Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (2024)

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by Marcie //October 5, 2021 (updated 11/14/22)

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Celebrate apple season with this easy, delicious Homemade Applesauce recipe! It’s packed with the warm flavor of cinnamon and freshness you can really taste. It takes just a few minutes of prep and it’s ready in about 40 minutes!

**This post was originally published in February 2013. The photos have been updated, and the post has been modified to include more recipe information.

Fall is my favorite season, and the scent of apples and cinnamon is definitely one of the best things about it. It makes me feel warm and cozy, and it always means that something delicious is in the works.

Whether I’m baking apple muffins, apple crisp or making this easy Homemade Applesauce recipe, the house is filled with the most amazing aroma.

The best part about this easy applesauce recipe is that it tastes like apple pie and takes a fraction of the time. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate apple season!

Why you’ll love this recipe:

This Homemade Applesauce recipe is the perfect way to celebrate apple season. It’s so fresh tasting with the warm flavor of cinnamon, and will be a hit with everyone in the family.
The recipe includes 4 ingredients with minimal sugar so the flavor of the apples really shine.
The entire recipe is ready in about 40 minutes and is also great for meal prep.
Applesauce can be enjoyed as a snack, used as a substitute for oil in some baked goods, or served as a side with pork or chicken!

Recipe ingredients

Less is more in this easy applesauce recipe to let the flavor of the apples shine. There is minimal sugar and a touch of cinnamon for a nice warm flavor.

Ingredient notes

Apples. I used Pink Lady apples for their sweet flavor, but they may be substituted with your favorite baking apples.
Granulated sugar. Add more sugar as necessary, depending on how tart your apples are, or substitute with unrefined sugar such as maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar.
Lemon juice. The lemon juice makes the flavors pop, but it may be omitted if you don’t have any on hand.
Cinnamon. I added 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a nice warm flavor, or you can toss in a cinnamon stick while the mixture cooks.

How to make this recipe

Homemade applesauce couldn’t be easier to make, and it tastes like apple pie!

Pro tip: Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples to the desired consistency, or process in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.

Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well to combine.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat slightly. Cover and cook 30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
Mash with a potato masher until the apple sauce is the consistency you desire.

FAQ’s

What are the best apples for applesauce?

It’s best to use baking apples for applesauce, such as Pink Lady, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Braeburn and Golden Delicious as they’re not too soft and they have great flavor. I used Pink Lady apples in this easy applesauce recipe as they have such a sweet flavor that they don’t require a lot of sugar. Use your favorite variety or even mix 2-3 varieties for a more unique flavor.

How long does homemade applesauce last?

This easy homemade applesauce will last for about one week in the refrigerator.

Can you freeze applesauce?

Homemade applesauce can be frozen for up to three months in an airtight container or zip top bag. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to use.

Serving suggestions

Homemade applesauce is certainly special served all on its own as a snack or even dessert, but it also makes a wonderful side dish with savory dishes such as baked pork chops or bbq pulled chicken.

It’s also a great side with your favorite lunch such as veggie sandwiches and curry chicken salad.

Applesauce is also a great substitute for oil in baking. It adds moisture and flavor to cake, muffins, quick breads and my blackberry snack cake.

Recipe notes

Pro tip: I love using Pink Lady apples for their sweet flavor, but they may be substituted with your favorite baking apples.
Pro tip: Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples to the desired consistency, or process in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
Store applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

More apple recipes you’ll love:

Apple tarte tatin
Applesauce cake by A Couple Cooks
Baked apples
French apple cake
Spinach apple salad

If you make this recipe, I’d love to hear from you! Leave a comment and rating below, or tag me @flavorthemoments on Instagram!

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

4 large Pink Lady apples peeled, cored and cut into small chunks
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar may substitute with unrefined sugar such as honey, maple syrup or coconut sugar
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice about half a lemon
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt

Instructions

Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well.
Bring to a boil over medium heat, and reduce heat slightly. Cover and cook 30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
Mash with a potato masher or the back of a spoon until the applesauce is the desired consistency. Serve and enjoy!

Notes

The Pink Lady apples may be substituted with your favorite baking apples such as Golden Delicious, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious or Jonagold.
Pro tip: Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples to the desired consistency, or process in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Nutrition

Calories: 111kcal, Carbohydrates: 29g, Sodium: 35mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 25g

Nutrition is estimated using a food database and is only intended to be used as a guideline for informational purposes.

Course: Snacks

Cuisine: American

Author: Marcie

Keyword: applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, homemade applesauce

All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.

