Whenever I make homemade applesauce, I always get a warm and cozy feeling. While cooking, the aroma of apples and cinnamon filled the kitchen, and soon the scent of fall filled the entire house. Fall is also the perfect time to make this recipe because apples are in season, so there are many varieties to choose from that offer the most flavor and are not expensive. Sure, you can buy store-bought, but trust me, it doesn’t compare to the taste of homemade applesauce!
“Excellent and easy. I’ve already made two batches this week. No reason to buy canned anymore. No sugar, but sweet enough for a dessert.”
Jackie
Naturally Sweetened Homemade Applesauce
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this easy applesauce recipe – no added sweetener required! The trick is to use sweet or semi-sweet apples (I like to use Gala apples). They already have enough natural sweetness, so there’s no need to add anything extra to sweeten them up.
Recipe Tips and Advice
- There are several different types of apples you can use to make applesauce. But since I don’t add any sweetener to my recipe, I prefer to use varieties like Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. They’re already sweet and don’t need any added sugar. You can use just one variety or a combination of several if desired. Sour apples (like Granny Smith apples) also make delicious applesauce, but you’ll definitely want to add a little sugar for flavor!
- I like to peel the apples for a smoother consistency. But this is absolutely not required. If you’re short on time, just give it a good wash and save the peel.
- Take advantage of seasonal produce. If you make this recipe in the fall, you’ll find the best prices and sweetest apples during this time of year! Some varieties are available earlier than others (for example, in the United States, Gala apples are usually available in early September, while Fuji apples are usually available around October). So while some varieties are available in stores year-round, it’s still worth comparing prices for apples in season!
- Tips for saving money on a budget: It’s also worth comparing the price of large bags of apples versus small bags. Larger bags are generally more cost effective. This recipe freezes well, so when you find a good deal, you can make a big batch and stash portions away for later. Or you can use extra ingredients to make another recipe, like fried apples!
Print
add to favorites Go to favorites
Homemade Applesauce
#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17 .wprm- rating-star.wprm- rating-star-full svg * { fill: #343434; } #wprm-recipe-user- rating-17 .wprm- rating-star.wprm- rating-star-33 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17-33); }#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17 .wprm- rating-star.wprm- rating-star-50 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17-50); }#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17 .wprm- rating-star.wprm- rating-star-66 svg * { fill: url(#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17-66); } linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17-33 stop { stop-color: #343434; } linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17-50 stop { stop-color: #343434; }linearGradient#wprm-recipe-user- rating-17-66 stop { stop-color: #343434; }
equipment
-
medium pot
-
potato masher
raw material
- 6 big apple About 3 pounds, $5.46
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon powder $0.03
- 3/4 cup water $0.00
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice $0.04
instruct
-
Wash, peel and core the apples. Cut apples into 3/4-inch pieces.
-
Place the chopped apples, cinnamon and water in a medium pot and cover. Heat the apples over medium heat and let them boil. Continue cooking apples for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are tender. Total cooking time will vary depending on the variety of apples used. *
-
Remove the pot from the heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher inside the pot for a chunky texture. Alternatively let the apples cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or carefully place in a blender for a smoother texture.
-
Add the lemon juice to the applesauce and stir to combine. Serve hot or refrigerate.
See here how we calculate recipe costs.
video
notes
Nutrition
How to Make Homemade Applesauce Step by Step Photos
Prepare the apples: First wash, peel and core 6 apples. Then cut the apples into 3/4-inch pieces.
Add to pot: Now, add the chopped apples, 1/4 teaspoon of cinnamon, and 3/4 cup of water to a medium pot and cover with a lid. Heat over medium heat and allow the apples to simmer. Continue cooking for 15-20 minutes until they are tender. Be sure to stir it from time to time. Total cooking time will vary depending on the variety of apples used.
Mash the apples: Remove the pan from the heat and mash the apples with a potato masher. This will create a nice, thick texture. Alternatively, if you prefer a smoother texture, let the apples cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or carefully place in a blender.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. Or, if it’s too thin, cook it a little longer on the stove (uncovered) to thicken it!
Serve: Add 2 teaspoons lemon juice and stir to combine. This helps brighten up the apple flavor. You can warm your homemade applesauce or refrigerate it first. enjoy!
How to Use Homemade Applesauce
Yes, applesauce is delicious on its own in a bowl with a spoon, but it’s also super versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Stir it into overnight oats or yogurt for breakfast
- Use it to add sweetness and moisture to baked goods, like my carrot cake recipe!
- Use it as a pancake or waffle topping
- Stir it into oatmeal and bake for delicious Apple Pie Baked Oatmeal
- add it to smoothies
- Use it as an egg substitute in some recipes (our cornbread cake is a great example)
- Spread it on toast and sprinkle with cinnamon
- Pair with cheese and crackers
Storage instructions
Homemade applesauce keeps well in the refrigerator and freezer. Simply place leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To defrost, place it in the refrigerator overnight.
More Easy Apple Recipes
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
Recipe $4.22/serving $1.06
apple crumble
Recipe $7.42/serving $0.61
caramel apple
Recipe $5.54 / $0.92 per serving
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Recipe $4.89/serving $0.49
Our homemade applesauce recipe was originally published on October 16, 2023. We’ve updated it to the best possible condition and republished it 10/19/25.
The post Homemade Applesauce appeared first on Budget Bytes.