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!

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (1)

**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!

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (2)

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.

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (3)

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.

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (4)
  1. Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well to combine.
  2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat slightly. Cover and cook 30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
  3. Mash with a potato masher until the apple sauce is the consistency you desire.
Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (5)

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.
Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (6)

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 (7)

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Servings: 4 servings

This easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe is one of the best ways to celebrate apple season! It's packed with warm cinnamon and a fresh flavor that only homemade has, plus it's ready in about 30 minutes!

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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”

  1. teresa 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 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! 🙂

  2. Katherine | Love In My Oven Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (8)
    Homemade applesauce is seriously the best! We go through a ton of applesauce these days, since I stir it into the kiddos oatmeal! 🙂

    • Marcie Reply

      Yes — I love it in oatmeal too!

  3. Amy Reply

    How many cups do you figure the 4 larger apples equal to?

    • Marcie Reply

      Somewhere around 4 cups.

  4. Judy Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (9)
    Perfect ~ Thanks so much!

    • Marcie Reply

      Glad you liked it Judy! 🙂

  5. Marla Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (10)
    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 Reply

      Using maple syrup is a wonderful idea! Thanks so much for sharing your feedback. 🙂

  6. Grace Davies Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (11)
    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 Reply

      Glad you loved it and maybe it cooked just a little too long? Thanks so much for your review! 🙂

  7. Jen 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 Reply

      I love your additions Jen and I’ll bet it’s delicious over cottage cheese! 🙂

  8. Stephanie Balmforth 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 Reply

      Thank you so much for your feedback Stephanie and I’m glad you are enjoying the recipe! 🙂

  9. Marty Reply

    Excellent!! It was so,so good and a very simple recipe. Family loved it.

    • Marcie Reply

      I’m happy to hear it was a hit and thanks for your feedback!

  10. Marda Jeffery Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (12)
    Just delicious, I’ve made it 3 times this month to share with the family.

    • Marcie Reply

      I’m so happy to hear that you’re enjoying this recipe Marda, and thank you for your review!

  11. Grace Frost Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (13)
    I made this with apples from the orchard near us and did all with an addition of nutmeg . It came out fabulous

    • Marcie Reply

      I’m so glad you enjoyed it Grace and thank you for your feedback! 🙂

  12. Diane Reply

    Just co firming-you don’t core the apples first?

    • Marcie Reply

      You do core the apples.

  13. Ashley C Reply

    Can you freeze this?

    • Marcie Reply

      Yes you can! Freeze for up to 3 months in an air tight container.

  14. Theresa Pego Reply

    Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (14)
    Easy recipe. My grandkids love. Don’t think I’ll ever buy applesauce again.

    • Marcie Reply

      I’m so glad you love the recipe Theresa and thank you for the review! 🙂

Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (2024)

FAQs

What makes the best applesauce? ›

The best apples for applesauce are whatever apples you have on hand and need to use up. However, if you have a choice, we recommend using a combination of sweet and tangy varieties for the best flavor. Popular sweet varieties include Honeycrisp and Fuji, while popular tangy varieties include Granny Smith and Braeburn.

How do you make 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.

How many apples does it take to can applesauce? ›

Peel, core and quarter apples. You will need 3 to 3-1/2 pounds per quart of applesauce.

What thickens applesauce? ›

If you don't have time to wait for reduction, then the best method is to mix arrowroot or tapioca (or both) with a little bit of apple juice or apple cider. Use the resulting mixture as a thickening agent. Add it to the applesauce and let it stew. Before too long, the sauce will have thickened up nicely!

What apples to avoid when making applesauce? ›

For applesauce, you essentially want the opposite—apples that will cook down and mash well to create a flavorful sauce. At the same time, avoid apples that are mealy in texture and turn to mush when cooked down. Many cooks avoid Red Delicious for that reason.

Why is my homemade applesauce 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.

How do you get the tartness out of applesauce? ›

Adding balsamic apple cider vinegar almost completely counteracted the tannic flavors. I don't suppose this is something everyone has on their pantry shelf, but I press my own cider (not from Yellow Transparent apples!) and ferment it into any number of other elixirs. Sugar and some acid is surely the classic answer.

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? ›

Many people report that the top of the jar of applesauce gradually turns brown. What is happening is the sauce has not been heated adequately to stop all enzymatic reactions and there is enough oxygen in the headspace to react with the enzymes.

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.

How long does homemade applesauce last? ›

And in case you're wondering, varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and McIntosh are the best apples for applesauce. How long will homemade applesauce last? It'll stay good for four to six days stored in the fridge. You could also can it to make it last longer, but that's a lesson for another day.

What happens if you put too much cinnamon in applesauce? ›

How do you fix too much cinnamon in applesauce? The only way to neutralize too much cinnamon is to add more of the main ingredients. Avoid adding other spices, which will conflict with the cinnamon. Add more apples, vinegar and sugar instead.

Can you cook applesauce too long? ›

Making applesauce is not an all-day project. If it's cooking for much longer than 30-40 minutes, your apple pieces are too big, says Martinez. Aim for pieces that are 1"-2", and simmer at medium to medium-high heat, stirring occasionally so the sauce doesn't scorch.

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.

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.

Is applesauce actually healthy? ›

The fiber is soluble, which helps to lower your blood cholesterol levels. Like fresh apples, applesauce also contains polyphenols, which may help to reduce blood pressure. Lower cholesterol and blood pressure levels can help to reduce your risk for heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

What is the healthiest applesauce to eat? ›

Vermont Village. Vermont Village is a highly decorated non-GMO and organic brand that is known for its ingredients. There is no question that this is on the healthier side of applesauces, with its only two ingredients being apples and apple purée, which is also ... just apples.

Is organic applesauce better than regular applesauce? ›

If the apple sauce has ingredients, mainly apples, that are organic or non-organic, this can significantly impact the apple sauce's nutrition. Apple sauce made with non-organic apples may introduce residual chemical traces from pesticides used to help produce the apples, reducing the healthiness of the apple sauce.

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