Did you try this recipe?Be sure to tag @flavorthemoments with the hashtag #flavorthemoments on Instagram so I can see what you made!

posted in: Condiments, Fall, Freezer Friendly, Gluten-Free, Recipes, Seasons, Snacks, Vegetarian, Winter // 28 comments

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28 Comments on “Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe”

teresa — April 16, 2014 @ 7:31 pm Reply

I made this using Pink Lady Apples, in April of all time. I made the recipe exactly as written EXCEPT, I did not use any sugar. It was fabulous! Similar to Trader Joes Unsweetened Applesauce only far more flavorful. I used 2 lbs of apples. Also, I don’t care for too much cinnamon in applesauce, so much so that I almost didn’t add it. But, as it turns out the 1/2 t. was barely detectable and was the perfect amount. This will be my go to recipe from now on, no need to buy Trader Joes anymore!
- flavorthemoments — April 16, 2014 @ 8:25 pm Reply
  
  I’m glad you customized it to your liking — it’s hard to go wrong with pink lady apples! Thanks for the feedback, Teresa, and I’m glad it was a success for you. Homemade is always best! 🙂
Katherine | Love In My Oven — October 7, 2021 @ 12:15 pm Reply

Homemade applesauce is seriously the best! We go through a ton of applesauce these days, since I stir it into the kiddos oatmeal! 🙂
- Marcie — October 7, 2021 @ 3:52 pm Reply
  
  Yes — I love it in oatmeal too!
Amy — November 6, 2021 @ 6:24 pm Reply

How many cups do you figure the 4 larger apples equal to?
- Marcie — November 8, 2021 @ 1:03 pm Reply
  
  Somewhere around 4 cups.
Judy — August 31, 2022 @ 11:17 am Reply

Perfect ~ Thanks so much!
- Marcie — August 31, 2022 @ 1:07 pm Reply
  
  Glad you liked it Judy! 🙂
Marla — November 4, 2022 @ 7:17 am Reply

This is a delicious and super easy recipe. I made it using honeycrisp apples and maple syrup (instead of sugar) and it was perfect!! Thanks for sharing!
- Marcie — November 4, 2022 @ 8:25 am Reply
  
  Using maple syrup is a wonderful idea! Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. 🙂
Grace Davies — July 6, 2023 @ 9:24 pm Reply

I’m starting to make a lot of homemade foods instead. Loved this recipe and easy. Only thing is (and it’s on me end) it came out more like pie filling. Need to figure out how to make it more applesauce like haha!
- Marcie — July 10, 2023 @ 7:20 am Reply
  
  Glad you loved it and maybe it cooked just a little too long? Thanks so much for your review! 🙂
Jen — August 16, 2023 @ 4:23 pm Reply

I doubled this using 8 Cosmic Crisps and 1/3 c brown sugar. I also like to add a little clove to mine and used orange juice instead of lemon (no lemons)
As a serving suggestion, top some cottage cheese with this chunky goodness, and sit back and smile! Thanks for sharing! 😋
- Marcie — August 17, 2023 @ 12:02 pm Reply
  
  I love your additions Jen and I’ll bet it’s delicious over cottage cheese! 🙂
Stephanie Balmforth — October 16, 2023 @ 5:43 pm Reply

This recipe was AMAZING and loved by everyone in the family! My son really enjoyed helping me make it. We used honey crisp apples (they were on sale today!) and doubled the recipe. Our twin girls are excited to make another batch with me tomorrow because there will be none left after breakfast in the morning. Thank you so much for this recipe!
- Marcie — October 17, 2023 @ 3:05 pm Reply
  
  Thank you so much for your feedback Stephanie and I’m glad you are enjoying the recipe! 🙂
Marty — October 31, 2023 @ 11:53 am Reply

Excellent!! It was so,so good and a very simple recipe. Family loved it.
- Marcie — October 31, 2023 @ 12:26 pm Reply
  
  I’m happy to hear it was a hit and thanks for your feedback!
Marda Jeffery — November 6, 2023 @ 11:23 am Reply

Just delicious, I’ve made it 3 times this month to share with the family.
- Marcie — November 7, 2023 @ 8:14 am Reply
  
  I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying this recipe Marda, and thank you for your review!
Grace Frost — November 9, 2023 @ 11:14 am Reply

I made this with apples from the orchard near us and did all with an addition of nutmeg . It came out fabulous
- Marcie — November 9, 2023 @ 1:47 pm Reply
  
  I’m so glad you enjoyed it Grace and thank you for your feedback! 🙂
Diane — November 23, 2023 @ 9:44 am Reply

Just co firming-you don’t core the apples first?
- Marcie — November 24, 2023 @ 8:23 am Reply
  
  You do core the apples.
Ashley C — January 14, 2024 @ 8:01 pm Reply

Can you freeze this?
- Marcie — January 15, 2024 @ 7:49 am Reply
  
  Yes you can! Freeze for up to 3 months in an air tight container.
Theresa Pego — February 28, 2024 @ 4:32 pm Reply

Easy recipe. My grandkids love. Don’t think I’ll ever buy applesauce again.
- Marcie — February 29, 2024 @ 7:46 am Reply
  
  I’m so glad you love the recipe Theresa and thank you for the review! 🙂

FAQs

What makes applesauce taste better? ›

The mellow sweetness of toasted sugar adds complexity. Apple cider vinegar helps brighten cooked fruit. Using skin-on fruit improves both flavor and color in the finished product. Aromatics like cinnamon, orange peel, and rose water intensify the flavor of the apples.

