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Applesauce in a jar with a silver spoon.
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Applesauce

A classic, homemade applesauce recipe is super easy to make and can last for a long time by freezing or canning. This version is flavored with a touch of sugar, but added ingredients such as cinnamon, cranberries, or ginger add a super rich bite that can’t compare to any store bought variety. Add it as a side to your next pork dinner or simply serve it to the kids as a healthy, afternoon snack!
Course Side Dish
Cuisine American
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 6 servings
Calories 170kcal

Ingredients

  • 4 pounds apples peeled, cored, and cut into 1 1/2-inch chunks (8 to 12 apples, see notes)
  • 1 cup water plus more if desired
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar plus more if desired
  • pinch salt

Instructions

  • In a large Dutch oven or stock pot, combine apples, 1 cup water, 1/4 sugar, and salt. Cover and cook over medium-low, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften and break down, 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Mash the apples against the bottom of the pot with a potato masher until smooth with some lumps. Adjust texture and sweetness with additional water or sugar if desired. 

Notes

  • Unsweetened: Omit the sugar entirely (you will have less applesauce overall).
  • Cinnamon applesauce: Add 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon OR two 3-inch cinnamon sticks to the pot. Remove cinnamon sticks before mashing.
  • Cranberry applesauce: Add 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries to the pot. 
  • Ginger applesauce: Add 3 (1/2-inch) ginger slices to the pot. Remove before mashing.
  • Double up: To make a double batch, increase the cooking time by 10 to 15 minutes (25 to 30 minutes total).
  • Make ahead: Cover and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
  • Freezer: Label and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Apples: If you prefer a tart flavor, use a combination of tart and sweet apples. Otherwise, use whatever mix sounds good to you!
    • Tart: Granny Smith, Pink Lady, Jonathan, Jazz, Braeburn,
    • Tart/sweet: McIntosh, Piñata, Honeycrisp, Macoun, Opal
    • Sweet: Red Delicious, Gold Delicious, Jonagold, Gala, Fuji

Nutrition

Calories: 170kcal