Applesauce Recipe

The best way to use up well-ripened apples

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Whether your fruit is fresh off the branch, or has been sitting in the kitchen for a while, this is the go-to applesauce recipe to use up your leftover apples! Simple and easy, it’s a joy to make this with kids as you can make a big batch to use in lunches or with an after-school snack throughout the week. It’s also a sweet and tart addition to savory dishes like these pork chops, or as a topping or filling in almost any kind of dessert. Who knew applesauce could be so versatile?

But where does it come from, and why is it so popular today? The earliest applesauce recipe can be dated back to the 1700s in Europe, although there may be older recipes that have not been preserved or documented. The tart and warming flavor of applesauce tastes like the inside of an apple pie. Sure, it’s easy to get applesauce at the store, but making it from scratch is so simple and so rewarding.

Is Applesauce Healthy?

Firstly, you’ll notice that sugar is optional in this recipe, and in fact, you are more than welcome to cut it out entirely as the apples are sweet enough without added sugar. Otherwise, you can use an alternative sweetener like honey or maple syrup, or a sugar-free alternative like stevia. The more tart the apple is (like Granny Smith apples), the more you’ll probably want to sweeten it. To ensure a balanced sweet and tart flavor, consider using sweeter apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Ambrosia.

Regardless of the amount of sugar you choose to use in the recipe, it’s important to consume this applesauce in moderation as part of a balanced diet. Since apples are high in fiber and vitamin C, they can help with both digestion and hydration. This recipe is gluten-free and vegan.

How to Amplify the Applesauce Flavor

If you’d like to add to the number of spices in this recipe, there are plenty of aromatic spices that will kick this sauce up a notch! For example, I like to add ground cardamom, nutmeg, and ginger to the mix for a peppery yet warming flavor profile. For a brighter and richer flavor, consider adding one tablespoon of apple cider vinegar to the apples as they cook. Lastly, although it’s the opposite of what this recipe calls for, some cooks recommend using skin-on fruit which can enhance both the flavor and color, but it can also make the applesauce slightly more gritty.

INGREDIENTS

6 medium apples (about 3 lbs), peeled, cored, and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional)
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix apples with water, sugar, and cinnamon; boil.

Simmer

Cook until apples soften and adjust heat as needed.

Mash/Blend

Mash for a chunky sauce or blend for a smooth sauce.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

The applesauce must be eaten within 3 to 5 days of its initial creation. In a well-sealed jar in the refrigerator, it will keep fresh during this time, but if you’d like to save it for longer, you can freeze it for up to 3 months. Make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator the day before you’re ready to eat it, giving it an occasional stir to avoid separation. Once it’s thawed, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Applesauce vs. Apple butter?

What’s the difference? For starters, apple butter is typically thicker, richer, and creamier, while applesauce tends to be lighter and a more liquid consistency. This is because apple butter is cooked for longer, which lowers its moisture content and creates caramelization. Basically, apple butter is a more concentrated version of applesauce.

How many apples To a cup?

Typically, 1 medium apple yields 1/2 cup of applesauce. However, the exact amount can vary depending on the size and juiciness of the apple. A larger apple can yield around 1 cup of applesauce.

Serving Suggestions

The real question is—what can’t you serve with applesauce?

First, this golden deliciousness makes a great topping for Cinnamon Pancakes. A more unique (but similar) option would be these Sweet Potato Pancakes.

For a savory dish, I love to spread this applesauce on the top bun of a pulled pork roll, cutting through the rich Slow-Cooker Pork with a delightfully sweet flavor.