There’s something truly special about making homemade applesauce, especially during apple season. The air is crisp, and the apples are at their peak.
When I was first married, I learned how to make my own applesauce. Growing up, my family didn’t have access to an abundant supply of apples in the fall.
The family farm is dotted with apple trees. Every fall, we are eager to make all sorts of apple recipes. One of my absolute favorites has always been this easy homemade applesauce recipe.
My Favorite Easy Homemade Applesauce
It’s so much better than store-bought applesauce, with a freshness and flavor that you just can’t get from the grocery store. Probably because I flavor it with lemon, sugar, and ground cinnamon for amazing flavor.
Whether you’re making a big batch for canning or just enough for the week, the taste of homemade applesauce is unbeatable.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. You can use a variety of apples. Granny Smith for a tart bite or Golden Delicious for a naturally sweet flavor.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can simply skip the step of mashing the cooked apples with a potato masher. Or if you prefer a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender or food processor. It’s all about personal preference, and that’s what makes it such a great recipe for everyone.
Whether you enjoy warm applesauce as a side dish with pork chops or as a healthy dessert with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, this easy recipe is a staple in my kitchen.
How to Make My Favorite Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe
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Kitchen Essentials
Ingredients
- 10 Medium Apples a mix of Granny Smith, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious
- ½ Cup Water or apple juice
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- ½ Cup Granulated Sugar optional
- ¼ Cup Brown Sugar or maple syrup optional
- 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel, core, and slice your apples. You can use an apple peeler to make this step quicker, especially if you’re working with a large batch. A variety of apples like some sweet like Golden Delicious and tart like Granny Smith gives the best flavor.10 Medium Apples
- Place the peeled apples into a large pot with ½ cup of water or apple juice and the lemon juice. Add the granulated sugar, brown sugar or maple syrup, and ground cinnamon for flavor. Adjust the amounts depending on how sweet you like your sauce.½ Cup Water, 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice, ½ Cup Granulated Sugar, ¼ Cup Brown Sugar, 1 Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
- Bring the mixture to medium-high heat, then reduce to medium heat and let it simmer for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
- Once the apples are soft and cooked through it is done. You can leave as is, or you can mash them with a potato masher for a chunky applesauce. Use a food processor or immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Let the applesauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to a week or can be frozen in freezer bags for later use.
Your Own Private Notes
Nutrition
Stock up and freeze a few batches
This applesauce freezes wonderfully, so you can always have some on hand for later use. I love making a large batch and storing it in airtight containers or freezer bags to enjoy long after apple season has passed.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a delicious, homemade apple sauce that’s perfect for anything from apple butter to apple dumplings.
Tips for the Best Homemade Applesauce
Best Apples. Use a variety of apples for the best flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith add a sharpness that balances the sweetness of Pink Lady or Golden Delicious.
Sweetness. If you prefer your applesauce on the sweeter side, use sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Red Delicious and adjust the amount of maple syrup or brown sugar to taste.
No Need to Peel. If you are going to use a food mill/processor there is no need to remove the skins. Get all the flavor and goodness from the apples.
Texture. A potato masher creates a chunkier applesauce, while a food mill or stick blender is the best way to achieve a smoother sauce.
This easy applesauce recipe is perfect for any time you have a bunch of apples on hand, whether you’re fresh from apple picking or trying to use up overripe apples from the grocery store.
It’s a delicious, healthy dessert or side dish, and once you’ve made your own, you’ll never go back to store-bought applesauce again.
How to Freeze Applesauce
Freezing applesauce is a great way to preserve a big batch for later use, and it’s incredibly easy to do.
Let your applesauce cool to room temperature after cooking. This prevents ice crystals from forming and helps it freeze evenly.
You can freeze applesauce in airtight containers, freezer-safe bags, or even ice cube trays if you want to freeze small portions. Leave some room at the top of your containers or bags (about ½ inch), as the applesauce will expand as it freezes.
Label your containers or freezer bags with the date and contents so you know how long it’s been stored. Seal them tightly to prevent freezer burn.
Lay freezer bags flat in the freezer to save space. Applesauce freezes well for up to 8-12 months.
When you’re ready to use your applesauce, thaw it in the fridge overnight or at room temperature for a few hours. Stir it well to regain its consistency, as it may separate slightly during freezing.
How Long Does Applesauce Last?
- Refrigerated. If you store your homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge, it will last for about 7-10 days. Keep it at a consistent cold temperature to prevent spoilage.
- Frozen. When properly frozen in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags, applesauce can last for up to 8-12 months. After thawing, it should be consumed within a week.
- Canned. Home-canned applesauce, if properly sealed and stored in a cool, dark place, can last 1-2 years. Once opened, the applesauce should be kept in the fridge and used within 7-10 days.
Freezing is an easy way to store applesauce for future use, allowing you to enjoy it long after apple season has passed.
What’s the Difference Between Applesauce and Apple Butter?
The difference between applesauce and apple butter lies in both the cooking process and the final result. While they share many of the same ingredients, their texture, flavor, and cooking time vary significantly.
1. Cooking Time and Process
- Applesauce is made by cooking peeled apples with a bit of water or apple juice until they soften. It’s typically cooked for a shorter time, around 20-30 minutes, and can be left chunky or pureed for a smoother texture. Applesauce is often sweetened lightly with sugar or left unsweetened, depending on personal preference. You can also flavor it with cinnamon, but it retains the fresh, lighter taste of the apples.
- Apple butter, on the other hand, is cooked much longer (often several hours) at low heat, allowing the apples to break down completely and caramelize. This results in a thick, spreadable, dark brown butter-like consistency. The apples are often cooked with additional spices like cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon to create a rich, deep flavor. Apple butter also requires more stirring and patience to reduce and thicken properly.
2. Texture and Consistency
- Applesauce is typically thinner and can range from chunky to smooth depending on how it’s processed. It can easily be eaten with a spoon as a snack or side dish.
- Apple butter is thicker, smoother, and more concentrated. Its consistency is similar to jam or a thick spread, making it perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or adding to baked goods.
3. Flavor
- Applesauce has a fresher, more apple-forward flavor since it’s cooked for less time. It maintains the natural sweetness and tartness of the apples used.
- Apple butter has a deeper, richer, caramelized taste. The extended cooking process allows the natural sugars in the apples to intensify, giving it a much sweeter and spiced flavor.
In summary, while both are delicious ways to enjoy apples, applesauce is lighter and more versatile as a snack or side dish, whereas apple butter is a thicker, more concentrated spread with a rich, spiced flavor.
My family loved this!