This easy Homemade Applesauce is flavorful and delicious. You’ll never buy store bought applesauce again!
Despite the fact that we are on what feels like our one millionth straight day of triple digit temps, I am determined to make it feel like fall inside our home. So (dramatic sigh), I’ve cranked up the AC, purchased every variety of apple at the grocery store, and I have applesauce simmering on the stovetop as though it is brisk and beautiful outside (extra dramatic sigh).
If you’ve never made Homemade Applesauce you are in for a treat. This recipe is super easy, incredibly delicious, and far better than the store bought stuff – seriously no comparison. You will love it!
How to Make Homemade Applesauce:
Ingredients
Apples (peeled and chopped)
Apple juice or water
A basic applesauce will use only the two ingredients above. I highly recommend adding a few extra flavorings (below) to really take this over the top. Play around with the recipe to create your perfect version.
Sweetener: choose granulated sugar, brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey
Spices: cinnamon is my favorite, but you can also use a few pinches of pie spice, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, or cloves
Lemon juice: this adds a pop of fresh flavor
Place all the ingredients in a saucepan and cook (covered) for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the apples are tender you can mash or puree them into “sauce”.
Chunky or smooth applesauce
This is one of the perks of making homemade applesauce – you can choose the texture.
Chunky: mash the apples with a fork or potato masher into a chunky sauce.
Smooth: use an immersion blender, or food processor to make the sauce completely smooth.
Recipe tips
- Use a variety of apples. Using a mixture of sweet and tart apples creates great flavor.
- Adjust the sugar and spices based on your taste preferences.
Add more liquid (apple juice or water) as needed during cook time. Depending on how juicy your apples are, the amount of liquid can vary a bit. - If you accidentally add too much liquid, just let the applesauce simmer with the lid off, and the extra liquid will evaporate.
What to serve with homemade applesauce:
In addition to eating this on its own, try any of the following:
- Use it as a topping on pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal
- Add vanilla ice cream to warm applesauce (apple crisp vibes!)
- Layer with yogurt, granola, and maple syrup for a breakfast parfait
- Serve it warm alongside roast pork or chicken
More apple recipes:
Apple Crisp
Apple Cranberry Crisp
Applesauce Cake
Apple Dumplings
Apple Cobbler
Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients
- 8 apples*, peeled, cored and chopped
- ½ cup apple juice, apple cider, or water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, or pure maple syrup
- ¾ teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Simmer covered for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. You might need to add an extra splash of juice or water if the mixture appears to be drying out.
- Remove the lid and simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes, until the apples are tender and can be easily mashed. Again, add a little more juice or water, if needed. Mash the apples into a chunky sauce or puree with an immersion blender for a smoother sauce. Chill or serve warm. Leftovers should be refrigerated.
Notes
Tips
- Use any type of apples that you like. A variety of apples creates a great flavor.
- Adjust the sugar and spices based on your taste preferences.
- If you accidentally add too much liquid, just let the applesauce simmer with the lid off and the extra liquid will evaporate.
Nutrition
Nutritional Information is an estimate based on third-party calculations and may vary based on products used and serving sizes.
Tried this recipe?Leave a comment and rating below!
Rebecca Hubbell
I love homemade applesauce and this parfait looks absolutely cozy!
wilhelmina
This is the best applesauce ever! So easy and absolutely delicious!
Teri
This applesauce is so easy to make. I made it to serve with my ham tonight. Thanks so much for this tasty recipe.