Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe
Homemade unsweetened applesauce made with fresh apples and a little water or cider. Naturally sweet, healthy, and perfect for snacks, baking, or cozy fall meals.
Servings: 4 cups
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.
