This easy homemade applesauce recipe is made on the stovetop with a few simple ingredients. The apples cook with a small amount of water until soft, then you can mash them for a chunky texture or blend them until smooth.
The sweetness depends on the apples you use. Taste the applesauce after cooking before adding any sugar, and add cinnamon only if you want a little extra flavor.
This guide shows you which apples work well, how much water to start with, how to adjust the texture, and how to store the applesauce after it cools.
Ingredients for Homemade Applesauce
You only need a few simple ingredients to make this homemade applesauce:
- 3 pounds apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Sweeter apples can also help reduce the need for added sugar.
- ⅓ cup water: Start with a small amount. The apples will release some juice as they cook, and you can add a little more water if the pan starts to look dry.
- 2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice: Adds a little brightness and helps balance the flavor.
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional: Add it for a warm cinnamon flavor, or leave it out for plain applesauce.
- 1 to 2 tablespoons sugar, optional: Taste the applesauce after cooking and add sugar only if the apples need it.
What Are the Best Apples for Applesauce?
You can make applesauce with many types of apples, but a mix of sweet and tart apples usually gives the best balance of flavor.
Sweet Apples
Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious are good choices if you want a naturally sweeter applesauce. Using sweet apples can also reduce the need for added sugar.
Tart Apples
Granny Smith apples add a brighter, more tart flavor. They work well when mixed with sweeter apples, but using too many may make the applesauce more tart.
For a balanced homemade applesauce, try using a mix of sweet and tart apples instead of just one type.
How to Make Applesauce
Making applesauce on the stovetop is simple. The main thing is to cook the apples until they are very soft before mashing or blending them.
1. Prep the Apples
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into about 1-inch pieces. Keeping the pieces close in size helps them cook more evenly.
2. Cook Until Tender
Add the apples and ⅓ cup water to a large saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
Lower the heat as needed and cook for about 20 to 25 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the apples are very soft and easy to mash.
Start with only ⅓ cup water because the apples will release some juice as they cook. If the pan starts to look dry before the apples are soft, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water at a time.
3. Mash or Blend
Remove the pan from the heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher for a chunky texture, or blend them until smooth.
4. Adjust the Flavor
Stir in the lemon juice and cinnamon, if using. Taste the applesauce before adding any sugar.
If the applesauce tastes too tart, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, taste again, and add more only if needed.
How to Control the Texture and Consistency
The texture of homemade applesauce is easy to adjust. You can keep it chunky, make it smooth, or change the thickness after cooking.
For Chunky Applesauce
Use a potato masher and mash the cooked apples until you reach the texture you like. Leave a few small pieces if you want a chunkier applesauce.
For Smooth Applesauce
Use an immersion blender to blend the apples until smooth. You can also use a regular blender, but let the applesauce cool slightly and blend carefully.
If Your Applesauce Is Too Thick
Add a small amount of water and stir well. Start with 1 tablespoon at a time so you do not make it too thin.
If Your Applesauce Is Too Thin
Return the applesauce to low heat and cook it uncovered for a few minutes. Stir often until some of the extra liquid cooks off and the applesauce reaches the texture you want.
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Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: About 4 cups 1x
Description
This easy homemade applesauce is made on the stovetop with simple ingredients. Keep it chunky or blend it smooth, and adjust the sweetness to taste.
Ingredients
3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and cut into about 1-inch pieces
⅓ cup water, plus more if needed
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional
1 to 2 tablespoons granulated sugar, optional
Instructions
- Peel and core the apples, then cut them into about 1-inch pieces.
- Add the apples and ⅓ cup water to a large saucepan. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.
- Lower the heat as needed and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring from time to time, until the apples are very soft and easy to mash. If the pan starts to look dry before the apples are soft, add 1 to 2 tablespoons of water at a time.
- Remove the pan from the heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher for chunky applesauce, or blend until smooth.
- Stir in the lemon juice and cinnamon, if using.
- Taste before adding sugar. If the applesauce is too tart, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir, and taste again. Add more only if needed.
- If the applesauce is too thick, stir in a little water. If it is too thin, return it to low heat and cook uncovered for a few minutes, stirring often, until it reaches the texture you want.
Notes
For a balanced flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
Sweeter apples may not need any added sugar, so taste the applesauce before sweetening it.
For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender.
Store cooled applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
Nutrition
- Serving Size: about ½ cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 17 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0.3 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 0.5 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
Does Homemade Applesauce Need Sugar?
Not always. Some apples are naturally sweet enough, especially varieties like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Golden Delicious.
Taste the applesauce after cooking before adding any sugar. If it tastes too tart, add 1 tablespoon of sugar, stir, and taste again before adding more.
Using a mix of sweet and tart apples is a good way to keep the flavor balanced without making the applesauce too sweet.
Ways to Use Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce can be served in several simple ways.
- Enjoy it on its own as a snack or side dish.
- Spoon it over oatmeal or yogurt.
- Serve it with pancakes or waffles.
- Use it in recipes that specifically call for applesauce.
If you want to use applesauce in baking, follow a recipe that is written for it instead of replacing another ingredient at random. For another simple homemade ingredient to keep on hand, try this homemade pumpkin puree.
Storage and Freezing
Let the applesauce cool before storing it.
Refrigerator
Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Freezer
For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for it to expand. For the best quality, use it within 8 to 10 months.
Thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator before serving.
If you want to can applesauce for shelf-stable storage, follow a tested canning recipe from the National Center for Home Food Preservation.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. You can make applesauce with the peels on, but peeling the apples gives the applesauce a smoother texture. For this recipe, peel the apples before cooking so they are easy to mash or blend.
No. You can make applesauce without lemon juice, but a small amount helps balance the sweetness of the apples. This recipe uses just 2 teaspoons, so the lemon flavor stays mild.
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