Homemade Applesauce is Super Simple

sugar

🥗Healthier: honey

💰Cheaper: maple syrup

Honey adds sweetness with fewer calories.

cinnamon

🥗Healthier: nutmeg

💰Cheaper: pumpkin pie spice

Nutmeg provides a warm flavor similar to cinnamon.

Peel the apples.

Remove the core from the apples.

Chop the apples into even pieces.

Add the chopped apples to a large pot or Dutch oven.

Add 1 cup of water to the pot with the apples.

Add 3 tablespoons of granulated sugar to the pot.

Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to the pot.

Add 2 cinnamon sticks to the pot.

Stir the mixture until combined.

Turn the stove to medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer.

Reduce the heat to maintain a simmer and cover the pot with a lid.

Simmer the apples for 20 to 30 minutes until tender, checking halfway through and stirring.

Test the apples for tenderness with a fork; if they resist, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

Remove the pot from heat and take out the cinnamon sticks if used.

Use an immersion blender to puree the apples to desired consistency, or use a potato masher for a lumpier texture.

Taste the applesauce and adjust sweetness or cinnamon as desired.

Let the applesauce cool before storing.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: