by Holly
Homemade applesauce is a fall favorite! With only 4 ingredients and the bounty of apples available it’s the perfect time to try this super easy recipe!
Whether you make it sweetened or unsweetened, applesauce is a favorite snack or even dessert! This recipe can be divided into applesauce pouches or be used as a flavor base in carrot cake muffins or delicious banana breakfast cookies!
What Apples to Use
The best apples to use for applesauce are the ones that are naturally softer so they will break down and cook easier but truthfully any apples work.
McIntosh, Golden Delicious, and Fujis are easy to find, inexpensive and work perfectly for homemade applesauce! Why not try an assortment of all three and create your own original recipe?
How to Make Applesauce
Applesauce is so easy to make. With just 4 ingredients and 3 simple steps, you will have this recipe bubbling away in no time.
- Peel, core, and chop the apples (per recipe below).
- Cook the apples and the rest of the ingredients in a large saucepan until the apples are soft (you can also use a crockpot set on low for about 3 hours)!
- Mash apples down until you get the desired consistency.
Mash with a potato masher for a chunkier consistency or use an immersion blender to create a smoother apple sauce. Whatever your preference this recipe turns out delicious!
How To Store Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce will keep about a week or ten days if it is kept in the refrigerator in a tightly sealed container. It will absorb the odors from other foods if it’s left uncovered.
For a quick kid-snack, seal in snack-sized freezer bags, or these adorable reusable applesauce pouches, and squeeze out from one corner just like the ones you see at the store!
Can You Freeze Applesauce?
You sure can! It will be a little looser when it thaws, but that makes it perfect for muffins and smoothies! Just remember to label the freezer bag or container it’s in. Add a dash of cinnamon to refresh the flavor if you like!
So Many Ways to Use Applesauce
- Banana Breakfast Cookies – delicious breakfast on the go
- The Best Carrot Cake – quick, incredibly moist, and homemade!
- Homemade Apple Butter – already halfway there
- Carrot Cake Cupcakes – yummy handheld bite!
- Baking Substitutions! – use in place of eggs!
Homemade Applesauce
Prep Time 20 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 medium)
- ⅓ cup water
- 2-4 tablespoons sugar* or to taste
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a sauce pan and bring to a boil. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cover.
- Cook 15-20 minutes or until apples are very tender. Remove lid and simmer an additional 5 minutes to thicken.
- Mash apples with a masher for a chunky consistency or blend/puree with an immersion blender for a smooth consistency.
- Serve warm or chilled.
Recipe Notes
Nutrition Information
(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.)
