Homemade Applesauce

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Homemade applesauce is a comforting classic that brings back the warmth of childhood memories and the cozy scent of fall. Whether you love it chunky or smooth, sweetened or spiced, this simple yet satisfying treat can be made effortlessly at home with just a handful of ingredients. It’s a delicious way to use up a surplus of apples, and it tastes far better than anything you’ll find in a jar at the store.

What makes this applesauce so special is the freedom to customize it to your taste. From tart Granny Smiths to sweet Fuji apples, or a mix of both, you control the texture, flavor, and sweetness. It’s great served warm as a side dish, chilled as a snack, or even used as a substitute for oil in baking. Plus, your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible as it simmers away!

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Why You’ll Love This Homemade Applesauce

• Incredibly easy and made with just a few pantry staples
• No preservatives or artificial flavors — just pure apple goodness
• Customizable to your taste: chunky or smooth, sweet or tart
• A healthy snack or side dish that kids and adults both enjoy
• Freezes well for future meals or baking

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What Kind of Apples Should I Use?

The best applesauce starts with the right apples. A mix of apple varieties often gives the best flavor — think tart Granny Smith paired with sweeter Gala, Honeycrisp, or Fuji apples. If you like a naturally sweet sauce, go with mostly sweet apples. Prefer a little zing? Add more tart ones. Avoid Red Delicious, as they can turn mealy. Organic apples are a great option since you’re using them unpeeled if you want extra fiber and nutrients.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Applesauce

To make delicious homemade applesauce, you’ll only need a few simple ingredients that come together beautifully to create a rich, comforting flavor:

• Apples – The star of the recipe. Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best depth of flavor.
• Water – Helps the apples break down as they cook and prevents sticking or burning.
• Cinnamon (optional) – Adds a cozy, spiced warmth that complements the apples perfectly.
• Sugar or sweetener (optional) – Depending on your apple variety and personal taste, you may want to add a touch of sweetness.
• Lemon juice (optional) – Brightens the flavor and helps preserve the sauce’s color.

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How To Make the Homemade Applesauce

Step 1: Prep Your Apples

Peel, core, and chop your apples into evenly sized chunks. If you prefer a rustic applesauce, you can leave the peels on for added texture and nutrients.

Step 2: Simmer the Apples

Add the apples to a large pot along with water — just enough to keep them from sticking. If using, add cinnamon and a splash of lemon juice. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

Step 3: Cook Until Soft

Cover and cook the apples for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft enough to mash with a spoon.

Step 4: Mash or Blend

For chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender. Adjust the sweetness by adding sugar to taste.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the applesauce cool to room temperature. Transfer it to jars or containers and refrigerate. It will keep in the fridge for up to a week, or you can freeze it for longer storage.

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Serving and Storing Homemade Applesauce

This homemade applesauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Serve it warm straight from the pot as a comforting side dish, or chilled as a refreshing snack or dessert. It’s perfect for kids’ lunchboxes, breakfast toppings, or even stirred into yogurt.

This recipe yields about 6–8 servings, depending on how much you love applesauce. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using.

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What to Serve With Homemade Applesauce?

H3: Pork Chops

A classic pairing — the sweet-tart applesauce beautifully balances savory pork chops.

H3: Latkes (Potato Pancakes)

Traditionally served together, especially during Hanukkah. The contrast in textures is delightful.

H3: Oatmeal

Add a scoop of applesauce to your morning oats for natural sweetness and extra moisture.

H3: Pancakes or Waffles

Skip the syrup and use applesauce instead for a fruity topping with less sugar.

H3: Grilled Chicken

A spoonful on the side brings brightness to a basic grilled chicken breast.

H3: Ice Cream or Greek Yogurt

Applesauce works wonderfully as a warm or cold topping for both.

H3: Muffins or Quick Breads

Use applesauce as a side or even a baking ingredient to keep things moist and flavorful.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use applesauce in baking?
Absolutely! Applesauce can be used as a substitute for oil or butter in many baking recipes. It adds moisture and a hint of sweetness, making it perfect for muffins, cakes, and quick breads.

Do I need to peel the apples?
Not necessarily. If you prefer a smoother sauce, peeling is best. But for a chunkier, more rustic texture and extra fiber, leaving the peels on works just fine — especially if you’re using a blender.

Can I make applesauce in a slow cooker?
Yes! Just place all the ingredients in a slow cooker, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until the apples are tender. Then mash or blend to your desired consistency.

How do I know if my applesauce has gone bad?
Check for an off smell, discoloration, or mold. Properly stored in the fridge, homemade applesauce lasts about a week. When in doubt, throw it out.

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Save This Pin For Later

Save this recipe to your Pinterest snack board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go chunky or smooth? Did you add cinnamon or skip it?
I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too — let’s help each other cook smarter.

Find more cozy and simple recipes on my Pinterest — Meals We Share By Sally

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Conclusion

Making homemade applesauce is one of the simplest ways to enjoy the natural sweetness of fresh apples. Whether you make it smooth or chunky, plain or spiced, it’s a heartwarming dish that never disappoints. With minimal ingredients and effort, you’ll have a nourishing snack or side dish that’s wholesome, versatile, and perfect for any season.

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