• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Veggie Desserts
  • Home
  • Recipe Index
  • Vegan Recipes
    • Vegan Cake and Desserts
    • Vegan Dinner
    • Vegan Breakfast
    • Vegan Guides
  • Cookbook
    • About My Cookbook
    • Buy Veggie Desserts + Cakes
  • About Me
    • About Me
    • Contact
    • Work With Me
    • Press
    • Newsletter
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram Posts
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Tumblr
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Recipes
  • Subscribe
  • Contact
  • About Me
  • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Recipes
    • Subscribe
    • Contact
    • About Me
    • Cookbook
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
    • YouTube
  • ×
    Home » Recipes » Condiments

    Easy Homemade Applesauce

    Published: Oct 4, 2021 by Kate Hackworthy · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Jump to Recipe
    Spoon coming out of a bowl of applesauce.

    This simple homemade Applesauce recipe shows you how to make a deliciously sweet sauce out of cooked apples in just 15 minutes or less with 2 ingredients. Enjoy the apple puree in baking recipes or eat it plain with a spoon for a treat both kids and adults can enjoy!

    It's perfect in cakes, as a dip (try alongside Nutella Dip) or as a tasty way to use up seasonal apples.

    A bowl of homemade applesauce on a wooden table.

    Applesauce is a staple food in the house of anyone with kids! It makes for a great snack and it also can be used to make lots of desserts as an oil substitute in baked goods.

    Storebought applesauce can contain unwanted ingredients or too much sugar. This recipe for homemade applesauce uses just 3 ingredients and the sugar is optional!

    You’ll need your favorite apples along with water and sugar. The apples get cooked down in the water until soft and fragrant.

    The mixture gets blended or mashed for the best scratch-made applesauce you can use anytime!

    This was inspired by my Kale Apple Cake on this site, which uses applesauce instead of some of the oil in the recipe!

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • Top tips
    • Serving Suggestions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • FAQs
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Why You'll Love This Recipe

    You can use any apple you enjoy making a good excuse to go apple picking in the Fall months.

    This applesauce is made without any weird ingredients or preservatives making it a healthy option.

    You can use it in many baked goods or desserts or it can be served as a healthy snack for kids.

    Only 3 ingredients are used to make apple sauce: apples, sugar, and water!

    You can make it sugar-free if your apples are sweet or if you like a tart apple puree.

    Ingredients

    • Apples - You can use any variety of apples you enjoy. Keep in mind that the level of natural sweetness will vary with each apple.
    • Sugar - Helps to sweeten up the sauce and complements the naturally sweet flavor of the apple. If your apples are sweet, you can omit the sugar and make it sugar-free.
    • Water - Allows the apples to break down and become tender so they can easily form a sauce.

    Please see the recipe card below for quantities.

    Instructions

    Wondering how to make homemade applesauce? It's easy! Just follow this step-by-step photo tutorial. Then, scroll down for the recipe card for the full ingredients list and recipe method.

    Peeling and chopping apples.

    Prepare your apples: Fully wash the apples to remove any dirt or impurities. Then, core the middle and peel the skin on the outside. Chop the apples into smaller pieces.

    Pot with slices of apple and sugar.

    Heat the apple mixture: Add the prepared apples to a saucepan along with water and sugar. Bring the mixture to a boil, then turn it down to a simmer.

    Cooking applesauce.

    Simmer the apples: Cover the pan and simmer until the apples break down and become very soft. This should take about 10-15 minutes.

    Applesauce in a blender.

    Blend the applesauce: Process the apple sauce using a potato masher, hand blender, or a regular blender until thick and smooth applesauce is formed. Let cool before storing in an airtight container or jar in the fridge. Sprinkle the finished applesauce with ground cinnamon or nutmeg for a warming flavor.

    Top tips

    Applesauce is a great way to use up apples that are past their best. Just cut out any blemishes or bruises and chop up the rest.

    When preparing the apples, make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size. This will ensure all of the apples cook and break down at the same time.

    Let the apples cool slightly before blending as hot apple liquid can splash up and cause serious burns.

    Sugar in this recipe is completely optional. Most apples have enough natural sweetness to make a great applesauce but you can sweeten to your liking. Have a taste: if they're delicious on their own, you may not need any sugar. If they're tart, try adding a little.

    Serving Suggestions

    Serve applesauce on the side at brunch along with a Pancake Breakfast Board. 

    Using applesauce instead of oil in your favorite Muffin Recipe makes any muffin moist and flavorful. 

    Freeze some up to make these Apple Popsicles with Date and Caramel Crumble.

    Variations

    Make homemade applesauce with brown sugar instead of white for a light caramel flavor note.

    Cooking the apples with a cinnamon stick infuses the apples with a light cinnamon flavor.

    Add the juice of fresh lemon to help balance out the sweet flavor with a pop of acidity and freshness.

    Pumpkin pie spice makes a great applesauce flavor, especially in the cooler months!

    A spoonful coming out of a bowl of applesauce.

    Storage

    Storing: Leftover applesauce can be stored in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to 10 days.

    Freezing: Applesauce can be frozen if kept in an airtight container or freezer-safe bag with enough room for it to expand. Freeze for 3-4 months and thaw overnight in the fridge before using.

    FAQs

    Does homemade applesauce need lemon juice?

    Although lemon juice does help keep the apples from turning brown and oxidizing, it is not a necessary ingredient to make applesauce.

    What is the best apple to use for applesauce?

    While you can use any apple or a mix of apples, granny smith apples are a great choice because they are sturdy and less sweet which means you can add less sugar to the mix.

    How long does homemade applesauce last?

