Homemade Applesauce
Naturally sweetened and made with minimal prep, this easy applesauce recipe is the recipe to beat all others!
Servings: 8
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples select sweet, firm apples
- 1 cup 100% apple juice
- 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Prepare Apples. Wash and dry 3 pounds apples well. Remove core from apple and cut the apples into 2 -inch chunks.
- Simmer. Place apples in heavy-duty stock pan. Pour in 1 cup 100% apple juice and sprinkle with 1-2 teaspoons cinnamon if using. Bring mixture to a boil and then reduce heat. Simmer for 1-2 hours until apples have completely broken down and the skin is soft.
- Blend Applesauce. 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 the desired consistency is met. If needed, add some of the reserved cooking liquid to help achieve a smooth applesauce.
- Serve/Store. Serve warm or cool to room temperature and then transfer to an airtight container or jar and store in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Notes
Apples: I recommend sweet, firm apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Courtland, and Golden Delicious. I do like to add a granny smith or two to balance out
Freeze: Once the applesauce has cooled, transfer to a freezer-safe container, leaving 1-inch room of expansion, and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Liquid: Instead of apple juice, you can use apple cider or pineapple juice as the cooking liquid. Water can be used as well, but will not add as much natural sweetness to the applesauce.
Peeling Apples: I do not peel apples, because I blend applesauce to be smooth and I want the added nutrients found in the skins. If you don't want to blend your applesauce and prefer it to have a chunky consistency, you will want to peel your apples.
Nutrition
Calories: 73kcal | Carbohydrates: 19g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 152mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 14g | Vitamin A: 60IU | Vitamin C: 5.5mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 0.2mg
