Homemade Applesauce

Learn the easiest way to make a batch of Homemade Applesauce, with six flavor options, in less than 30 minutes. It’s delicious, versatile, and easy to store for future meals and snacks.

Homemade Applesauce

I sometimes buy applesauce pouches and jarred applesauce at the store, but when apples are in season and I can get them for a low price, making applesauce at home is a favorite option. This method, which involves simply simmering diced apples until soft on the stove, is fast and delivers consistently great results.

You can store it in a jar in the fridge to serve as a side or snack, or you can portion it into reusable pouches for the kids.

It also works on its own, or you can try one of the yummy flavor combinations I have including cinnamon, strawberry, peach, vanilla, and maple.

(The jars shown above are from WeeSprout. Find Recipes that Use Applesauce if you have leftovers to use up.)

Ingredients You Need

To make this applesauce recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients.

• Apples: You can use any apple you like for this, though ones that taste good fresh will have the best flavor here. Varieties such as Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Sweet Tango, and more are our favorite types to use. You can do a combination of apple types, too, just know that they may not cook at exactly the same rate (so you might need to cook a little longer).
• Optional: You can add a little lemon juice to boost the flavor. You can add ground cinnamon or apple pie spice, a handful of strawberries or peaches, some vanilla extract, or optional sweeteners maple syrup as you like to vary the flavor. All of those are optional. The base recipe is for classic applesauce.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the method involved in making this apple recipe. Scroll to the end of the post for the specifics including the amounts and the timing.

1. Peel the apples (if peeling), and dice into even pieces. (More or less, it doesn’t need to be perfect.
2. Add to a large pot with the water and bring to a simmer.
3. Cover and cook until soft, stirring occasionally. Stirring will help the apple break down. You can also mash with a potato masher or the back of a spoon to reach the desired consistency for chunky applesauce. Or you can puree smoothly in a blender.
4. Serve or store. Or use in a favorite recipe.

Applesauce Flavor Variations

Here are some easy ways to customize the flavor of this applesauce for your family.

• Cinnamon Applesauce: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the finished applesauce.
• Strawberry Applesauce: Replace 1 cup of apples with 1 cup of strawberries and prepare the recipe as directed.
• Peach Applesauce: Replace 1 cup of apples with 1 cup of peaches and prepare the recipe as directed.
• Vanilla Applesauce: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the finished applesauce.
• Maple Applesauce: Add 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup to the finished applesauce.

How to Store

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container or in an ice cube tray or reusable pouches.

Let thaw in the fridge before serving.

Product We love

WeeSprout Reusable Pouches

This set of pouches comes in 3 sizes and is fridge and freezer-friendly. They’re also easy to clean!

Best Tips for Success

I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate it and comment below.

• Wash, dry, and peel the apples. Discard the peel and core. Roughly chop into 1-inch pieces.

• Add to a medium pot with 1½ cups water.

• Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the apples are breaking down and soft. (If the mixture is rapidly boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low.)

• Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice if using. Turn off heat.

• Mash with a potato masher or with the back of a wooden spoon. Or, let cool slightly and puree with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender to blend very smooth. (If using a regular blender, allow some steam to escape as you blend to avoid an explosion.)

• Serve or store.

• Cinnamon Applesauce: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the applesauce.
• Strawberry Applesauce: Replace 1 cup of apples with 1 cup of strawberries and prepare the recipe as directed.
• Peach Applesauce: Replace 1 cup of apples with 1 cup of peaches and prepare the recipe as directed.
• Vanilla Applesauce: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the finished applesauce.
• Maple Applesauce: Add 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup to the finished applesauce.
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container or in an ice cube tray or reusable pouches. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.

• Use apples that taste good fresh for the best flavor.
• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brighter flavor.
• You can mix apple types, just know they may not cook at exactly the same rate. (So you may need to cook a little longer.)
• Stir a few times during cooking to help the apples cook evenly.
• If the applesauce is boiling rapidly when the pot is covered, turn down the heat slightly. You want it to simmer to avoid it cooking too quickly or burning.
• Serve in a bowl with a spoon or in a reusable pouch.

Serving: 0.5cup, Calories: 157kcal, Carbohydrates: 42g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 0.1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 3mg, Potassium: 324mg, Fiber: 7g, Sugar: 31g, Vitamin A: 163IU, Vitamin C: 14mg, Calcium: 18mg, Iron: 0.4mg

This post was first published September 2022.