If you have a craving for something comforting, naturally sweet, and bursting with cozy fall flavors, this Homemade Applesauce Recipe is exactly the little kitchen magic you need. Made from simple ingredients you likely have on hand, this applesauce strikes the perfect balance between tender, lightly spiced apples and just a touch of sweetness. It’s the kind of dish that brings warmth to your day, whether spooned straight from the pot or paired alongside your favorite meals. Trust me, once you try this Homemade Applesauce Recipe, it will become a staple in your culinary repertoire, and you’ll wonder how you ever lived without making it yourself!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this recipe is both easy and rewarding. Each one plays an important role in building the rich flavor and luscious texture that makes this Homemade Applesauce Recipe so unforgettable.
- Apples (4 pounds): Peeled, cored, and cubed apples are the star, providing natural sweetness and softness when cooked.
- Apple cider (1 cup): A flavorful liquid that adds depth and enhances the apple essence without overpowering it.
- Brown sugar (¼-½ cup): Adds a gentle caramel sweetness that rounds out the tartness of the apples perfectly—adjust to taste.
- Cinnamon stick (1 whole): Infuses a warm, spicy note that elevates the entire dish with its comforting aroma.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients and Simmer
Begin by adding the peeled, cored, and cubed apples into a large pot. Pour the apple cider over the apples, sprinkle in your chosen amount of brown sugar, and nestle in the cinnamon stick. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing all those flavors to start melding in a delicious dance.
Step 2: Cook Until Tender
Keep the pot at a steady simmer and stir occasionally so everything cooks evenly and nothing sticks to the bottom. After about 15-20 minutes, your apples should be fork tender, soft enough to break apart easily but still bursting with natural goodness.
Step 3: Mash to Desired Consistency
Remove the cinnamon stick (to avoid any surprise bites of spice) and use a potato masher to crush your apples into the applesauce texture you prefer—be it chunky and rustic or smooth and creamy. The choice is yours, and either way tastes spectacular.
Step 4: Serve or Chill
You can enjoy this homemade applesauce hot right away for a cozy treat, or let it cool and refrigerate it to serve chilled later. Both ways deliver that lovely, homey flavor that makes this recipe so special.
How to Serve Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of ground cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices can add a lovely finishing touch. A dollop of whipped cream or a drizzle of honey also makes it feel extra indulgent and brightens the flavor beautifully.
Side Dishes
This applesauce is a natural partner to pork chops, roasted chicken, or even as a sweet side alongside breakfast dishes like pancakes and oatmeal. It adds a burst of freshness and sweetness that complements savory and sweet alike.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try layering your homemade applesauce with Greek yogurt and granola for a parfait, or swirl it into your morning smoothie bowl. You can also freeze it into popsicle molds for a refreshing snack that kids adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors continue to develop over time, sometimes making the applesauce taste even better the next day.
Freezing
If you want to keep your Homemade Applesauce Recipe longer, freezing is a fantastic option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving room for expansion. It can stay fresh in the freezer for up to three months.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy your frozen or refrigerated applesauce, gently reheat it on the stovetop over low heat or microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between. Heating it slowly ensures you keep its lovely texture and flavor intact.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Absolutely! While tart apples like Granny Smith or a mix of sweet and tart varieties work best to balance flavor, you can experiment depending on your preference and what’s in season.
Do I have to add sugar to the applesauce?
You can skip the brown sugar if you prefer a more natural, less sweet applesauce, especially if your apples are already very sweet. The cinnamon stick still adds plenty of flavor.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?
Peeling helps create a smoother texture, but if you enjoy a bit of rustic charm and extra fiber, leaving the skins on is perfectly fine. Just give the apples a good wash first.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes! Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for about 4-6 hours or until the apples are tender. Then mash and serve as usual.
How long does this Homemade Applesauce Recipe keep in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to one week when stored properly in an airtight container. Always check for any signs of spoilage before serving.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Applesauce Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl, effortlessly bringing together simple, wholesome ingredients into a dish you’ll reach for time and again. Whether as a cozy solo snack, a sweet accompaniment to your meals, or a creative ingredient, it truly shines in endless ways. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite homemade treat!
Print
Homemade Applesauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 cups
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade applesauce recipe is a simple and comforting treat made by simmering peeled, cored, and cubed apples with apple cider, brown sugar, and a cinnamon stick. The result is a naturally sweet, tender applesauce perfect for enjoying warm or chilled, serving as a side dish, snack, or versatile ingredient in other recipes.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and cubed
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- ¼ to ½ cup brown sugar, to taste
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Place the peeled, cored, and cubed apples, apple cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon stick into a large pot.
- Simmer Apples: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are fork tender. This should take approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mash the Applesauce: Remove and discard the cinnamon stick. Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples to your preferred consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- Serve or Store: Enjoy the applesauce warm or let it cool and refrigerate it before serving for a chilled option.
Notes
- Adjust the brown sugar to make the applesauce sweeter or more tart according to your taste and the natural sweetness of your apples.
- Use a variety of apples like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp for different flavor profiles.
- The cinnamon stick adds a lovely warm spice; you can also add a pinch of ground nutmeg or cloves for extra depth.
- Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- For a smoother texture, blend the applesauce after mashing.
