Easy Homemade Applesauce: The Best Cinnamon-Spiced Recipe in 25 Minutes

Classic Homemade Applesauce Recipe

This delicious homemade applesauce is the perfect combination of sweet and tart flavors, with a hint of warming cinnamon that makes it irresistible. Making applesauce from scratch is surprisingly simple and yields results that store-bought varieties simply can’t match!

Why You’ll Love This Applesauce Recipe

There’s something deeply satisfying about making your own applesauce from scratch. The process fills your home with the comforting aroma of apples and cinnamon, and the result is a versatile side dish or ingredient that can elevate so many meals. This applesauce recipe is:

• Simple to make – Just a few ingredients and basic steps
• Customizable – Adjust sweetness and spices to your preference
• Versatile – Perfect as a side dish, snack, or cooking ingredient
• Healthier – Control exactly what goes into your apple puree
• Kid-friendly – A hit with children and adults alike

Best Apples for Homemade Applesauce

While you can make applesauce with virtually any apple variety, some work better than others. For the best flavor and texture in your applesauce, consider these options:

• Mcintosh – Soft, tender flesh that breaks down easily
• Fuji – Naturally sweet with good texture
• Gala – Mildly sweet and widely available
• Honeycrisp – Perfect balance of sweet and tart
• Granny Smith – Adds tartness (best mixed with sweeter varieties)

Pro tip: For complex flavor, use a mix of apple varieties in your applesauce rather than just one type.

Ingredients for Perfect Applesauce

• 4 large apples (about 2 pounds) – peeled, cored, and chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• Pinch of salt

Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan with lid
• Potato masher or fork (for chunky applesauce)
• Blender or food processor (for smooth applesauce)
• Apple peeler/corer (optional, but makes prep easier)

How to Make Homemade Applesauce

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch cubes. Try to keep the pieces similar in size for even cooking.
2. Place the chopped apples in a medium saucepan and add water, sugar, cinnamon, and salt.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer.
4. Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and easily mashed with a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice.
6. For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to break down the apples to your desired consistency.
7. For smooth applesauce, let the mixture cool slightly, then transfer to a blender or food processor and pulse until smooth.
8. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed.
9. Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Texture Tips

The beauty of homemade applesauce is that you control the texture:

• For chunky applesauce: Use a potato masher and leave some apple pieces intact
• For smooth applesauce: Process in a blender or food processor until silky
• For ultra-smooth applesauce: After blending, press through a fine-mesh sieve

Variations to Try with Your Applesauce

Spiced Applesauce

Add warming spices like:

• 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
• 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon cardamom

Berry Applesauce

Add 1 cup of strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries to the saucepan with the apples for a fruity twist.

Maple Cinnamon Applesauce

Replace the sugar with pure maple syrup and double the cinnamon for a cozy fall flavor.

Serving Suggestions for Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in numerous ways:

• As a side dish with roasted pork or chicken
• Dolloped on top of pancakes or waffles
• Swirled into yogurt or oatmeal
• As a topping for vanilla ice cream
• Spread on toast or English muffins
• As a healthier substitute for oil in baking recipes

Storing Homemade Applesauce

Refrigerator Storage

Store your applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.

Freezer Storage

For longer storage, applesauce freezes beautifully. Place in freezer-safe containers, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Canning

For shelf-stable storage, process your applesauce in a water bath canner. Pour hot applesauce into sterilized jars, leaving 1/2 inch headspace. Process pint jars for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude).

Nutritional Information

FAQ About Homemade Applesauce

Can I make applesauce without sugar?

Absolutely! If your apples are naturally sweet, you can skip the added sugar entirely. Sweeter varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Honeycrisp often need minimal or no added sweetener.

Why is my applesauce turning brown?

Applesauce can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. Adding lemon juice helps prevent browning, as does storing it in an airtight container.

Can I make applesauce in a slow cooker?

Yes! Place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours until apples are completely soft, then mash or blend.

Final Thoughts on Homemade Applesauce

Making applesauce at home is one of those simple cooking projects that delivers tremendous rewards. Not only do you get to enjoy the incredible aroma as it cooks, but you’ll also have a versatile, delicious treat that’s far superior to store-bought versions. Once you master this basic applesauce recipe, you can experiment with different apple varieties and flavor combinations to create your perfect version.

This easy homemade applesauce recipe is perfect for beginners and experienced cooks alike – give it a try the next time you find yourself with a surplus of apples!