A simple and wholesome recipe for making delicious applesauce from fresh apples, perfect for preserving the taste of apple season.
Author:maddie-thompson
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:25 min
Total Time:40 min
Yield:6 cups1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium), peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
Place the chopped apples in a large pot.
Add the water to the pot.
Cover the pot and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are very tender, stirring occasionally.
Remove the pot from the heat.
Mash the apples with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, you can use an immersion blender or food processor.
Stir in the sugar (if using), cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using).
Cook for another 5 minutes, stirring, until the sugar is dissolved and the flavors are combined.
Let the applesauce cool completely before serving or storing.
Notes
For a naturally sweeter applesauce, choose sweeter apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp.
If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, mash the apples less.
Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.
This recipe is a great base for meal planning, offering a healthy snack or side dish.