How to Make Applesauce From Scratch in 30 Minutes
There’s something incredibly comforting about homemade applesauce. The sweet, fragrant aroma of apples and spices filling your kitchen, the simplicity of the ingredients, and the versatility of the final product—homemade applesauce is an easy, feel-good recipe that’s hard to beat. Whether you’re using it as a side dish, snack, or dessert, this recipe will bring the rich flavors of fall into your home all year round.
If you’ve never made applesauce before, you’re in for a treat! It’s ridiculously simple, requiring just a few basic ingredients and minimal prep time. Plus, this recipe uses red delicious apples, giving your applesauce a naturally sweet flavor, with no need for heavy sweeteners.
In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make homemade applesauce with a touch of cinnamon and nutmeg for a perfectly spiced twist. It’s a recipe the whole family will love, and the best part is—you get to control exactly what goes into it. Let’s dive in!
Why Homemade Applesauce?
You may be wondering, “Why bother making applesauce when I can just buy it from the store?” The answer is simple: homemade applesauce tastes way better! Not only does it taste fresher, but it also allows you to adjust the sweetness and spice level to your liking.
Here are a few more reasons why you’ll love this homemade applesauce recipe:
1. Better Ingredients: No preservatives, artificial flavors, or unnecessary additives—just fresh apples and a handful of spices.
2. Customizable: Like it sweeter? Add more sugar. Prefer it a little tangy? Dial up the lemon juice. Want more spice? Add extra cinnamon or nutmeg.
3. Easy to Make: With only a few ingredients and minimal prep, this is a beginner-friendly recipe that anyone can make.
4. Perfect for Snacks or Sides: Applesauce is a great healthy snack for kids and adults alike. You can also use it as a side for pork dishes or as a topping for yogurt and oatmeal.
5. Naturally Gluten-Free and Vegan: This recipe fits into a variety of dietary preferences, making it a perfect option for potlucks or gatherings.
Ingredients for Homemade Applesauce
Here’s what you’ll need to make your own batch of applesauce:
– 12 red delicious apples (peeled, cored, and chopped): These apples provide a naturally sweet base for the sauce. You can mix in other apple varieties like gala or fuji for a more complex flavor if you’d like.
– ½ cup sugar: This adds sweetness, but feel free to adjust based on the sweetness of your apples or personal preference.
– ½ cup water: The liquid needed to cook the apples until they’re soft and mushy.
– 2 tbsp lemon juice: Adds a bit of brightness and helps preserve the apples’ color.
– 1 tsp cinnamon: Adds warmth and flavor—feel free to adjust the amount based on your taste.
– ½ tsp nutmeg: For an extra layer of spice, nutmeg pairs perfectly with apples and cinnamon.
– 1 tsp vanilla extract: Adds a lovely sweetness and depth of flavor to the applesauce.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Homemade Applesauce
Making applesauce is as easy as throwing everything into a pot and letting it cook down. Seriously—it’s that simple! Follow these steps, and you’ll have a delicious batch of applesauce ready to enjoy in no time.
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into chunks. Red delicious apples are naturally sweet, so you won’t need a ton of added sugar in this recipe, but you can mix in other apple varieties for a more complex flavor if you want.
Step 2: Combine the Ingredients
Once your apples are prepped, place them in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated in the sugar and spices.
Step 3: Cook the Apples
Cover the pot and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce the heat to low and cook the apples for about 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should start to break down and become soft and mushy. If the applesauce starts to look too dry, you can add a little more water (about ¼ cup at a time).
Step 4: Mash or Blend
Once the apples are soft, it’s time to decide what texture you prefer. For a chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to break down the apples until they reach your desired consistency. If you like your applesauce smoother, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and process until smooth.
Step 5: Taste and Adjust
Give your applesauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add more sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce, or more cinnamon and nutmeg if you want it spicier. Be sure to do so while it is still hot to allow the sugar to melt and the flavors to blend better.
Step 6: Cool and Store
Allow the applesauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for longer storage.
Tips for Making the Best Homemade Applesauce
To ensure your applesauce turns out perfectly every time, here are a few tips to keep in mind:
1. Use Fresh, Good-Quality Apples: The better the apples, the better your applesauce will taste. Red delicious apples work well for this recipe, but feel free to mix in other varieties like Honeycrisp, gala, or fuji for a more balanced flavor.
