This applesauce recipe is a delightful and simple way to enjoy the natural sweetness of apples. Perfect for a snack, a side dish, or even a dessert, this homemade applesauce can be customized to your taste with the addition of sugar and cinnamon. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Most of the ingredients in this recipe are common household items. However, if you don't usually keep cinnamon or sugar on hand, you may need to pick them up at the supermarket. Cinnamon adds a warm, spicy flavor, while sugar enhances the natural sweetness of the apples.

Ingredients For Applesauce Recipe
Apples: The main ingredient, providing natural sweetness and texture.
Water: Helps to cook the apples and create the sauce.
Sugar: Optional, but adds extra sweetness to the applesauce.
Cinnamon: Optional, but adds a warm, spicy flavor to the applesauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing this applesauce, consider using a mix of different apple varieties like Granny Smith for tartness and Fuji or Gala for sweetness. This blend will create a more complex and balanced flavor profile. Additionally, if you prefer a richer taste, you can substitute the water with apple cider or apple juice.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
apples - Substitute with pears: Pears have a similar texture and sweetness when cooked, making them a great alternative to apples in this recipe.
apples - Substitute with peaches: Peaches provide a slightly different flavor but still offer a sweet and soft consistency when cooked.
water - Substitute with apple juice: Apple juice can enhance the apple flavor and add a bit more sweetness to the recipe.
water - Substitute with coconut water: Coconut water adds a subtle tropical flavor and a hint of natural sweetness.
sugar - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup is a natural sweetener that adds a rich, complex flavor to the applesauce.
sugar - Substitute with agave nectar: Agave nectar is a vegan-friendly sweetener that dissolves easily and provides a mild sweetness.
cinnamon - Substitute with nutmeg: Nutmeg offers a warm, slightly sweet flavor that complements the fruit well.
cinnamon - Substitute with allspice: Allspice provides a mix of cinnamon, nutmeg, and clove flavors, adding depth to the applesauce.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This
How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
Allow the applesauce to cool completely at room temperature before storing. This helps prevent condensation, which can lead to spoilage.
Transfer the applesauce to an airtight container. Glass jars or BPA-free plastic containers work well. Make sure to leave about an inch of space at the top if you plan to freeze it, as the applesauce will expand.
For short-term storage, place the container in the refrigerator. The applesauce will stay fresh for up to a week.
For long-term storage, freeze the applesauce. Label the container with the date so you can keep track of its freshness. Frozen applesauce can last up to 6 months.
If you prefer portion control, consider freezing the applesauce in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag. This method allows you to thaw just the right amount when needed.
When ready to use, thaw the applesauce in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Stir well before serving to ensure a consistent texture.
Avoid refreezing applesauce once it has been thawed, as this can affect the texture and flavor.
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a splash of lemon juice before storing. This not only enhances the taste but also helps preserve the color of the applesauce.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Stovetop Method: Place the applesauce in a small saucepan. Heat over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. This method helps retain the texture and flavor of the apples.
Microwave Method: Transfer the applesauce to a microwave-safe dish. Cover with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap, leaving a small vent. Heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Oven Method: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the applesauce in an oven-safe dish and cover with aluminum foil. Heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until warmed through. This method is great if you're reheating a large batch.
Slow Cooker Method: If you have a bit more time, transfer the applesauce to a slow cooker. Set it on low and heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. This method is perfect for keeping the applesauce warm for an extended period, such as during a gathering or meal prep.
Double Boiler Method: Fill the bottom of a double boiler with water and bring it to a simmer. Place the applesauce in the top part of the double boiler. Stir occasionally until heated through. This gentle method prevents scorching and maintains the applesauce's smooth texture.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A deep cooking pan used to combine and cook the apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon over medium heat.
Peeler: A tool used to remove the skin from the apples.
Corer: A device to remove the core and seeds from the apples.
Knife: Used to chop the peeled and cored apples into smaller pieces.
Cutting board: A surface on which to safely peel, core, and chop the apples.
Measuring cup: Used to measure out the water and sugar accurately.
Measuring spoons: Used to measure out the cinnamon accurately.
Fork: Used to mash the cooked apples for a chunky texture.
Potato masher: An alternative tool to mash the cooked apples for a chunky texture.
Blender: Used to blend the cooked apples for a smoother texture.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Use a food processor: Chop the apples quickly by using a food processor instead of doing it by hand.
Preheat the saucepan: Start heating the saucepan while you prepare the ingredients to save time.
Skip peeling: Leave the apple skins on for added texture and nutrients, reducing prep time.
Batch cooking: Double the recipe and freeze extra applesauce for future use.
Microwave method: Cook the apples in the microwave for a faster alternative to stovetop cooking.

Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 4 units apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 0.5 cup water
- 0.25 cup sugar (optional)
- 0.5 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a saucepan.
- Cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, until apples are soft.
- Mash with a fork or potato masher for a chunky texture, or blend for a smoother texture.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
Suggested Appetizers and Main Courses for This Recipe
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