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Homemade Applesauce

A close-up of a white bowl filled with chunky, spiced homemade applesauce.

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A simple and natural recipe for making delicious applesauce from fresh apples.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 pounds apples (about 1012 medium), such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or a mix
  • 1 cup water
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Wash and core the apples. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother sauce, or leave the peels on for extra color and nutrients. Cut the apples into quarters.
  2. Place the apple pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Add the water, sugar (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice (if using) to the pot.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. Stir occasionally.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat.
  7. Mash the apples with a potato masher for a chunky texture, or use an immersion blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.
  8. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.
  9. Let the applesauce cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
  • If you prefer a very smooth applesauce, you can strain it through a fine-mesh sieve after mashing.
  • Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.

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