Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Discover the easiest homemade applesauce recipe made with fresh Pink Lady apples, cinnamon, and a hint of lemon. This simple, healthy applesauce is naturally sweet and perfect as a snack, dessert, or a topping for breakfast dishes. Learn how to make applesauce with no added preservatives, and customize it with your choice of sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar. Ready in just 30 minutes, this easy applesauce recipe is a family favorite, ideal for both kids and adults. Get tips, substitutions, and serving suggestions for the best homemade applesauce!

Ingredients

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

Instructions

1. Combine Ingredients: Place the apple chunks, water, sugar (or sweetener of choice), lemon juice, cinnamon, and salt in a medium saucepan. Stir until well mixed.
2. Cook the Apples: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat slightly. Cover and simmer for about 30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashable.
3. Mash to Desired Consistency: Using a potato masher or the back of a spoon, mash the apples to your preferred texture, whether chunky or smooth.
4. Serve: Enjoy your homemade applesauce warm or cold!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This homemade applesauce is simple, healthy, and made with just a few wholesome ingredients. It’s the perfect balance of sweetness and spice from fresh apples and cinnamon. It’s great for snacking, baking, or as a delicious topping for breakfast bowls and desserts.

Tips

• Choose the Right Apples: Pink Lady apples are ideal for a balanced sweet-tart flavor, but you can try Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala apples for different taste profiles.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the applesauce as it cooks and adjust the sweetness to your liking.
• Smooth Texture: For a smoother applesauce, blend it with an immersion blender or in a regular blender once cooled.

Variations and Substitutions

• Different Sweeteners: Use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for natural sweetness.
• Spice It Up: Add a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for extra warmth and depth.
• Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple types or mix several for unique flavors.

FAQs

Can I make this applesauce without added sugar?
Yes, omit the sugar entirely, especially if you’re using naturally sweet apples.

How do I store homemade applesauce?
Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.

Serving and Suggestions

Serve this applesauce warm over oatmeal, spread it on toast, or use it as a side dish with pork. It also makes a great topping for pancakes, yogurt, or ice cream.