Description
Make quick, easy homemade applesauce on your stovetop. You control the texture, choosing chunky or smooth, and you can skip the added sugar for a healthier treat. This recipe honors simple, fresh ingredients for a flavor better than store-bought.
Ingredients
Scale
- 6 large apples (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water or apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Place the chopped apples and water (or cider) into a large saucepan.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook until the apples are very tender and easily mashable.
- If using, stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice.
- For smooth applesauce, mash the mixture with a potato masher or use an immersion blender until you reach your desired consistency. For chunky, simply mash lightly.
- Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before serving or storing.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance.
- If you prefer sweeter applesauce, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
- The lemon juice brightens the flavor and helps prevent browning if you plan on storing it.
- This applesauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American (Italian inspired)
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 20g (Natural fruit sugars)
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0.2g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0.4g
- Cholesterol: 0mg