Quick & Easy Homemade Applesauce
There’s something so comforting about a pot of homemade applesauce simmering on the stove. The smell of apples and cinnamon filling the kitchen is one of my favorite signs that apple season has arrived.
This easy homemade applesauce recipe takes just a handful of simple ingredients and turns a bunch of apples into a delicious applesauce that tastes so much better than anything you can buy at the store. You can make it chunky or smooth, sweeten it to your liking, and even customize it with your favorite apple variety.
I especially love making my own applesauce in the fall after a trip to the orchard or a day of apple picking. It’s an easy way to use up a bunch of apples, and homemade applesauce makes a wonderful side dish for family dinners, roast pork, or pork chops.
Whether you like a chunky applesauce with large chunks of tender apple or prefer a smoother texture made with an immersion blender, this simple stovetop recipe is easy to make and even easier to enjoy.
Why I love homemade applesauce
Applesauce is so easy! And nothing is more comforting than warm applesauce with a hint of cinnamon and the sweetness of brown sugar. This homemade treat is a simple way to show the recipient of your meal how much you care—and it doesn’t take a lot of time. You can have it cooking on the stove while you prepare the rest of your meal, and as an added bonus, it makes your home smell fabulous!
If you have one of those handy-dandy apple-peeler-slicer-corer-thinga-ma-bobs, well then, get ’er out! If you’re like me and prefer to do it the old-fashioned way, that works too! You’ll need 10 apples.
I love bringing a container of homemade applesauce along with a meal I’m sharing. It doesn’t necessarily have to go with the meal—it’s simply something comforting and delicious to have on hand for a snack anytime of day or night. Sometimes the simplest little extras are what make a meal feel especially thoughtful.
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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Applesauce
It’s perfect for sharing. A container of homemade applesauce is an easy, thoughtful addition to a meal you’re taking to someone.
It’s incredibly easy. You only need a few simple ingredients and one pot to make this homemade applesauce.
You control the sweetness. Depending on the type of apple you use, you may not need added sugar at all.
You choose the texture. Leave it chunky, mash it with a potato masher, or use an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
It’s adaptable. Use your favorite apple, or combine several varieties. Add ground cinnamon, a chunk of fresh ginger, or a cinnamon stick. Remove the chunk of ginger and the cinnamon stick before smashing apples for the sauce.
It freezes beautifully. Make a big batch during apple season and save some for later.
It’s more than a snack. Applesauce is a delicious side dish alongside roast pork or pork chops and can also be used in all kinds of apple recipes.
Step-by-step how to make homemade applesauce.
How to Make Applesauce: Step by Step
Making homemade applesauce is one of the easiest ways to turn fresh apples into something your whole family will love.
1. Peel, core, and cut the apples
Start by peeling and coring your apples. Cut them into quarters or large chunks. If you don’t mind the texture of the peels, you can leave them on, but I prefer peeled apples for a smoother applesauce.
2. Add the apples and water to a pot
Place the apples in a large pot and add brown sugar, cinnamon and water. Cover and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally.
*Wait to add the sugar until the very end. This gives you more control over the sweetness and lets you decide whether your apples need any added sugar at all. Some apples are naturally sweet enough that you may find you don’t need it!
The apples will slowly soften and release their own juices as they cook. This is a simple stovetop recipe, so there’s no need for any special equipment.
3. Cook until the apples are tender
Continue cooking until the apples are very soft and easily mashed with a fork or potato masher. Depending on the variety and size of your apples, this usually takes about 30 minutes.
4. Decide how chunky or smooth you want your applesauce
For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher and gently mash the cooked apples, leaving some large chunks.
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Blend until the applesauce reaches the consistency you prefer.
Taste the cooked apples before adding any sugar. If you’re using sweet apple varieties, you may decide that no added sugar is necessary. If the apples are tart, add brown sugar a little at a time until the applesauce tastes just right.
6. Adjust spices and a pinch of salt
After applesauce has cooked taste it and adjust the seasoning and add a pink of salt. You can also add a cinnamon stick while the apples cook for a deeper cinnamon flavor, then remove it before serving.
A tiny pinch of salt can help balance the sweetness and bring out the flavor of the apples.
For a little extra warmth, try adding a pinch of nutmeg.
7. Serve or store
Enjoy your applesauce warm, at room temperature, or chilled. Once cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate.
If you’ve made a large batch, homemade applesauce can also be portioned into freezer bags and frozen for later.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best type of apple to use for applesauce?
