Don’t you just love simple things? Applesauce is one of those simple foods that doesn’t require sugar or other ingredients. The apple is the star, as it should be. It is a wonderfully healthy snack or side dish that your family will love. The texture of homemade applesauce can’t be beat with store-bought varieties. It is smooth and creamy like pudding, and absolutely delicious. I started making it for my kids when they were toddlers and they still love it. It is wonderful when your little ones gobble up healthy snacks. I hope you give this a try, you won’t be sorry 😀
Notes
#1 Save the remaining cooking liquid and freeze. Use this for the next batch of apple sauce. You can also drink the cooking liquid. My little ones really enjoy it.
#2 Serve this as a great snack for kids.
#3 Use minimal water and use like apple butter on toast with nut butter and topped with cinnamon
#4 If it is not sweet enough for your taste, you can always add sweetener afterwards.
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. apples (I use whatever organic variety is on special)
- water
- cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Peel and cut the apples into small to medium chunks or slices. Place them in a pot and almost cover with water. I have found that a shallow pot with a large surface works best (I use an enameled cast iron 5 qt braiser and 3 cups of water).
- Cover and cook over medium until they are fork tender (about 25 minutes). Check often to ensure more water isn't needed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes to soak up additional water.
- Using a mesh strainer spoon, gently lift out the apples and place them in a blender. It is important that your blender can blend hot liquids, or you will have to use an immersion blender or let them cool first. Do not add any of the cooking liquid at first. Turn on the blender and add cooking liquid as needed to puree. Blend until very smooth. Let cool and refrigerate up to 5 days. The apple sauce is delicious on its own or with cinnamon.
Antonia, can you believe this, I just made my own applesauce this morning. Identical to yours 🙂
It really is so easy and so much better than the bought ones 🙂 Have a great day further 🙂
That is so funny! Isn’t it wonderful? I hope you have a great day too Lynne!
Love this reminder, Antonia. When I was a kid, we lived next to an old wormy apple orchard. My mom would send us out to get the “least wormy” apples. She’d cut out the bad parts and make applesauce. It was a real treat. I’ve never tried to make apple butter – great idea. I’m going to try it. 🙂
I bet it was amazing Diana, such great memories! Traditional apple butter is cooked differently and usually has sugar and an acid, but this is a nice shortcut. It will taste more on the applesauce side, but is very delicious and healthier. Have a fantastic Thursday!
I love applesauce. Unfortunately, I’m the only one in my family who does. Fresh applesauce is the best!
I do too, it is so delicious. They are missing out 😉 I hope you have an enjoyable day Deborah!
That’s what I tell them! They’re missing out! 🙂
Hope your day is wonderful too!
They really are! Thank you!
I love making homemade applesauce too Antonia! Sometimes I’m lazy and don’t blend it together and just leave it chunky. I can see why your kids enjoy this 🙂 And speaking of apple butter, I actually made some last fall and canned it for Christmas gifts- it was a hit!
It is great chunky too, for sure! Wow, I bet it was good, what a great idea for Christmas gifts! Have a fantastic Thursday Heather!
Simple is best for sure! yumm
It really is, and lets you experience the taste of the fruit. Have a wonderful Thursday Lynn!
yes that is always best Antonia!
It really is!
Simple and delicious Antonia!! Love the idea about saving the cooking liquid for a drink– would be good warm! Fun recipe for this time of year… thanks! xo
My kids call it apple water and love it 😀 Thank you Rhonda! Have a fantastic day!
Homemade applesauce is one of my favorites!! Yours looks perfect.
Thank you Josette! Have a wonderful end to your week!
I made some apple sauce last year in the fall when my friends tree was loaded with apple. They were kind of tart apples which I like anyway. I added very little sugar to the sauce and some I added some cinnamon. My friends want the recipe for this year. Your recipe sound yummy
Thank you Joseph! Fall is a great time to make lots of it! Have a fantastic Friday 😀
🙂
Antonia,
I just made a cake using apple sauce! Putting it on the blog tomorrow.
Love your photos! The colors of the apple and applesauce both look spectacular!
I look forward to checking it out. I love baked goods with apple sauce. Thank you for your kind words Sandhya! Have a great end to your week!
Wishing you a fabulous weekend too Antonia!
Thank you 😀
This is definitely a keeper Antonia. I love homemade applesauce but never think to make my own except in the fall. Need to go get me some apples!
Thanks Julie! It’s funny, my son doesn’t like any applesauce but mine. I think he is being spoiled..lol! I hope you get a chance to try it out 😀 Have a fantastic Friday!
Homemade is always the best! Looks lovely, Antonia 🙂
I completely agree 😀 Thank you Freda, and have a great end to your week!
Great post. I always have a jar of homemade apple sauce in my fridge. I cook it regularly, and use with everything from meat to desserts.
Thanks Inese! That’s awesome, it is such a great addition to most meals and as a snack. My kids keep me making it. It is great motivation to always have it on hand 😀
I make my own applesauce (my Grandmother’s recipe) every Fall with Cortland apples and can a bushel or two. There is nothing but the apples in mine – no sugar or spices!
That’s great 😀 Have a nice Sunday!
I’m not sure anyone in the UK eats apple sauce on its own – though I could be wrong about that. Most people have it as an accompaniment to roast pork, as part of a full roast dinner. The different uses are interesting.
That’s interesting Millie. It is perfect with roasted meat. We eat it here with meals, but also as a snack, especially kids. I prefer mine with some nuts on the side.
We LOVE applesauce in my house and make lots of it in the fall when our Virginia apples are everywhere. Now it’s hard to find good local apples here and I miss it. Thanks for posting. It was a lovely reminder!
Isn’t it awesome when apples are in season locally? We find some nice apples from the West coast at Whole Foods, but nothing beats the apples in fall! You are so sweet, you’re welcome Christina! Have a wonderful day 😀
Homemade apple sauce s always best.. looks great😊
Thanks Vidya 😀 Yes, I agree! Have a wonderful day!
Hope your down time is being spent on vacation. Looking forward to your return.
Thank you Dr Jonathan, and I am so sorry for the late response. I have had to take a break for some family matters, but nothing bad. Thank you for your kind words. I will begin posting again next week 🙂 Have a wonderful week!
This is a great recipe. I am so excited to prepare a homemade apple sauce! 🙂
Thank you so much Agness, and I hope you enjoy it! I am so sorry for the late response, I have been away for a little while. Have a fantastic day!
I have been meaning to make home made apple sauce ….for so long….ahem!
I hope you enjoy it! My kids ask for it all the time 😀 Have a great day!
Looks soooooo yummy….
Thanks Swapna! Have a wonderful day!
My Maa used to make this applesauce for my sister and me. My son is not really very fond of apples so I never tried it. The recipe seems to be nostalgic to me…bringing back the smell of childhood… 🙂
Sounds like great memories! Have a wonderful rest of your week! 😀
This is also the way, I make it at home. This is the best way, I must say!
I agree, just apples and water! I hope you have had a great summer!