Perfect Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Introduction

Homemade applesauce is a simple, comforting treat that celebrates the natural sweetness of fresh apples. This recipe produces a tender, flavorful sauce perfect for snacking, baking, or pairing with savory dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds (1.8kg) crisp sweet apples, rinsed (about 8 large apples)
• One 3-inch cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, or apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 whole star anise (optional)
• Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener to taste (optional)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Peel the apples if desired, then remove the cores and cut the apples into large chunks or wedges.
2. Step 2: Place the apples, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and star anise into the bottom of a large, heavy pot. Add 1/4 cup of water and stir to distribute the ingredients.
3. Step 3: Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft, about 25 to 35 minutes. Add more water if the pot seems dry and reduce heat slightly as needed.
4. Step 4: Remove the lid and let the apples cool for a few minutes. Taste the applesauce and add sweetener gradually to your preference, starting with a teaspoon.
5. Step 5: Mash or blend the apples to your desired consistency. If you kept the skins, use a food mill or pass the sauce through a fine mesh strainer to separate them.
6. Step 6: If the sauce is too watery after cooling, return it to the pot and simmer gently until slightly reduced and thickened.

Tips & Variations

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a more complex flavor.
• Leaving the skins on adds color and nutrients but may change the texture.
• Add warming spices like nutmeg or cloves for a seasonal twist.
• Sweeten with natural options like honey or maple syrup to taste.

Storage

Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in portioned containers for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. Leaving the skins on adds fiber and color, but the texture will be chunkier unless you strain or process the sauce thoroughly.

Can I use other spices besides cinnamon and star anise?

Yes, you can experiment with nutmeg, cloves, allspice, or ginger to customize the flavor to your liking.

Perfect Homemade Applesauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 90 reviews

• Author: Isabella
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: About 6 cups (1.4 liters) of applesauce 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This Perfect Homemade Applesauce recipe yields a naturally sweet and flavorful sauce made from crisp sweet apples, infused with cinnamon and vanilla. It’s gently cooked on the stovetop to a soft, tender consistency, then mashed or blended to your preference. You can customize the sweetness to your taste, and it’s a versatile accompaniment for desserts, breakfasts, or savory dishes.

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Ingredients

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Apples

• 4 pounds (1.8 kg) crisp sweet apples, rinsed (about 8 large apples)

Flavorings

• One 3-inch cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, fresh orange juice, or apple cider vinegar
• 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
• 1 to 2 whole star anise, optional

Sweetener (Optional)

• Brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or other sweetener to taste

Additional

• 1/4 cup water (plus extra as needed for cooking)

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Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Peel the apples if desired, then remove the cores and cut the apples into large chunks or wedges for even cooking and easy mashing.
2. Combine ingredients: Place the apples, cinnamon stick, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and star anise (if using) into a large, heavy pot. Add 1/4 cup of water and stir to distribute the ingredients evenly.
3. Cook apples: Cover the pot with its lid and cook over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the apples to soften completely, which will take about 25 to 35 minutes. Check periodically to ensure the pot doesn’t dry out, adding more water if necessary and adjusting heat to prevent burning.
4. Cool and sweeten: Remove the lid and let the apples cool slightly. Taste the applesauce and add sweetener if you prefer—start with one teaspoon and add more gradually to achieve the desired sweetness.
5. Mash or blend: Mash the softened apples with a fork or potato masher for a chunky texture, or blend smooth using a food processor, blender, or a food mill fitted with a medium disk. If you keep the skins on, a food mill is great for separating them out. Passing the sauce through a fine mesh strainer is another method to remove skin bits.
6. Adjust consistency: The applesauce will thicken as it cools. If the consistency seems too watery, return it to the pot and simmer gently until it reaches the desired thickness.

Notes

• Peeling apples is optional; leaving the skins on adds fiber and nutrients but will give the sauce a slightly different texture and color.
• Adjust sweetness based on the tartness of your apples and personal preference.
• Star anise adds a subtle licorice flavor but can be omitted if preferred.
• Use a heavy pot to help prevent scorching during cooking.
• Store homemade applesauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week, or freeze for longer preservation.
• This recipe is naturally gluten free and can be made vegan by selecting plant-based sweeteners.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: homemade applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, stovetop applesauce, cinnamon applesauce, fruit sauce