This homemade applesauce recipe comes together on the stovetop in just 30 minutes with apples, sugar, and cinnamon, and once you try it, you'll never go back to store-bought.
There's something comforting about making applesauce from scratch, it takes just a few simple ingredients and turns them into something warm and familiar. I like how this stovetop applesauce simmers gently until the apples are soft enough to mash or blend, giving me control over whether it's chunky or silky smooth.
For me, it's the best applesauce recipe because it's both quick and flexible. I can make a small batch for the week or double it if I want to freeze some for later. Every spoonful of this reminds me why I prefer simple homemade applesauce at home over the store-bought jars.
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⭐Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: This recipe is super simple and perfect for both beginners and experienced cooks. Just toss everything in a pot, simmer, and mash or blend until it's the texture you like.
- Simple Ingredients: Made with fresh apples, a little sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice, nothing artificial, just pure, natural flavors.
🧾Homemade Applesauce Ingredients
You'll find the exact measurements in the recipe card, but here's a closer look at a few of the ingredients and why I use them.
- Apples: I like using green apples (Granny Smith), it makes the best applesauce recipe because of it's the flavor. You can use almost any apple, like Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Jonagold, or Fuji.
- Lemon Juice: A quick squeeze keeps the applesauce from turning dull and adds a brightness that makes homemade applesauce taste fresh.
- Sugar, Cinnamon & Salt: Just enough sugar for sweetness, a little cinnamon for that cozy fall touch, and a pinch of salt to round everything out.
- Water: I only add a splash so the apples soften evenly on the stovetop without losing their natural flavor.
👩🏻🍳How to Make Homemade Applesauce
You can find the complete printable recipe with measurements below, but for now, here's a quick overview of how it goes:
1. Use a peeler to peel, and an apple corer slicer to core, and slice the apples.
2. In a large pot, combine the sliced apples, sugar, salt, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water.
3. Boil the mixture over medium-high heat, then lower to medium-low. Cover the pan and simmer for 20-25 minutes.
4. When the apples are soft, mash them with a potato masher or a blender for a chunky or smooth applesauce.
🍽 How To Use Homemade Applesauce
This homemade applesauce is such a tasty, healthy snack or side dish! It's perfect on its own for a yummy breakfast or snack.
I love pairing it with Älplermagronen, skillet pork chops, and thin pork chops. It's also great in an applesauce cobbler and makes a delicious topping for banana bread, pumpkin bread, or pancakes!
💭My Tips for Recipe Success
Balance the Flavors: Some apples are sweeter, some are tart, I taste before storing and adjust sugar or cinnamon as needed.
Chunky vs. Smooth: If you want a really smooth texture, blend while the apples are still warm; it gives the creamiest result.
Storing Tip: I keep mine in a glass jar in the fridge for up to 5 days, or freeze in portions for later.
❓Commonly Asked Questions
The best apples for applesauce are a mix of sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, and Honeycrisp, paired with tart options like Granny Smith for a balanced flavor and creamy texture.
🍏More Easy Apple Recipes
If you love using apples, then check out the following recipes:
🍰More Dessert Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite dessert recipes! Try these:
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients
- 1.4 kg Apples - Peeled, cored, and diced.
- 250 ml Water
- 50 g Granulated Sugar
- 2 tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ teaspoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples with an apple corer slicer.
- In a large saucepan, combine the sliced apples, sugar, salt, cinnamon, lemon juice, and water.
- Set the pan over medium-high heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and tender.
- Mash the apples directly in the pan with a potato masher for a chunky texture, or use an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
- Taste the applesauce and adjust with a little more sugar or cinnamon if needed.
- Let the applesauce cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
Sandra says
This applesauce is the perfect balance of sweet and tart. The cinnamon adds a warm, cozy flavor that's perfect for fall.