A straightforward recipe for making delicious, natural applesauce from fresh apples.
Author:leogrant
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:20 min
Total Time:35 min
Yield:6 servings 1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium), peeled, cored, and quartered
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
Combine the quartered apples and water in a large pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are very tender.
Remove the pot from the heat.
Mash the apples with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency. For smoother applesauce, you can use an immersion blender or transfer the apples to a food processor.
Stir in the sugar (if using), cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using).
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Serve warm or chilled.
Notes
For a sweeter applesauce without added sugar, choose naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
You can store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
For longer storage, you can freeze the applesauce or can it using a water bath method.