Homemade Applesauce Recipe

A glass jar filled with smooth, golden applesauce. It's open with a metal clasp and surrounded by a green-striped cloth and an assortment of apples. A small white bowl with applesauce is blurred in the background.

With just a few minutes of prep, you'll have this delicious unsweetened homemade applesauce recipe simmering on the stove made with fresh apples cinnamon, and no added sugar. Not only does Unsweetened Applesauce taste amazing, but it will make your house smell wonderful!

Gina Dickson

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 35

Total Time 50

Serving Size servings - about 5 cups total

Ingredients

4 pounds apples a mix of Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala or your preferred varieties
¾ cup water
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Prep the Apples

Peel, core, and slice the apples into 1-inch chunks.
4 pounds apples

Cook the Apples

In a large saucepan, combine the apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
¾ cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and start to break down.

Mash or Blend

Use a potato masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender (or food processor) for a smoother applesauce.

Serve

Serve warm or chilled.

Notes

Tips and Variations

Add a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for extra warmth, dried cranberries for a twist, or a splash of vanilla extract after blending for a touch of sweetness.

Replace cinnamon with pumpkin spice or a few pinches of powdered ginger for a different flavor profile.

Use lime juice or apple cider vinegar instead of lemon juice to balance the sweetness of apples.

To follow the low-sugar diet, use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.

Leave some chunks for a rustic vibe or blend thoroughly for a velvety texture that's perfect for spreading or swirling into yogurt.

Skip the cinnamon and add a pinch of salt to serve alongside pork chops or roasted veggies.

Nutrition Facts