Name: Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 3 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and chopped, about 6 medium); ⅓ cup water; 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (or to taste*); ½ teaspoon cinnamon

This homemade Applesauce Recipe is simple, easy to prepare, and made with just a few simple ingredients for the perfect fall flavors. Enjoy it warm or chilled, make it chunky or smooth, or use it in so many ways.

I love to use it in my easy carrot cake recipe, on top of crispy potato pancakes, or served alongside savory fried pork chops.

bowl of Homemade Applesauce Recipe with a wooden spoon

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Holly’s Recipe Highlights: Applesauce Recipe

Flavor: Naturally sweet and lightly spiced with cinnamon, with a fresh apple flavor.
Why I Love This Recipe: Made with pantry staples and one saucepan, this recipe turns fresh apples into a delicious applesauce. It’s easy to customize and freezes well so you can prep it in big batches too!
Prep Note: Cut the apples into similar-sized pieces so they soften at the same rate, and mash to your desired consistency. Use a potato masher for a chunkier applesauce or an immersion blender for a smooth sauce.

Cook Time: 45 Mins Yield: 4 cups Cooking Method: Stovetop

Ingredient Notes

Apples: Use your choice of apples or a combination of a few, such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Gala, Fuji, or Cortland. Combine a sweet and tart variety for a fuller, more balanced flavor.
Water: For a sweeter, more concentrated flavor, replace with apple juice or cider.
Granulated Sugar: Sweet varieties may need little or no sugar, while tart apples may need a bit more. Replace with brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey. Or omit the sugar for unsweetened applesauce.
Cinnamon: Swap for Apple pie spice for a more pronounced fall flavor, or sprinkle in a pinch of nutmeg, ginger, or allspice.

How to Make Applesauce

cinnamon apples in a dutch oven with a white spatula

cinnamon apples being mashed in a dutch oven

cinnamon apples being blended with a hand blender in a pot

Peel, core, and chop the apples (full recipe below)
Combine all the ingredients in a saucepan and simmer.
Mash the apples with a potato masher or blend until smooth.

Have more apples to use? Turn them into my homemade apple butter for another easy fall favorite

Keep the Heat Low: For the best results, lower the heat once the mixture reaches a boil. A gentle simmer softens the fruit without scorching the bottom.
Taste While Cooking: Taste the cooked apples before adding more sugar. The flavor becomes sweeter and more concentrated as the apples break down.
The Right Consistency: Applesauce that looks thin while hot will thicken slightly as it cools. Simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to thicken only when needed.
Crockpot Version: Skip the stove and prepare this applesauce in a crockpot. Just set it on low for 3 hours, then mash and enjoy!

Save It for Later

Store cooled applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freeze applesauce in airtight containers for up to 4 months. Freeze it in half-cup or 1-cup portions (I love using these souper cubes) so you can take out just the amount you need.

Best Ways to Use Apples

Did you enjoy this Applesauce Recipe? Leave a comment and rating below.

image of Everyday Comfort cookbook by Holly Nilsson of Spend With Pennies plus text

close up of homemade applesauce in a bowl with a spoon in it

5 from 156 votes

Author Holly Nilsson

Applesauce Recipe

Author Holly Nilsson

Servings 8 servings

This easy homemade applesauce simmers fresh apples with cinnamon and a touch of sugar. Leave it chunky or blend it smooth for a cozy snack, side dish, or baking ingredient.

Save Rate Print

Servings 8 servings

Prep Time 20

Cook Time 25

Total Time 45

Equipment

Ingredients

▢ 3 pounds apples peeled, cored, and chopped, about 6 medium
▢ ⅓ cup water
▢ 2 tablespoons granulated 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 to 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.

Notes

*Applesauce may need more or less sugar based on the variety of apples. If apples are very sweet, reduce the sugar to 2 tablespoons if desired. If they’re very tart, add more.

Mash with a potato masher for a chunkier consistency or use an immersion blender to create a smoother applesauce.

Leftovers will keep in the refrigerator for 1 week and in the freezer for 4 months.

5 from 156 votes

Nutrition Information

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine American

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