Simple Homemade Applesauce

Applesauce might seem difficult to make at home, but trust me when I say it’s never been easier and more worthwhile. The freshness, taste, and simplicity will keep you coming back for more, and is like no other!

Why We Love This Recipe For Simple Homemade Applesauce

Applesauce is one of those things that often gets overlooked when thinking about basic recipes to make at home. It might seem efficient and easier to buy your applesauce from the grocery store, but after following this applesauce recipe you’ll understand why I choose to make my own. The title really doesn’t lie in the fact that it truly is simple. Seriously, just apples and water are all you need for this apple sauce recipe. You can always doctor it up after you make it by adding in some cinnamon, honey or maple syrup.

Right now I am tittering with excitement over the fact that there are loads of local apple varieties available. It is early in the season, so I am going gaga for a new one called a Zester! It is great for eating out of hand like its relative the Honeycrisp, which I’ll be all over later in the season, along with the Macouns. At the tail end of the season I’m sure to stock up on Mutsus, which are great storing apples. They are giant golden apples with a rosy blush with loads of crisp floral flavor.

Unlike eating, cooking apples are a different story. One trick my mom learned in the apple business is that when cooking apples, layering flavor is important. So mixing a few different varieties builds a more complex flavor. For apple pie or crisp I like to use at least two varieties. Depending what’s available, I like to choose one more firm variety (like a Granny Smith, Gala or Ginger Gold) and a softer variety (like Paula Red or McIntosh). You can read all about apples and when to use them here in my apple guide!

With that being sauce, McIntosh is by far the best apple to use when learning how to make homemade applesauce. Their texture and tender white flesh allows them to practically melt when cooked with water. Once you get the hang of it, you can always layer with a second apple variety.

Serve the applesauce with Greek yogurt, graham crackers, your favorite tangy cheese, or just as is!

Key Ingredients For This Recipe

Apples

For this applesauce recipe, you’ll need about 4 to 5 pounds of McIntosh apples specifically. Peel and core them, then simmer until they’re completely broken down into deliciously soft and mushy apple pieces.

Additional Ingredients

• 1/2 cup water
• Flavoring such as cinnamon, honey or maple syrup (optional)

Step by Step Instructions to Make This Applesauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep apples

Cut the apples in half and remove seeds and stem with a melon baller or spoon. Cut each half into quarters.

Step 2: Simmer apples

Place the apple quarters in a large heavy-bottomed soup pot with water. Cover with a lid and place over medium heat. Bring the water to a simmer, then reduce heat to medium-low and simmer until the apples are completely broken down.

Step 3: Make applesauce

Process the apples through a food mill, discarding any extra seeds. Alternatively, if you do not have a food mill, peel and core the apples completely before cooking. Continue with the cooking instructions and process with food processor or potato masher until the desired consistency is reached.

Step 4: Serve

Serve the applesauce immediately or store in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.

FAQs and Expert Tips

Additional Apple Recipes to Try

• These Greek Yogurt Apple Streusel Muffins are a nutritious back-to-school snack.
• These Low-Sugar Upside-Down Apple Muffins taste like a much healthier version of tarte tatin or pineapple upside-down cake!
• This moist Apple Cake with Almonds and Maple is one of my favorites.
• My kids love these Apple Walnut Oatmeal Cookies.

Additional Recipes with Applesauce to Try

• My Apple Bread recipe with Cinnamon and Maple Sugar is studded with chunks of fresh apple and is to die for.
• You’d never know this Gluten-Free Applesauce Bundt Snack Cake was gluten-free!
• Apple Protein Pancakes are a great healthy breakfast in pancake form.
• This Gingerbread Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is healthier than most cakes, but definitely not less tasty!
• This moist Morning Glory Maple Coffee Cake can be enjoyed warm with a cup of coffee or tea.