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Applesauce Recipe

Taste the crisp autumn air in every spoonful! This homemade applesauce recipe is incredibly easy, using apples straight from your tree (or the store!). Choose your texture – chunky and rustic with a potato masher, or perfectly smooth using a food mill. A touch of cinnamon and lemon elevates this classic comfort food to unforgettable deliciousness. Perfect warm with vanilla ice cream or chilled as a refreshing snack. Freezes beautifully for enjoyment all year round!

Prep Time 20 mins
Cook Time 45 mins
Calories 200.3 kcal
Protein 1g
Rating 5.0 (4 Reviews)
Applesauce

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Recipe Author

Chef Forktionary, author of this recipe

Passionate home cook & Forktionary contributor.

Ingredients for Applesauce

  • 4 pounds of apples (about 8-10 medium apples), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • Lemon Peel
  • Lemon, Juice Of
  • 2 cinnamon sticks
  • Dark Brown Sugar
  • White Sugar
  • 1/2 cup water
  • Salt

How to Make Applesauce

  1. Peel, core, and chop 4 pounds of apples (about 8-10 medium apples).
  2. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, 1/2 cup of water, 2 cinnamon sticks, and 1 lemon peel (zest and juice).
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-30 minutes, or until apples are very tender. Stir occasionally.
  5. Carefully remove cinnamon sticks and lemon peel.
  6. For chunky applesauce: Use a potato masher to gently mash the apples to your desired consistency.
  7. For smooth applesauce: Process the cooked apples through a food mill for a completely smooth texture.
  8. Taste and adjust sweetness by adding 1/4 cup of sugar or maple syrup (optional).
  9. Serve warm or cold. Enjoy with vanilla ice cream or as a side dish!
  10. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, or freeze for up to one year.

Chef's Tip for Extra Flavor

Chef's secret: layers of flavor make a dish truly memorable! Consider what a little extra something could bring – perhaps a touch of acidity like a good vinegar or citrus zest, a hint of smokiness from paprika, a bit of umami from mushrooms or soy sauce, or a sprinkle of toasted nuts for texture. Experiment and taste as you go!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

176g

Fat

0g

Carbs

17g

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

60 Minutes Or Less Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Preparation Occasion Desserts Lunch Snacks Fruit Easy Fall Seasonal Inexpensive Apples 3 Steps Or Less