Cinnamon Applesauce

Make way, make way, fall is on the way with this four-ingredient, healthy, and oh-so-easy homemade Cinnamon Applesauce.

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Applesauce is truly the epitome of nostalgia for me, but, I must say, it has also come a long way. It brings me back to my fourth-grade paper bag lunch that always had an applesauce cup I never touched. I don’t remember them being flavor-filled like this homemade sauce, but instead, quite watery and sold in a pack of six. I recall applesauce as the “dessert” option I rarely ever chose.

But don’t worry, I have moved on from this view of applesauce. Mainly because it has made its way into some of my most beloved baked goods, and acts as a great substitute in vegan baking. It’s also great to keep in the refrigerator and have ready to go. With just a few simple ingredients, it’s hard to go wrong. Oh, and it can be enjoyed both warm and cold!

Is Cinnamon Applesauce Healthy?

Very! My favorite seasoning, cinnamon, adds to the cozy, warm flavors of the applesauce and provides a small boost of antioxidants. And of course, when it’s homemade, there are no preservatives. The apples are rich in fiber, potassium, and vitamin B2. You can also make this refined sugar-free by replacing the sugar with honey or maple syrup.

Why stop at cinnamon?

As always, with all of my recipes, the texture and spices can be customized to fit your personal preference. Why stop at cinnamon when you can mix in ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice?

You can also add fresh lemon juice, a splash of vanilla extract, or apple cider vinegar. The vanilla extract will enhance the mellow fruitiness and subtle spice, while the apple cider vinegar helps brighten the cooked fruits. Aromatics like orange peel intensify the flavor of the apples while also adding their own unique flavor.

Additional fruits like berries or peaches can be added too, however, this may affect the level of spices and added sugar, so I recommend you season to taste in that case.

INGREDIENTS

4 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
3/4 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

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

Cook

Simmer until apples are soft; stir occasionally.

Mash

Mash the cooked apples and let them cool.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Once cooled, store the applesauce in an airtight container or mason jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If freezing, just remember to thaw fully in the refrigerator before serving.

mashing methods

If you like your applesauce smooth, use an immersion blender to get rid of any lumps. Use a fork or potato masher if you want the consistency to be a bit more chunky.

Reduce the heat

If the applesauce is boiling too aggressively when covered, reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and avoid burning it. Lift the lid to stir occasionally and break down the apples, which will also prevent the sugar from scorching.

Serving Suggestions

When I think of recipes that require apples, this is not usually at the forefront. It’s more of the American classics like an apple crisp, apple cobbler, or apple pie. Even a warm sparkling apple cider comes to mind before this simple staple.

And that’s mainly because this is not a recipe I normally eat on its own, but rather paired with a scoop of vegan vanilla ice cream, or as a jam on toast. I think of it more as a condiment. You can also drizzle it on your Overnight Oats, Protein Pancakes, or Smoothie Bowls.

Serve with breakfast, alongside a snack, or on top of a dessert, and enjoy the aromas it fills your house with while cooking.