Homemade Applesauce Recipe: How I Make Mine
This homemade applesauce recipe is simple, flavorful, and easy to make with just a handful of ingredients. Whether you’re serving it warm, cold, as a snack, or as a side, it’s a great way to make the most of fresh apples. It’s also surprisingly good for you—cooked apples are rich in pectin, a fiber that supports gut and heart health. Learn more in this article from Verywell Health.
One of the best things about making applesauce at home is how flexible it is. You can use any kind of apples—sweet, tart, or a mix. Some apples break down into a smooth sauce, while others stay slightly chunky. I like a bit of texture, so I usually mash mine instead of blending it completely smooth. But if you prefer a silky finish, blending works perfectly too.
Why I Love This Homemade Applesauce Recipe
I always add a bit of sugar to bring out the apples’ natural flavor, especially if they’re on the tart side. That said, this recipe is easy to adapt if you want to skip the sugar entirely—just taste the cooked apples first and decide what you like best.
I also like to add cinnamon right at the beginning, as the apples cook. It infuses the sauce with warm, cozy flavor and makes the whole kitchen smell amazing. You can leave it out if you want something more neutral, or swap it for other spices like nutmeg or ginger.
Tips for the Best Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Use a wide pan to help the apples cook faster and more evenly. I add just enough water to prevent sticking and keep the lid slightly ajar so the steam can escape. Stir occasionally to keep everything from catching at the bottom. If you want to preserve the color, a small splash of lemon juice at the start helps.
This applesauce keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and it also freezes beautifully. It’s great on its own, served with breakfast, or even used in baking.
If you haven’t tried making your own applesauce yet, this is a great place to start. Scroll down for the full homemade applesauce recipe—and check out the video to see exactly how I make it step by step!
Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 large apples
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 tbsp sugar optional
- 1 tsp lemon juice optional
Video
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the apples
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into even pieces.
Step 2: Combine ingredients
- Place the chopped apples, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice (if using) in a medium saucepan.
Step 3: Cook
- Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat. Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until the apples are soft.
Step 4: Sweeten (optional)
- Stir in sugar to taste. Add more or less depending on your preferred level of sweetness.
Step 5: Mash or blend
- For a chunky texture, mash the apples with a fork or potato masher. For a smoother consistency, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender.
Step 6: Cool and store
- Allow the applesauce to cool. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, or freeze for longer storage.
If you love the combination of apples and cinnamon, you might also enjoy my apple cinnamon muffins — they’re made with fresh apples and just as cozy!