There isn’t just one best apple. Macintosh, Northern Spy, and Ida Reds are my favorite. Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Granny Smith, and Golden Delicious all work well. You can also combine several varieties for more complex flavor.
How do I make smooth applesauce?
For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender after the apples have cooked until tender. Blend directly in the pot until the applesauce reaches the consistency you like.
How do I make chunky applesauce?
Use a potato masher instead of an immersion blender and stop mashing while there are still large chunks of soft apple remaining.
Can I make unsweetened applesauce?
Yes! Simply leave out the added sugar. Naturally sweet apples make excellent unsweetened applesauce.
Can I use Granny Smith apples for applesauce?
Absolutely. Granny Smith apples add a delicious tart flavor. I especially like combining them with sweet apple varieties so the finished applesauce has a nice balance.
Can I make applesauce without peeling the apples?
Can I leave the peels on when making applesauce?
Absolutely! You can leave the peels on when making applesauce, especially if you like a little more texture. Just be sure to wash the apples well before quartering and cooking them.
If you prefer a smoother applesauce, peeling the apples first is your best bet. Another option is to cook the apples with the peels on and then run the softened apples through a food mill. The food mill will separate the peels and leave you with smooth, delicious applesauce.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
Store cooled applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy it within several days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers or freezer bags.
Can I freeze applesauce?
Yes! Homemade applesauce freezes very well. Cool it completely, portion it into freezer bags or freezer-safe containers, and freeze for later.
What can I serve with applesauce?
Applesauce makes a wonderful side dish with roast pork and pork chops. It’s also delicious with breakfast foods like pancakes and oatmeal or enjoyed as a snack.
Can I add other flavors to homemade applesauce?
Definitely. Cinnamon is classic, but fresh ginger, nutmeg, vanilla, or a cinnamon stick can all add another layer of flavor. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
I absolutely love apple season! I’m one of those people who gets excited about all things apple—homemade applesauce, apple cake, apple pie, apple cider, caramel apples…bring it all on! I’m definitely the kind of girl who could eat an apple a day. 🍎
If you’ve made this homemade applesauce, or if you’ve been lucky enough to eat a batch made by me, I’d love for you to leave a star rating and a review below. Your feedback helps other readers find and feel confident making this recipe too!
Thank you so much for being here, for cooking along with me, and for gathering around the table. It means more than you know.
From my table to yours, with love,
Sheila
Quick and Easy Applesauce
Ingredients
- 10 apples cored, peeled and quartered. I prefer Northern Spys, Ida Red, or Macintosh but I believe any apple works just fine.
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1/2-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Core, peel, and quarter your apples put them in a 6 quart pan.
- Add the water. Cover pan and cook over low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Add brown sugar and cinnamon per taste. I use a potato masher to get out the chunks. Put pan back on heat for 5 minutes to help dissolve sugar. (see note)
I usually take over chilaquiles, rice and beans. I make the sauce and use Mission corn tortillas so it is gluten free. I will usually make a double batch, one to eat and one to share. If I don’t have anyone to share with that day I will freeze for later.
I also like to take over a roast with carrots and potatoes that I make in the crock pot. Easy shmeasy throw it together in the morning and forget it =)
Sounds delish!
I just found your 31 days, and I’m so excited to read the whole series. However I have a question. (and maybe you answer it later, if so, my apologies, and I’ll get to it.) You mention that the woman is sensitive to cinnamon, and that she said so. Did you ask her? Did you tell her specifically what you were bringing and she mentioned the sensitivity. I have a hard enough time with the calling and asking if I can bring a meal, that sometimes it’s a drive by mealing — “I know you weren’t expecting me, but here’s dinner, if you already have something planned, it freezes well.” I imagine one should ask “Does anyone in your family have food allergies?” That was more rambling than a real question… Do you ask people about allergies or food preferences prior to preparing a meal for them? Thanks so much!
She had mentioned to me a prior to me bringing her a meal that she had a sensitivity to cinnamon, so I remembered it. I have found that if people have allergies they will not be shy about forwarding that information. I have never had it happen that I bring someone a meal spur of the moment and they turn it away because of a food allergy. Allergies is one thing that I meant to address more in my series but didn’t get to. So thanks for asking the question I hope I answered it. If not and you want to chat more you can email me.
My neighbor just had surgery yesterday. I dropped off some homemade applesauce, rolls and barbeque. I just made a double batch of everything. I love using fresh fruit and giving the gift of “homemade”!