Description
Create wonderfully simple, naturally sweet homemade applesauce right on your stovetop. This recipe lets you choose between a chunky or smooth texture, and you control the sweetness—perfect for enjoying fresh or using in your favorite bakes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs firm, tart apples (like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, or a mix)
- 1/2 cup water (or apple cider for more flavor)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Wash, core, and roughly chop your apples. You can leave the skins on for extra nutrients and color, or peel them for a smoother final product.
- Place the chopped apples and water (or cider) into a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then immediately reduce the heat to low.
- Cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer gently for 15 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The apples are done when they are very tender and easily mashable.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice, if using.
- For chunky applesauce, mash the mixture with a potato masher to your desired consistency.
- For smooth applesauce, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender until completely smooth.
- Taste the applesauce. If you desire sweetness, stir in a small amount of maple syrup or sugar, though ripe apples are often sweet enough.
- Cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
- Using a mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor profile.
- For a slow cooker version, combine ingredients and cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
- Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- This applesauce freezes well for up to three months.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish/Snack
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 95
- Sugar: 19g (natural)
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg