamon sticks. Mash with a potato masher (for chunkier applesauce) or blend with an immersion blender until smooth (for a smoother applesauce). You may also transfer the apples to a blender and puree until smooth if you don’t have an immersion blender.
- If applesauce is too watery for your liking you can return to the stovetop and cook over medium/low heat, stirring occasionally, until the water is reduced and mixture is the desired consistency.
- Allow to cool and then serve!