Fresh Applesauce Recipe

Name: Fresh Applesauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 8
Ingredients: 3 pounds apples - peeled, cored and chopped; 3 cups water; 1 cup white sugar; 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Apple Sauce

This homemade apple sauce is simple to prepare, deliciously sweet, and perfect as a side or topping for many dishes. Follow these easy steps for a smooth, flavorful result!

Ingredients

3 pounds apples - peeled, cored, and chopped
3 cups water (or as needed)
1 cup white sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice

Directions

Gather all the ingredients.
Place the apples in a large saucepan and just cover them with water.
Simmer over medium-low heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are tender.
Once the apples are soft, run them through a food mill or blender to puree them.
Stir in the sugar and lemon juice, then cook over medium heat for 3 to 5 minutes, until the sugar dissolves and the sauce thickens.
Remove from heat and let it cool before serving. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts

Per Serving (1/8 of the recipe):

Calories	186
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	5mg
Total Carbohydrates	49g
Dietary Fiber	4g
Total Sugars	43g
Protein	1g
Vitamin C	8mg (9% DV)
Calcium	13mg (1% DV)
Iron	0mg (1% DV)
Potassium	186mg (4% DV)

Fresh Applesauce Recipe

FAQ about Fresh Applesauce Recipe

Homemade applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, consider freezing the applesauce in freezer-safe containers or jars, where it can last for 6 to 12 months.

Yes, you can can applesauce. For safe canning, ensure you follow proper sterilization and sealing procedures. After cooking the applesauce, pour it into sterilized jars while hot, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Process the jars in a water bath for 15 minutes, or follow local guidelines for altitude adjustments.

Yes, you can use a variety of apples depending on your flavor preference. Sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp will result in a sweeter applesauce, while tart apples like Granny Smith or Jonathan will give a more tangy taste. Mixing sweet and tart apples can provide a balanced flavor.

Peeling the apples is optional. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can leave the peels on, especially if you are using a food mill or blender. Some people also prefer to leave the skins on for added nutrients and fiber. Just be sure to remove the seeds and core.

Yes, you can adjust the sugar level according to your taste preferences. If you are using very sweet apples, you may not need much sugar at all. Alternatively, you can use honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute if you'd like a healthier option.

The cooking time for applesauce is about 15 to 20 minutes. You should simmer the apples in water until they are tender. After that, you can blend or mash them to your desired consistency. If you're using a slow cooker, it may take 4-6 hours on low.

Yes, you can add spices such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or even cloves to enhance the flavor of your applesauce. Add these spices to taste, but be careful not to overpower the natural apple flavor. You can also experiment with other seasonings like vanilla or ginger.

To make chunky applesauce, simply mash the cooked apples with a potato masher or use a hand blender for a rougher texture. You can also choose not to blend or puree the apples fully for a more rustic, chunkier consistency.

Yes, applesauce freezes very well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Leave some space for expansion, as the applesauce will thicken and expand when frozen. It can be stored in the freezer for 6 to 12 months.

Leftover applesauce can be used in a variety of ways! You can mix it into oatmeal, use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, bake it into muffins or cakes, or even serve it as a side dish with roasted meats. It can also be a great base for smoothies.

Comments

Rebecca Parker

06/29/2024 02:05:51 PM

I made this delicious apple dessert using my slow cooker and fresh apples from my farm. I used 3 pounds of apples, cored, peeled, and cut into chunks, added 1/2 cup of sugar, 1/2 cup of water, 1/2 teaspoon of vanilla, and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Cooked on high for 4-5 hours, it turned out absolutely perfect!

Debra Hernandez

11/04/2023 04:31:03 PM

Made some adjustments by reducing the sugar, adding cinnamon, and using an apple corer. Skipped chopping the apples before boiling and instead strained out excess water after cooking. Mixed in sugar and lemon juice, then used a pastry blender to cut the pieces. The final result was delicious. Definitely planning to make it again.

Christopher Miller

10/13/2023 02:24:49 PM

Absolutely delicious! We made a wonderful apple sauce without any added sugar. Simply cooked the apples with a cinnamon stick and a few pieces of candied ginger, then blended in some canned crushed pineapple and lemon juice. So flavorful!

Maria Rivera

04/18/2024 01:08:37 AM

I had never attempted to make applesauce before, but this recipe quickly became my favorite this autumn. I made it using 8 pounds of freshly picked sweet and tart apples. I used a smoothie maker to puree them, resulting in a wonderful consistency. I didn't add any sugar, just 1/2 teaspoon of nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon of cinnamon, and the juice of half a lemon. Draining the apples as suggested by others was a great tip. I saved some of the leftover water, refrigerated it, and used it in place of regular water to make morning oatmeal and cream of wheat. My children absolutely love this applesauce! Thank you for sharing this easy and delicious recipe.

Brandon Flores

10/23/2023 02:47:10 PM

Fantastic and convenient recipe that can be enjoyed immediately, frozen, or canned. For the past 20 years, I have been peeling and coring my apples, then placing them in the microwave with 1/4 cup of water for 11-12 minutes on high. Once done, simply take the bowl out of the oven, mash the apples, and add sugar and spices to taste. My family prefers the applesauce to have a chunkier texture. Sometimes, instead of sugar and cinnamon, I throw in a handful of Red Hots candy for a unique twist and a lovely rosy color. This year, I used Honey Crisp apples, and the results were absolutely delicious!

Joshua King

03/10/2023 09:58:50 PM

I highly recommend skipping the sugar entirely, particularly if you're using a sweet apple variety. No sugar is necessary at all. I prefer using apple cider instead of water and reducing the liquid to a maximum of 1 cup. The preparation is incredibly simple: core and peel the apples, place them in a crockpot, and cook overnight on low. There's no need to stir, just allow it to cook untouched.

Carol Adams

03/05/2024 10:18:26 AM

This recipe is fantastic and reminds me of my mom's cooking. I sliced and cored the apples, added enough water to cover them, and cooked them down. I'm not sure what kind of apples they were as they came from a friend's tree. After cooking them, I ran everything through a food mill, returned it to the pot, and then added 1/3 cup of sugar and 2 tablespoons of fresh squeezed lemon juice. Next time, I might use only 1/4 cup of sugar. The end result was absolutely delicious!