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Easy Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is one of the easiest ways to use up apples that are past their prime. If you have a couple of apples sitting in the fruit bowl that aren’t quite as crisp as they used to be, don’t throw them away! Cook them down with a little water and cinnamon, and you’ll have a delicious homemade applesauce with very little effort.
I had a couple of apples that needed to be used, so I made a batch of applesauce to serve with the Easy Baked Pork Chops we were having for dinner. It’s a simple, inexpensive side dish that goes especially well with pork.
This recipe makes about 1½ to 2 cups of applesauce, depending on the size of your apples. If you want to make a larger batch, simply double or triple the recipe.
Why Make Homemade Applesauce?
- It’s easy: You only need a few basic ingredients.
- It’s inexpensive: It’s a great way to use apples you already have.
- You control the sweetness: Add as much or as little sugar as you like.
- It’s customizable: Make it chunky or smooth depending on your preference.
- It’s a great side dish: Homemade applesauce pairs especially well with pork.
What Kind of Apples Are Best for Applesauce?
You can use almost any variety of apple to make applesauce. Sweet apples may require little or no added sugar, while tart apples may need a little more.
You can even combine different varieties of apples. This is a great recipe for using up a mixture of apples you already have on hand.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples. Place them in a medium saucepan with the water and cinnamon.
Cover the pan and cook over medium heat until the apples are very soft and easily mashed. Depending on the type and size of the apples, this can take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
Once the apples are soft, add brown sugar to taste and mash them to your preferred consistency.
For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher or fork. If you prefer smooth applesauce, use a food chopper or blender.
Adjusting the Sweetness
I add the sugar while mashing the apples because the amount needed depends on the apples you’re using. Some apples are naturally sweet and don’t need much added sugar, while tart apples may need more.
You can use brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or a sugar-free sweetener depending on your preference.
I recommend starting with a small amount and adding more if needed.
Easy Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1–3 Tbs brown sugar
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples.
- Place the apples in a medium saucepan with the water and cinnamon.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until the apples are very soft and easily mashed. Depending on the apples used, this can take 15–45 minutes.
- Add brown sugar to taste.
- For chunky applesauce, mash the cooked apples with a potato masher or fork. For smoother applesauce, process in a food chopper or blender.
- Serve warm or allow the applesauce to cool before serving.
How to Make Chunky or Smooth Applesauce
The great thing about homemade applesauce is that you can make it exactly the way you like it.
For chunky applesauce, mash the cooked apples lightly with a potato masher or fork, leaving some small pieces of apple intact.
For smooth applesauce, use a food chopper or blender until you reach your desired consistency.
What to Serve with Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce makes an easy side dish for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. It’s especially good served warm alongside pork chops.
It’s also delicious with pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, French toast, or as a simple snack.
How to Store Homemade Applesauce
Allow the applesauce to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate. Homemade applesauce should be used within about a week when stored properly in the refrigerator.
You can also freeze applesauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for longer storage. Leave a little room for expansion when freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make applesauce without sugar?
Yes. You don’t have to add sugar to homemade applesauce. Taste the cooked apples before adding sweetener. Naturally sweet apples may be delicious without any added sugar.
Can I use different types of apples?
Absolutely. Almost any variety of apple can be used. You can also combine different types of apples to create your own flavor.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples gives you a smoother applesauce, but you can leave the peels on if you prefer. If you leave the peels on, a blender or food processor can help create a smoother consistency.
How do I make applesauce sweeter?
Add brown sugar, granulated sugar, honey, maple syrup, or your preferred sugar-free sweetener. Start with a small amount and add more to taste.
Can I make applesauce without cinnamon?
Yes. Cinnamon is optional. You can leave it out for a simple apple flavor or add other spices such as a small amount of nutmeg if desired.
This easy homemade applesauce recipe is a great way to turn a couple of apples that might otherwise go to waste into a delicious homemade side dish. It’s inexpensive, easy to customize, and tastes so much better than letting those apples end up in the trash.
Applesauce
Ingredients
- 2 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- ¼ cup water
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1-3 Tbs brown sugar
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop your apples.
- Place in a medium saucepan with the water and cinnamon.
- Cover, and cook over medium heat until apples are soft and mush easily. Depending on the apples used, this could take anywhere from 15 to 45 minutes.
- Add brown sugar to taste.
- Mash with a potato masher or blend in a food chopper or blender.
Nutrition
- Swiss Non-Stick Coating - Swiss ILAG nonstick granite coating, SGS approved. PFOA free, smokeless, safe & healthy. Cooking with little oil for healthy diet.
- Suitable For All Stoves - High magnetic conductive stainless steel base allows the sauce pan to work on all cooktops, including induction. The core of small induction sauce pot is made of cast aluminum, which is sturdy and long-lasting. Heats up quickly and evenly.
- Versatile and Convenient - Size: 6.3" diameter, 3.4" deep, 1.5 Quart. This 1.5 quart sauce pot for grill is ideal for small portions of soup, sauces, oatmeal, and grins. Ideal Size for 1-2 people meal and easy for storage. Unique lip rim design of the milk pan allows drip-free pouring.
- Glass Lid & Stay-cool Handle - Long-lasting tempered glass lid makes this small induction saucepan with lid convenient to see the cooking status and limits splashes on your stove. Woodgrain bakelite handle is comfortable to grip and stays cool while cooking. Oven safe to 302°F.
- Easy To Clean - Nonstick and no rivets, this sauce pot is super easy to clean. Simply wipe it over with a sponge and warm soapy water. Make your daily food intake easier to make.
- EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN: enjoy mirror finish, classic look and professional performance. Aluminum encapsulated base heats quickly and spreads heat evenly– eliminating hot spots
- PREMIUM COOKING: stainless steel cooking surface does not discolor, react with food or alter flavors. Measurement markings for ease of use, drip free pouring, and flavor lock lid
- EXCEPTIONAL HANDLING: cool grip handles are solid stainless steel riveted handles that stay cool on the stove top and provide a safe a solid grip
- CLEAN UP: dishwasher safe for an effortless clean up
- LIFETIME WARRANTY: Refer to user manual for troubleshooting steps and questions surrounding warranty policies – this product is BPA free. Quantanium Non-Stick for Professional Results
- Capable of paring, coring and slicing; paring only; or slicing and coring only
- Coring/slicing blade can be removed for potatoes
- Suction cup adheres to counter top with a strong hold
- Stainless Steel Blades and Chrome Plated Parts and Poly Handle
- We are dedicated to delivering exceptional customer service. Feel free to contact us anytime for a prompt and satisfactory resolution to any concerns.
- Capable of paring, coring and slicing; paring only; or slicing and coring only
- Coring/slicing blade can be removed for potatoes
- Suction cup adheres to counter top with a strong hold
- Stainless Steel Blades and Chrome Plated Parts and Poly Handle
- Live Friendly Customer Support & Lifetime Warranty
