With just four simple ingredients, no added sugar and no need to peel, you can make your own healthy unsweetened applesauce in under an hour. You'll love this delicious way to use up your extra apples.
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Oh autumn. The smell of fallen leaves, cozy sweaters, pumpkin everything and an over abundance of apples.
I'll never complain about having pounds upon pounds of apples gifted to me from my neighbour's tree. From Apple Crisp to Apple Pancakes to Apple Grilled Cheese, it's a "problem" I look forward to eagerly.
But a person can only consume so many apples in a day...
And it would be such a shame for any of them to go to waste...
Enter this homemade unsweetened applesauce! Requiring so very little prep (you don't even need to peel the apples) and less than an hour of your time, it is a great way to preserve your extra apple crop.
And as a bonus, your house will smell like the epitome of fall while this homemade applesauce cooks.
But I'll warn you, once you taste your own applesauce, your days of eating the stuff from the grocery store will be ruined (sorry, not sorry).
The Ingredients
- Apples- 1 pound (450 g) of apples yields about 2 and ½ cups when cut up.
What Type of Apple to Use
Since they are the main ingredient, the kind of apples that you use matters. When choosing what apple to use for applesauce, here are a few tips:
- Use good apples that you like the taste of
- Try out a variety of sweet and tart apples
- Sweet Apples- Honey Crisp, Gala, Ambrosia, Pink Lady
- Tart Apples- Granny Smith
- Use organic apples (I'm jealous if they are from your own tree!)
- Peel the apples if they are coated in edible wax
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Water- Keep an eye on the apple sauce as it is cooking and add a few more splashes of water if it seems dry.
The Method
1. Prepare apples. Because we are using the apple peels, it is important to wash the fruit well before you start. Core and cut them into large chunks that are all around the same size (I usually quarter and then halve the quarters). Add to a large pot with the spices and water.
2. Simmer. Cook over medium-low heat for 25-40 minutes, stirring every 5-10 minutes until softened.
3. Blend. I prefer to use an immersion blender and puree the cooked apples all in the pot. If you don't have one, allow it to cool a bit and then transfer to a blender or food processor.
Leftovers
To Store: Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
To Freeze: Leave 1 inch (2 cm) room at the top of your container as the applesauce will expand as it freezes. Freeze for up to 3 months.
Make it Your Own
Use this unsweetened applesauce recipe as a starting point but feel free to add your own spin depending on your personal preference!
- Brighten it up- Add some fresh lemon juice and lemon zest- about 1 teaspoon juice and a pinch of zest per pound (450 g) of apples.
- Sweeten it- Taste and add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup, brown sugar or honey per pound of apples.
- Make Chunky Applesauce- Peel the apples (since they won't be getting pureed) and cook as directed. Once cooked, use a potato masher to achieve your desired consistency.
- Turn it into Apple Butter- Puree the applesauce and then return it to the pot. Cook over medium low for 30-60 additional minutes, stirring often until thickened.
Ways to Use Homemade Applesauce
I'm personally a huge fan of this applesauce all on its own for breakfast or a healthy snack, but there are a lot of other ways to enjoy it!
- Use it in baking such as in Honey Spice Zucchini Muffins
- Mix it with Honey Cinnamon Granola or Maple Walnut Granola (Kind of like Apple Crisp for Breakfast!)
- Spread it on a grilled cheese sandwich
- Make Apple Cinnamon Overnight Oats or simply stir it into oatmeal
- Add it to a smoothie
- Serve it over vanilla ice cream
- Use it in Carrot Apple Soup
- Make some Turnip Casserole
- Serve it alongside Pork Chops
Use organic apples that you enjoy the taste of! Since we aren't adding sweetener, the apples will provide all of the sweetness. If you use very tart apples, you will have a very tart applesauce. I personally love applesauce made with honey crisp, pink lady or ambrosia apples.
No, not if you use organic apples. However, it is important to ensure that the apples that you are using are not coated in edible wax. Most non-organic apples at the store are- that's why they are so shiny. If you are using these, you will need to peel the apples before making them into sauce.
Dietary Notes
If you have dietary restrictions, check the packaging of specific ingredients that you use to ensure they are compliant. This recipe is:
- Dairy Free
- Gluten Free
- Nut Free
- Paleo
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
And if you liked this recipe...
...you might also like these other apple recipes!
Apple Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 lb apples 2-3 cups chopped
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg
- 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a pot, cover and heat over medium low.
- Allow mixture to simmer for 25-40 minutes until apples are tender, stirring occasionally and adding more water if needed.
- Using an immersion blender, puree to preferred consistency.
- Taste and add sweetener if desired.
- Enjoy on its own or use in any recipes that call for applesauce.
Carrie Robinson
Homemade applesauce is always the best! Can't wait to for apple season to make this recipe. 🙂
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Carrie!
Mahy
What a great consistency! Definitely one of the best ways to make apple sauce at home!
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Mahy!
Elaine
Well, I am already thinking of so many great dishes I could use this apple sauce with. It looks absolutely yummy!
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Elaine!
Laressa
love this on some fresh sourdough bread!
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoy this recipe, Laressa!
Casey
SOO easy! I used Honeycrisp apples and I didn't need any additional sweetener! It was perfect!
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Casey!
nancy
i love this unsweetened applesauce as i find store bought normally are way too sweet. homemade is always best without preservatives
Janessa
Thank you for your kind review, Nancy!
ChihYu
Love this apple sauce! So delicious! Way better than store bought and so good to add to all the recipes!
Janessa
I'm glad you liked this recipe, ChihYu!
Stacey
This is so simple to make & perfect for use in baked goods, sauces, or just by itself. Love the touch of nutmeg!
Janessa
I'm glad you liked this applesauce, Stacey!
tina
Thank you for such a delicious healthy applesauce! Love that I don't have to peel!
Janessa
Thank you for your kind comment, Tina!
Donny
I never bothered making my own applesauce because I never wanted to peel that many apples. So glad I came across your recipe! This was so easy!
Janessa
I'm glad you enjoyed this recipe, Donny!