A simple and natural recipe for making delicious applesauce from fresh apples.
Author:oliviarosewood
Prep Time:15 min
Cook Time:30 min
Total Time:45 min
Yield:6 cups1x
Category:Dessert
Method:Stovetop
Cuisine:American
Diet:Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
4 pounds apples (about 10–12 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
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.
Place the apple pieces in a large pot or Dutch oven.
Add the water, sugar (if using), cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice (if using) to the pot.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
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.
Remove the pot from the heat.
Mash the apples with a potato masher for a chunky texture, or use an immersion blender or food processor for a smoother consistency.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Add more sugar, cinnamon, or nutmeg if desired.
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.