Learn More ›

What makes a good applesauce apple? ›

For a basic applesauce, use McIntosh and Golden Delicious apples. Golden Delicious is a soft apple variety with a mellow flavor, so it cooks down easily and provides a great foundation for your applesauce. McIntosh apples are slightly tart and crisp, but soften easily, making them a stellar choice for pies and sauces.

Show Me More ›

How many apples does it take to can applesauce? ›

To make one batch for canning (6 quart jars), use about 12 pounds of apples.

See Details ›

What thickens applesauce? ›

The most commonly used methods to thicken sauces include the following ingredients or techniques:

Cornstarch.
Flour.
Arrowroot.
Tapioca.
Stock.
Butter.
Egg yolks.
Reducing the liquid.

Mar 17, 2021

Explore More ›

What combination of apples make the best applesauce? ›

Always Granny Smiths, and either Jonathans or Jonagolds, Rome, Macintosh, or Honey crisp, depending on what's available. I usually use at least 50% Granny Smiths because I like their tart flavor. I like Macoun apples, they are a “do anything” apple. Good for cooking, good for eating as is, etc.

Get More Info ›

How do you make applesauce more exciting? ›

Try adding spice to the applesauce: cayenne pepper and grated ginger go nicely with cinnamon and nutmeg. Chili flakes will also elevate the applesauce with a sensational taste. Another fun grownups-only idea is to add a splash of whiskey to warm it up.

Read The Full Story ›

How long does homemade applesauce last? ›

Homemade applesauce can be refrigerated for a week to ten days; it can also be frozen or canned for longer-term storage. Mott's recommends its applesauce to be used within ten days of opening. First let me introduce our panel.

View Details ›

What does applesauce do to your body? ›

The soluble fiber in applesauce, in the form of pectin, can be helpful in treating digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation. It can help to neutralize the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. Pectin also acts as a prebiotic, which feeds good gut bacteria and promotes good digestive health.

Show Me More ›

Is lemon juice needed to can applesauce? ›

Adding sugar to applesauce is optional…. However, lemon juice is not an optional addition. Lemon juice is added to help preserve the apples' natural colour and to assure the acidity of the finished product, since different varieties and harvesting conditions can produce apples of lower acidity.”

Why did my homemade applesauce turn brown? ›

Enzymes. Enzymes are naturally occurring substances in foods that promote the normal ripening process. Enzymes in apples cause oxidation (browning) when cut surfaces are exposed to air. This can occur when the apples are peeled or during the canning process.

Can you overcook apples for applesauce? ›

Steer clear of white granulated sugar, which is one-note sweet, and won't add those tasty caramel notes we associate with good applesauce. Obviously you don't want apples with an al dente bite, but did you know it's possible to overcook them? "Apples lose their flavor rapidly when cooked too long," says Martinez.

Explore More ›

How many eggs for applesauce? ›

Applesauce. Use applesauce to add moisture. Replace one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce in sweet desserts. If you want a lighter texture, add an extra 1/2 teaspoonful of baking powder, as fruit purées tend to make the final product denser than the original recipe.

Show Me More ›

Why is my homemade applesauce so watery? ›

Sometimes we accidentally add too much water to our recipe, or the apples produce more juice than anticipated which leaves us with watery applesauce. Luckily, it is so easy to thicken homemade applesauce. We just need to cook it longer to help the water evaporate.

Tell Me More ›

Will homemade applesauce thicken as it cools? ›

You can also pass the sauce through a mesh strainer to separate the skins from the sauce. 7The applesauce will thicken a little as it cools, but if it seems too watery, place the applesauce back into a pot and simmer until reduced a little.

How do you get the tartness out of applesauce? ›

Taste; if the applesauce is too tart, add more brown sugar little by little until the flavors are balanced. (Note that no two batches will ever be the same; the flavor will depend on the tartness of the apples you use.)

Discover More Details ›

What tastes good with applesauce? ›

Stir applesauce into plain or vanilla yogurt, or try it with ricotta or cottage cheese. Top with nuts, dried fruits, whole grain cereal or granola. Eat applesauce with a favorite tangy cheese. My personal favorites: Manchego from Spain or extra sharp cheddar, but any tangy or sharp cheese will do nicely.

Read The Full Story ›

Why is Mott's applesauce so good? ›

We hold our apples to a higher standard. That's why our No Sugar Added Applesauce is thick and golden, like the real, high quality apples they're made from.

View Details ›

Can you add butter to applesauce? ›

Melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Continue cooking until butter turns light golden brown. Stir butter into applesauce. Season with salt to taste.

Get More Info ›

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (2024)

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Recipe ingredients

Ingredient notes

How to make this recipe

FAQ’s

Serving suggestions

Recipe notes

More apple recipes you’ll love:

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Ingredients

Instructions

Notes

Nutrition

Leave a Reply

28 Comments on “Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe”

FAQs

What makes applesauce taste better? ›

Can you overcook apples for applesauce? ›