Homemade applesauce is one of those simple kitchen pleasures that instantly brings comfort and warmth. With just a few ingredients and very little effort, you can create a naturally sweet, smooth, and flavorful applesauce that tastes far better than anything store bought. It is perfect as a snack, a side dish, or even as an ingredient in baking.
The beauty of homemade applesauce lies in its simplicity. All you really need are apples, a splash of water, and a bit of time. You can choose your favorite apple variety or mix several types for a more complex flavor. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala create a mild, dessert like sauce, while tart apples such as Granny Smith add a pleasant balance. Many people enjoy combining both to achieve the best of both worlds.
To make applesauce, start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into even pieces. Place them in a saucepan with a small amount of water to prevent sticking. As the apples cook, they soften and release their natural juices, filling the kitchen with a cozy aroma. Once tender, the apples can be mashed for a chunky texture or blended for a smooth, silky consistency. At this stage, you can keep it completely plain or enhance it with cinnamon, vanilla, or a touch of lemon juice.
One of the biggest advantages of homemade applesauce is control. You decide how sweet it is, or if it is sweetened at all. Many apples are naturally sweet enough on their own, making added sugar unnecessary. This makes applesauce a great option for kids, for healthy snacks, or for anyone trying to reduce processed foods in their diet.
Homemade applesauce is also incredibly versatile. Serve it warm alongside pork dishes, spoon it over pancakes or oatmeal, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. It can even be used as a substitute for oil or butter in baking, adding moisture while reducing fat.
Once you try making applesauce at home, it quickly becomes a staple. It stores well in the refrigerator, freezes beautifully, and always feels like a small homemade luxury. Simple, nourishing, and full of apple flavor, homemade applesauce proves that the best recipes are often the easiest ones.
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine the peeled, cored, and chopped apples with the water, sugar, and cinnamon if using.
- Cover and cook over medium heat until the apples are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
- Once the apples are soft, mash them with a fork or potato masher until a smooth consistency is reached.
- Serve warm or allow to cool and store in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
This was super easy to make and tastes great! My kids loved it!
So glad to hear that! My kids also devoured it. Thanks for sharing!
This sounds too easy. Are you sure it’s tasty? I thought applesauce was more complex.
Apples, water, sugar. DONE. Who needs store-bought?!
I think it needs more sugar, felt a bit bland with just 1/4 cup.
Is it just me or is this basically baby food?? 😂
Made this for my first time and wow, sooo good!!
That’s awesome! I love how simple this recipe is. 😊
Why would you put cinnamon in applesauce? Apples are sweet enough! 🤨
I forgot the water and it turned out to be a mushy blob. Lesson learned!
Applesauce is just apple mush. What’s the big deal? 🙄
It’s not just apple mush! It’s a delicious way to use apples and can be great in recipes or as a side. Give it a try!
So yummy! I added some nutmeg too! 😍
Nutmeg sounds like a great addition! I’ll have to try that next time. 🍏✨
Made this with my grandma’s secret recipe. It’s definitely better than this one.
This recipe is super easy! My kids loved it. Will make it again.
Super easy? Really? I thought making applesauce would be complicated. Might give it a try anyway, but skeptical.
That’s awesome! I’m glad your kids enjoyed it. It’s such an easy recipe to whip up.
I dunno, it didn’t taste like the applesauce I expected. Too much sugar maybe?
I just used a food processor and it worked great! Who needs to mash it by hand? 😂