Naturally Sweetened Homemade Applesauce

Getting back to the basics, with this stove-top recipe for Homemade Applesauce. Stove Top Applesauce is one of the first recipes I learned to make and it has been a staple in my house for decades. 

My entire family adores applesauce. Thankfully, it is one of the EASIEST dishes I make.

Are you ready to learn my secrets?

Selecting Apples for Applesauce

I like to combine a variety of apples for the ultimate flavor in applesauce. The only apple I shy away from using in applesauce is Red Delicious–not my thing. I typically opt for a combination of McIntosh, Granny smith, Gala, and Golden Delicious. During the fall months, I will pick out a few varieties from a nearby apple orchard and use those.

Money Saving Tip: Scan the manager’s specials for apples that are almost past their prime. They make the perfect base for applesauce and at my particular grocer, they typically come in a mixed bag special that they are practically giving away. 

Preparing the Apples

• Thoroughly clean  3 pound of apples using my tips on how to naturally wash produce.
• Core the apples and chop into large chunks.

You read that correctly, I did NOT mention peeling the apples. It takes too much time and that is where most of the nutrients are!! Plus we are going to blend this later, so the peels will not affect the texture. 

How to Make Homemade Applesauce

• Place apple into a heavy bottom stock pan.
• Add in apple juice, apple cider, or pineapple juice and cinnamon.
• 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 (What a description!!) 
• The amount of time that your apples need to simmer is based on the varieties you used, but I find it is typically between 1 and 2 hours.
• Blend the apples until completely smooth.

How to Blend Applesauce

Using a Blender:

• Depending on your blender, you may need to blend in smaller batches.
• Be sure to allow steam to escape by loosening the top cup on the lid and placing a kitchen towel over the top.

Using a Hand Held Immersion Blender:

• If you are using a stainless steel stock pan, you can use a hand-held immersion blender and blend right in your pot for homemade applesauce.
• Do not use a immersion blender on delicate cookware like enamel cookware.

Using a Food Processor:

• Working in batches, transfer the cooked apples into a food processor fitted with the serrated blade.
• Process until smooth.

How to Store Applesauce

Nothing is better than fresh, warm applesauce. But especially during the holiday season, I find myself making this weeks in advance.

Applesauce will last for 5 days in refrigerator.

To Freeze Applesauce

• Allow the applesauce to cool completely.
• Place into 1 quart freezer safe bags or containers.
• Store in the freezer for 3-6 months.
• Thaw out the applesauce and heat gently over low heat before serving.

Notes on Homemade Applesauce

• 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 help to naturally sweeten the apples as they cook.
• You can also make Instant Pot Applesauce. 

More Easy Homemade DIY Recipes

• Coconut Chia Granola
• 2 Ingredient Homemade Gogurts
• Dairy Free Fudgesicles
• Homemade Larabars
• Homemade Cheese Crackers
• Instant Pot Yogurt

Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Homemade Applesauce

An easy recipe for naturally sweetened homemade applesauce made on the stove top.

5 from 1 vote

Print Pin Rate

Course: Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Applesauce

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 2 hours

Total Time: 2 hours 5 minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 73kcal

Author: Kristen Chidsey

Ingredients

• 2-3 pounds apples
• 1 cup apple juice
• 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon optional

Instructions

• Wash and dry your apples. Remove core from apple--I simply, cut around the core, but you can use an apple corer if you'd like. Cut apple into 2 inch chunks.
• Place apples in heavy duty stock pan. Pour in 1 cup apple juice and sprinkle with cinnamon.
• Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat. 
• Simmer for 1-2 hours until apples have completely broken down and skin is soft. 
• Either mash applesauce with potato masher, immersion blender, or transfer to a blender or food processor to blend into smooth.

Nutrition Facts

Homemade Applesauce

Amount Per Serving

Calories 73

% Daily Value*

Sodium 2mg 0%

Potassium 152mg 4%

Total Carbohydrates 19g 6%

Dietary Fiber 2g 8%

Sugars 14g

Vitamin A 1.2%

Vitamin C 6.7%

Calcium 1.2%

Iron 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.