If you’re looking for a simple and wholesome way to use fresh apples this fall, our Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe is the perfect place to start. Made with juicy apples and a splash of cider, it’s naturally sweet, full of cozy apple flavor, and easy enough for kids to help make.
Surplus of apples? You may also enjoy trying our homemade Apple Crisp.
Homemade Unsweetened Cinnamon Applesauce
This homemade applesauce recipe is a fall favorite in our kitchen. It’s fun to make after apple picking, and the fragrance of simmering apples fills your home with warmth and comfort.
Whether you enjoy it warm from the pot or chilled as a snack, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought again.
Best Apples for Applesauce
You can use almost any variety for this homemade unsweetened applesauce recipe. Each type brings its own flavor and texture, so feel free to mix and match for the best balance.
Best apples for applesauce:
- Fuji – Naturally sweet and firm. Makes a smooth, mellow sauce.
- Gala – Lightly sweet with a mild flavor kids love.
- Golden Delicious – Soft and sweet, great for blending with tart apples.
- Honeycrisp – Crisp, juicy, and full of apple flavor.
- McIntosh – Tender and tangy, breaks down easily as it cooks.
- Cortland – Slightly tart and very aromatic, adds depth to the sauce.
- Jonathan – Tart and flavorful, perfect for balancing sweeter apples.
- Granny Smith – Firm and tart. Adds a bright, tangy flavor that balances sweeter varieties.
Tip: Leaving a bit of skin on gives your applesauce a soft blush of color—especially if you’re using red apples.
Ingredients for No-Sugar Applesauce
You only need a few simple ingredients for this fall recipe:
- Chopped apples – The star of the show! Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples.
- Water or apple cider – Helps the apples cook down into a smooth, soft sauce. Cider adds a deeper apple flavor.
- Fresh lemon juice – Keeps the applesauce bright in color and enhances the natural sweetness.
- Ground cinnamon (optional) – Adds cozy, warm flavor that pairs perfectly with fall apples.
How to Make Unsweetened Applesauce
Making your own applesauce at home couldn’t be easier. Just simmer, mash, and enjoy!
STEP 1: Cook the apples. Add the chopped apples, cider, lemon juice, and cinnamon to a large saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
STEP 2: Simmer. Reduce the heat and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.
STEP 3: Mash or blend. For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher. For smooth sauce, use an immersion blender or food processor.
STEP 4: Cool and store. Let the applesauce cool, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Storage and Freezing
Keeping your homemade applesauce fresh and flavorful is simple when you follow these easy storage and freezing tips.
How to store applesauce:
Transfer cooled applesauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 1 week. For best flavor and texture, keep it in the coldest part of the fridge.
Does applesauce freeze well?
Yes! Let the applesauce cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Leave a little space at the top, as applesauce expands when frozen. Freeze for up to 3 months. To thaw, transfer to the fridge overnight or warm gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Tips and Variations
Here are a few simple ways to customize this easy applesauce recipe so it fits your family’s taste and routine.
- Mix apple types: Combining sweet and tart apples creates a richer, more balanced flavor.
- Leave the peels on: Cooking with the skins gives your applesauce a rosy color and adds extra nutrients. Just blend well at the end for a smooth texture.
- Make it thicker: Use a little less water if you prefer a denser, spoonable sauce.
- Add warm spices: Stir in a dash of apple pie spice, nutmeg, or allspice for extra fall flavor.
- Double the batch: Applesauce freezes beautifully. Make extra and store it in small containers or reusable pouches for easy snacks.
- Instant Pot applesauce: To make this recipe in an Instant Pot, add your peeled, chopped apples and ½ cup of water to the pot. Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes, then let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes. Carefully open the lid, stir, then mash or blend the apples to your desired texture.
- Slow cooker applesauce: For a hands-off option, make your applesauce in the slow cooker. Add your peeled, chopped apples and ½ cup of water to the crock. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the apples are very soft.
What Can I Make with Unsweetened Applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce is versatile and can be used in so many ways, from snacks to meals and even baking. Here are some ideas to get the most out of your homemade applesauce:
- Snack by the spoonful – A simple, healthy treat for kids and adults.
- Peanut butter and applesauce sandwich – Spread peanut butter on bread and layer with applesauce for a naturally sweet twist.
- Oatmeal topper – Stir into warm oatmeal for added moisture, sweetness, and flavor.
- Yogurt mix-in – Swirl into yogurt for a healthy, fruity breakfast or snack.
- Pancake or waffle topping – Use instead of syrup for a naturally sweet, lower-sugar option.
- Baking substitute – Replace butter or oil in muffins, quick breads, or cakes with applesauce to make baked goods moist and slightly sweeter.
- Pork or chicken glaze – Mix with a little mustard or soy sauce and brown sugar to make a simple glaze for roasted meats.
- Frozen treats – Freeze in ice cube trays for quick, fruity snacks or popsicles.
- Sauce for cinnamon toast – Spread over toast and sprinkle with cinnamon for a quick breakfast.
- Mix with other fruits – Combine with pears, peaches, or berries for a creative fruit sauce or dessert topping.
More Cozy Fall Recipes
Looking for more ways to enjoy the flavors of fall? Try these simple, seasonal favorites that are perfect for cozy mornings, snacks, and family meals:
- Oatmeal Cookies – Soft, chewy, and full of warm spices, these cookies are perfect with a cup of tea or as an after-school treat.
- Cinnamon Swirl Bread – Sweet, aromatic, and lightly spiced, this bread makes cozy breakfasts or an easy snack any time of day.
- Low-Sugar Blueberry Muffins – Naturally sweetened with fresh blueberries, these muffins are a wholesome, fruity treat that’s great for breakfast or lunchboxes.
Save This Recipe
Save this recipe in your recipe binder and on Pinterest using the image below.
Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 6–8 apples peeled and chopped
- ½ cup water or cider
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp cinnamon
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks for even cooking.
- Cook the apples: Place the apples, water (or cider), cinnamon, and lemon juice in a large saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
- Simmer until soft: Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender.
- Mash or blend: Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for a smoother texture.
- Cool and store: Let the applesauce cool, then transfer it to airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- Apple varieties: Use any mix of sweet and tart apples. Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, Cortland, Jonathan, and Granny Smith all work well.
- Chunky vs. smooth: Mash the apples for a chunky texture or blend for smooth applesauce.
- Sweetness: This is naturally sweet, but you can add 1–3 tablespoons of sugar if desired.
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