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.
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!
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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.
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.
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.
Simmer the apples: Cover the pan and simmer until the apples break down and become very soft. This should take about 10-15 minutes.
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!
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
Although lemon juice does help keep the apples from turning brown and oxidizing, it is not a necessary ingredient to make 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.
When stored properly in an airtight container, homemade applesauce can last up to 10 days in the fridge.
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📖 Recipe
Applesauce
Equipment
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
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.
Alisa Infanti
Making homemade apple sauce is so much easier than I thought it would be. Now I never have to buy it!
Beth Sachs
I love making big batches of applesauce and freezing it. Lovely recipe.
Gina
It's amazing how simple applesauce is! I omit the sugar but this turns out great every time!
Danielle Wolter
I love making stuff like this homemade. It's so much better than store bought and you can control the ingredients.