Applesauce is a kid favorite. But let’s face it, adults love it, too! And they should – it’s fantastic, especially when homemade! Homemade applesauce is versatile, tasty, and easy to make. It can also last for quite some time after it’s made.
The best Homemade applesauce
Homemade applesauce can be tricky to pull off, but not with this recipe! Follow along to ensure a flavorful, satisfying outcome that people of all ages will be begging for. I cannot get enough of this cinnamon apple sauce! It’s almost absurd how easy it is to make, and I use it for so many things. And the best part? You can make it any time of the year as apples are available any season!
My all-time favorite way to make homemade applesauce is with my children. Whenever I am baking in the kitchen, they are always begging to join in. Homemade applesauce is the perfect time for them to jump on board! Of course, I make sure to protect them from the heat, but they just absolutely love to help mash the apples. It brings so many smiles and giggles to their faces as they squish the fruit into a sauce. They feel like they get to be messy while taking some of the grunt work out of the process for me. It’s a win-win!
But watch out! They might steal spoonful (or five) to taste the fruits of their labor and there won’t be any left for you. Trust me. It’s happened. What can I say? This applesauce recipe is downright delicious.
Apple recipes you will love:
- The best apple cinnamon Bundt cake
- Puff pastry apple roses
- Apple coffee cake
- Puff pastry apple Danish
- Filo pastry apple pie
- Apple pie bites
Homemade Applesauce Ingredients
Let’s get you set up for success! Here’s what you will need to make your very own, homemade applesauce:
Baking Tools:
Ingredients:
- apples
- sugar
- cinnamon powder
- nutmeg
- lemon juice
- water
I know it may be hard to believe, but that’s it! This easy applesauce recipe is hassle free. Easy to prep, easy to make, and even easier to enjoy.
Homemade Applesauce FAQ
What Apples Should I Use?
Apples with a softer texture are the best option for homemade applesauce as they will be easier to smash after cooking. Some of my top recommendations are:
- Fuji
- Golden Delicous
- McIntosh
You can also try a combination of apples to add a little variety into your sauce!
Do I Need to Peel the Apples First?
Not necessarily! Most apple skins will only help your homemade sauce by adding texture. The cooking process will help break down any toughness as they soften over time. However, there are some apples with thicker skins, like the Red Delicious, that should definitely be peeled before cooking.
How Long Does Homemade Applesauce Last?
This applesauce recipe makes a large quantity, so unless you’re making a batch for lots of guests, you’ll more than likely have a bit left over. The keep time of leftover homemade applesauce is akin to that of store bought.
Once store bought applesauce is opened, it’ll last up to ten days in the refrigerator, and the same goes for homemade. Keep in mind, though, that some store-bought applesauce does contain preservatives, adding to its keep time. When following this recipe, yours will not contain preservatives, making it important to monitor your applesauce to ensure you or your family doesn’t consume something rotten.
It’s easy to tell when applesauce has gone bad. Like other foods, it’ll grow mold, develop an odor, and separate. If you notice any of these signs, it’s time to toss it out.
How to Store Homemade Apple sauce?
The best method for storing applesauce made at home depends on your intended use. Storage for one day will look much different than storage for two months.
- Next Day Storage: If you plan to serve your applesauce the next day, whether to your family or guests, leave it in the pot you used to boil your apples. It’ll keep well and you won’t have to dirty another container.
- Fridge Storage: To keep it longer than overnight, store it in an airtight container whether it be glass or plastic. No matter how long you intend to keep it, store your applesauce in the refrigerator to be safe.
- Freezer Storage: Freezing homemade applesauce will also allow you to store it for up to one year. Once it’s thoroughly cooled, transfer it to a glass jar or plastic bag – something that’s suitable for the freezer. Label it, and freeze.
- Canned Storage: One way to get the maximum amount of time out of your applesauce is by canning it. This is a much lengthier and more labor-intensive process than simply making it, but applesauce will keep for up to one year if canned, so it may be worth the work.
What Can I Make With Applesauce?
As mentioned earlier, applesauce is versatile, and it’s a little underrated. It has many uses beyond eating it plain, although that’s always a good option.
- Protein Pairing: Applesauce pairs wonderfully with a variety of meats, including pork chops, lamb chops, duck, and goose. It can be used as a side with any of them or drizzled on top as a chutney. The only limitation in using it on meat is that if your cinnamon applesauce is very cinnamon-forward it may not complement the dish.
- Baking: Applesauce can be used in baking, too. It works as a wonderful binding agent in place of eggs in vegan recipes, and it can be used to moisten baked goods. There are also countless traditional recipes that use applesauce as an additional ingredient, not a substitute, like cake, pudding, cobbler, and bread. To see applesauce in baking action, be sure to check out my vegan recipes by searching them above!
No matter how you decide to use your homemade applesauce, you will not be sorry you made it. Did you come up with a creative use? Have you tried this homemade apple sauce recipe? Please share your comments below! You never know who your ideas may inspire, and I forever love to hear everyone’s thoughts on my quick and easy recipes. As always, happy baking!
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Homemade applesauce
Ingredients
- 10 medium apples
- 20 tbsp sugar
- 2 tsp cinnamon powder
- ¼ tsp nutmeg
- ½ a lemon juice only
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Cut apples into small cubes or grate. Peeling is optional, depending on the thickness of the peel. Add all ingredients to a soup pot
- Bring to rolling boil then simmer for 30 minutes or until apples are soft.
- Mash with a potato masher or transfer to food processor and pulse them into a puree.
- To turn applesauce into apple butter, cook longer until the apples are caramelized.
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