Homemade Applesauce Recipe
This homemade applesauce recipe features peeled apples simmered with cinnamon, sugar, and water until soft, then mashed to the desired consistency. A simple and comforting classic.
Servings
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples such as Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, Jonathan, or McIntosh, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 3/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated white sugar adjust to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon or one 3-inch cinnamon stick
Instructions
Prepare the apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking.
Combine ingredients in a saucepan:
- Place the chopped apples in a large saucepan along with the water, sugar, and either the ground cinnamon or cinnamon stick. Stir gently to combine.
Simmer the mixture:
- Cover the saucepan with a lid and bring the contents to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow the mixture to simmer gently for 20 to 30 minutes, or until the apples are soft and easily pierced with a fork.
Mash to desired consistency:
- Remove the saucepan from heat. Discard the cinnamon stick if used. Using a potato masher or fork, mash the softened apples to achieve the desired texture—either chunky or smooth. For a finer consistency, an immersion blender may be used.
Cool and serve or store:
- Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. Alternatively, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container for refrigeration.
Notes
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. However, to ensure safety for individuals with celiac disease or gluten sensitivity, verify that all packaged ingredients—particularly ground cinnamon and pre-cut apples, if used—are certified gluten-free and processed in facilities free from cross-contamination.