    When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade applesauce can last up to 10 days in the fridge.

    Collage of quick vegan dinner recipes.

    Sign up for our free newsletter and never miss a recipe!

    Plus, you'll get a free eBook: 15 Minute Vegan Dinners!

    📖 Recipe

    A bowl of homemade applesauce on a wooden table.

    Applesauce

    Kate Hackworthy | Veggie Desserts
    This simple Applesauce Recipe shows you how to make a deliciously sweet sauce out of cooked apples. Keep it chunky or puree it smooth. Makes 2 cups.
    5 from 5 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    Prevent your screen from going dark
    SaveSaved!
    Prep Time 5 minutes mins
    Cook Time 10 minutes mins
    Total Time 15 minutes mins
    Course Dips and Spreads
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6 servings
    Calories 102 kcal

    Equipment

    • Pot
    • Blender or hand blender

    Ingredients
     

    • 6 apples
    • 1 cup (240ml) water
    • 1 tablespoon sugar optional

    Instructions
     

    • Peel, core and chop the apples.
    • Add them to a pan with the water and sugar, if using. Bring to the boil, then reduce the heat, cover with the lid and simmer for 10-15 minutes until very soft.
    • Mash or puree with an immersion blender (or regular blender).
    • Optional: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon or nutmeg

    Notes

    • When preparing the apples, make sure all the pieces are roughly the same size. This will ensure all of the apples cook and break down at the same time.
    • Let the apples cool slightly before blending as hot apple liquid can splash up and cause serious burns.
    • Sugar in this recipe is completely optional. Most apples have enough natural sweetness to make a great applesauce but you can sweeten to your liking.
    • Does homemade applesauce need lemon juice? Although lemon juice does help keep the apples from turning brown and oxidizing, it is not a necessary ingredient to make applesauce.
    • What is the best apple to use for applesauce? While you can use any apple or a mix of apples, granny smith apples are a great choice because they are sturdy and less sweet which means you can add less sugar to the mix.
    • How long does homemade applesauce last? When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade applesauce can last up to 10 days in the fridge.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 102kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 195mgFiber: 4gSugar: 21gVitamin A: 98IUVitamin C: 8mgCalcium: 11mgIron: 1mg

    The nutritional information provided is approximate and can vary depending on several factors, so is not guaranteed to be accurate. Please see a registered dietician for special diet advice.

    Tried this recipe?Mention @kateveggiedesserts or tag #veggiedesserts! I love seeing your recreations.

    More Condiment Recipes

    • Glass bottle of dragon fruit syrup next to pieces of pitaya.
      Dragon Fruit Syrup
    • Bottle of lime juice on a table.
      Lime Syrup
    • Jar of tea simple syrup.
      Tea Syrup
    • A bottle of watermelon simple syrup on a wooden table next to pieces of watermelon.
      Watermelon Syrup
    • Tweet
    • Share
    • Email

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

      Leave a Reply Cancel reply

      Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

      Recipe Rating




    1. Dannii

      November 15, 2021 at 10:55 am

      5 stars
      You can't beat homemade apple sauce. We loved using it to make muffins.

      Reply
    2. Alisa Infanti

      October 05, 2021 at 2:34 pm

      5 stars
      Making homemade apple sauce is so much easier than I thought it would be. Now I never have to buy it!

      Reply
    3. Beth Sachs

      October 05, 2021 at 1:54 pm

      5 stars
      I love making big batches of applesauce and freezing it. Lovely recipe.

      Reply
    4. Gina

      October 05, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      It's amazing how simple applesauce is! I omit the sugar but this turns out great every time!

      Reply
    5. Danielle Wolter

      October 05, 2021 at 1:07 pm

      5 stars
      I love making stuff like this homemade. It's so much better than store bought and you can control the ingredients.

      Reply

    Primary Sidebar

    Spoon coming out of a bowl of applesauce.
    Kate Hackworthy in the kitchen

    Hi, I'm Kate, a journalist, author and multi-award-winning food blogger. I hope you enjoy my vegetarian and vegan recipes. About Me

    Collage of press logos.

    Popular recipes

    • Plate of lentil dahl and rice.
      The BEST Easy Red Lentil Dahl
    • Stack of naan breads on a plate.
      Easy Naan Bread Recipe (yeast-free)
    • Fruit tray on a platter stand.
      How to Make A Fruit Platter (Fruit Tray)
    • Soup in a bowl with a spoon.
      Easy Lentil Soup

    Zucchini Recipes

    • A tall stack of zucchini and corn fritters.
      Zucchini and Corn Fritters
    • Chocolate Zucchini Bread on a wire rack with a vanilla drizzle.
      Double Chocolate Zucchini Bread
    • Overhead shot of a bowl of creamy zucchini soup with zoodles on top, surrounded by basil leaves
      Zucchini Soup with Basil (courgette)
    • Sliced loaf of courgette cake topped with lemon drizzle. On a marble slab next to vintage knife, blue tea towel and lemons.
      Courgette Cake with Lemon Drizzle

    My cookbook

    Veggie Desserts and Cakes Cookbook cover.

    Check out my Veggie Desserts Cookbook, full of tasty desserts with vegetables!

    Footer

    Spoon coming out of a bowl of applesauce.

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • About me
    • Contact
    • Work with me
    • Press
    • Veggie Desserts Cookbook

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up for newsletter updates

    Partner Sites

    • You Say Potatoes
    • Wow Easy Recipes

    Disclaimers

    • Disclosures & Affiliate Policies
    • Privacy Policy
    • Cookie Policy
    • Accessibility Policy

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2023 Kate Hackworthy / Veggie Desserts