2. Control the Sweetness: The amount of sugar you need will depend on the sweetness of your apples. Start with ½ cup and adjust from there.
3. Customize the Spice Level: Cinnamon and nutmeg add warmth and depth to the sauce, but you can adjust the amounts based on your taste preferences. Some people like a lot of cinnamon, while others prefer a milder flavor.
4. Don’t Forget the Lemon Juice: This not only adds a hint of brightness but also helps preserve the color of the apples.
5. Texture Matters: Whether you prefer chunky or smooth applesauce, it’s easy to customize the texture. A potato masher will give you a more rustic, chunky texture, while a blender will make it silky smooth.
Ways to Use Homemade Applesauce
Now that you’ve got a fresh batch of applesauce, what can you do with it? Here are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy your homemade applesauce:
– As a snack: Serve applesauce on its own as a healthy, satisfying snack.
– On pancakes or waffles: Warm applesauce makes a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
– As a side dish: Applesauce pairs wonderfully with savory dishes like roast pork, chicken, or turkey.
– In baked goods: Use applesauce as a natural sweetener or substitute for oil in muffins, cakes, and quick breads.
– With yogurt or oatmeal: Stir a spoonful of applesauce into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for added sweetness and flavor.
– As a baby food: Homemade applesauce is a great first food for babies—just be sure to skip the added sugar and spices for little ones!
Variations on Homemade Applesauce
Once you’ve mastered the basic recipe, feel free to get creative with your applesauce by adding different ingredients and flavors. Here are a few fun variations to try:
– Spiced Applesauce: For a fall-inspired version, add a pinch of ground cloves or allspice along with the cinnamon and nutmeg.
– Honey Applesauce: Swap out the sugar for honey for a naturally sweetened option.
– Maple Applesauce: Add a splash of maple syrup for a rich, autumnal flavor.
– Berry Applesauce: Add a handful of fresh or frozen berries to the pot while the apples are cooking for a fruity twist.
– Caramel Applesauce: Stir in a drizzle of caramel sauce at the end for a decadent dessert version.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Applesauce
One of the best things about homemade applesauce is that it stores well, so you can enjoy it throughout the week or freeze it for later. Here’s how to store and freeze your applesauce properly:
Storing in the Refrigerator
Once your applesauce has cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing Applesauce
To freeze applesauce, let it cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container or resealable freezer bag. Be sure to leave some room at the top, as the applesauce will expand as it freezes. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.
When you’re ready to use it, thaw the applesauce in the fridge overnight and give it a good stir before serving.
Common Questions About Homemade Applesauce
Can I make applesauce without sugar?
Yes! If you prefer a naturally sweet applesauce, you can skip the sugar entirely. The red delicious apples are sweet enough on their own, but feel free to adjust based on your preference.
What are the best apples for applesauce?
Red delicious apples are great for a naturally sweet applesauce, but you can use a variety of apples depending on your taste. Try mixing in Honeycrisp, gala, or Granny Smith apples for a more balanced flavor.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
Homemade applesauce will last up to a week in the refrigerator and up to 3 months in the freezer.
Can I can applesauce for long-term storage?
Yes! Applesauce is a great candidate for canning. Just follow proper canning procedures to ensure it’s preserved safely.
Final Thoughts
Homemade applesauce is an easy and delicious way to enjoy fresh, seasonal apples year-round. With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a batch of sweet, spiced applesauce that’s perfect for snacking, baking, or serving alongside your favorite savory dishes.
So, next time you have a bounty of apples, skip the store-bought stuff and try making your own applesauce instead. You’ll love the rich flavor and satisfying texture that only homemade can provide. Enjoy!
Homemade Applesauce with Cinnamon and Nutmeg
Ingredients
- 12 Red Delicious Apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 Cup Sugar adjusted to taste
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 2 Tbsp Lemon Juice
- 1 tsp Cinnamon
- 1/2 tsp Nutmeg
- 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Place the peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a large pot.
- Add sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft.
- Once the apples are soft, mash them with a potato masher for a chunky texture or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
- Let the applesauce cool, then transfer to an airtight container for storage.
This looks perfect! Thanks for sharing!
Saving this for summer apples I need to process, this looks great!