This recipe for Homemade Applesauce is so simple to make, naturally sweetened, and better tasting than any store-bought applesauce!
Why Homemade Applesauce is Best
If I want to see my kid's faces light up, I just need to announce I am making homemade applesauce.
And I don't blame them! NOTHING beats homemade applesauce.
From the taste to the texture to the aroma of applesauce cooking, homemade trumps store-bought any day of the week.
But my recipe for applesauce is truly the best for a couple of reasons.
- Naturally sweetened. No sugar is added, or needed in this recipe for applesauce. And I promise you it is plenty sweet.
- No peeling required. That's right! The peels will break down and become plenty soft to blend right into the applesauce. Not only does this make this recipe easy to make, it also adds fiber and nutrients to the applesauce.
This recipe for applesauce has been a staple in my house for decades, and I believe it needs to be one in yours as well!
Selecting Apples for Applesauce
You can truly make applesauce out of any apple. I recommend sweet, soft apples for homemade applesauce, as they cook down easily and naturally sweeten the applesauce so that there is no need to add sugar to the applesauce.
I also find that a combination of apples works to give applesauce incredible flavor as well.
I typically opt for some sort of combination of Fuji, Courtland, Gala, and/or Golden Delicious. I will also sometimes throw a couple of Granny Smith apples into the mix for a bit of tartness.
Money-Saving Tip: Scan the manager's specials for apples that are almost past their prime. They are typically marked drastically down and they make the perfect base for applesauce! I have even found great specials at my local orchard on bruised apples.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
- Thoroughly clean 3 pounds of apples.
- Core the apples and chop into large chunks and place the apples chunks into a heavy bottom stock pan.
- Add in apple juice, apple cider, or pineapple juice and cinnamon, if using.
- Bring the mixture to a boil and then reduce to a simmer.
- Simmer for 1-2 hours until apples are soft and broken down into nearly a soft mush.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the apples to a blender or food processor fitted with an s-blade, leaving the cooking liquid in the pan. .
- Be sure to allow steam to escape by loosening the shoot on the lid. I find it is also helpful to place a kitchen towel over the top, to prevent any splatter.
- Blend until smooth, adding cooking liquid if needed.
Storing Homemade Applesauce
Once your applesauce is blended, allow it to cool slightly and then transfer to an airtight container or jar. Refrigerate for up to 5 days.
To freeze applesauce, allow the applesauce to cool completely. Place into 1-quart freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving about 1 inch of room for expansion. Store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw out the applesauce in the refrigerator overnight. Serve cold or heat gently over low heat before serving.
FAQs
You can certainly peel the apples if you prefer. I like the ease of not peeling plus the added nutrition.
Instead of apple juice, you can use apple cider or pineapple juice as the cooking liquid. Either of these options helps to naturally sweeten the apples as they cook. Of course, feel free to use water if that is all you have on hand.
For Cinnamon Applesauce, add 1-2 teaspoons of cinnamon to apples before cooking.
I find this recipe plenty sweet, but if you like your applesauce on the sweeter side, add in 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup, granulated sugar, or brown sugar.
Yes! If you have an Instant Pot, you may want to try my recipe for Instant Pot Applesauce. It comes together in just 30 minutes.
More Easy DIY Homemade Recipes
- Homemade Granola
- Homemade Gogurts
- Dairy Free Fudgesicles
- Homemade Larabars
- Homemade Cheese Crackers
- Instant Pot Yogurt
If you made this homemade applesauce, I would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Homemade Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples
- 1 cup apple juice
- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Wash and dry your apples. Remove core from apple and cut into 2 inch chunks.
- Place apples in heavy-duty stock pan. Pour in 1 cup apple juice and sprinkle with cinnamon if using.
- Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat.
- Simmer for 1-2 hours until apples have completely broken down and skin is soft.
- Using a slotted spoon, transfer the apples to a blender or food processor fitted with an s-blade, leaving the cooking liquid in the pan. Leave the shoot on the blender or food processor cracked or open, and blend until smooth, adding the cooking liquid if needed.
- Serve warm or cool to room temperature and then transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the refrigerator.
Anna
My kids will only eat homemade applesauce. It's just the best! I make this at least once a week. It's so easy!
Kristyn
My kids love applesauce! This will be fun to make with them during fall break. They especially love adding the cinnamon.
Katie
Love love love this recipe! Nothing is worse to me than overly sweet applesauce from a package at the store. We all love this one!
Kristen Chidsey
I am so glad you enjoy this recipe Katie! It is such a healthy homemade treat.
Marjory
Love, love, love that there's no added sugar in this. I use this as a natural sweetener in some baked muffins too! So good!
Kristen Chidsey
Great idea to add to this applesauce to muffins Marjory! I love doing the same. And thank you for taking the time to leave a review.
chanelle
I agree- red delicious is NOT my thing either! But fresh applesauce with the peel? Sounds great- and simple.
Shirley Wood
A simple and easy to follow recipe. Your fresh homemade apple sauce sound really good! Would love to have you share with our readers at Home Matters Linky. http://wp.me/p4fJXd-18f
Kristen Chidsey
Thanks Shirley. I stopped by your party and checked it out 🙂