Homemade Applesauce (Easy, No-Sugar-Added)
There’s nothing quite like the smell of simmering apples and cinnamon filling your kitchen. Homemade applesauce is cozy, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to make — no fancy equipment required. With just a few simple ingredients, you can have a big batch ready in under 30 minutes.
This recipe is naturally sweetened by the apples themselves (no added sugar!) and can be enjoyed warm straight from the pot or chilled from the fridge. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly — so you can always keep some on hand for quick snacks, baking, or side dishes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Simple Ingredients – Just apples, water, and cinnamon.
Customizable – Leave the skins on for extra fiber or peel for a smoother texture.
Kid-Friendly – A healthy snack or side dish everyone will love.
Freezer-Friendly – Make a big batch and save for later!
Ingredients
8–10 apples (any variety, or a mix for more flavor)
Water (enough to fill 1–2 inches in the bottom of the pot)
Cinnamon, to taste
Instructions
Prep the Apples – Core and chop your apples into chunks. Peel if you prefer a smoother sauce, but I like to leave the skins on for extra fiber and nutrients.
Cook – Transfer apples to a large pot or Dutch oven. Add 1–2 inches of water to the bottom, sprinkle with cinnamon, and stir.
Simmer – Cook on medium-low for about 20 minutes. Stir, then reduce heat to low and cook for another 5–10 minutes, or until apples are fork-tender.
Blend – Carefully transfer everything to a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more water if needed to reach your desired consistency.
Serve – Enjoy warm, chilled, or even stirred into oatmeal, yogurt, or baked goods.
Storage
Refrigerate in an airtight container for 3–5 days.
Freeze for 3–6 months (freeze in portion sizes so it’s easy to thaw as needed).
Tips & Variations
Apple Varieties: Mix tart apples (like Granny Smith) with sweeter ones (like Fuji or Honeycrisp) for a balanced flavor.
Spices: Add nutmeg, cloves, or pumpkin spice for a fall twist.
Chunky Style: Skip blending if you prefer rustic, chunky applesauce.
Sweetened Option: If your apples aren’t very sweet, stir in a drizzle of maple syrup or honey.
Serving Ideas
Spoon over pancakes or waffles.
Swirl into oatmeal or Greek yogurt.
Use as a natural sweetener in baking.
Serve alongside pork chops or roasted chicken.
This applesauce is proof that the simplest recipes are often the best. Once you try it, you may never go back to store-bought again!
