This homemade applesauce recipe is so quick and easy to make, and tastes absolutely amazing! I love that it’s made with just 4 simple ingredients (apples, apple cider, brown sugar, and cinnamon) and no nasty additives. Plus, I can make it as chunky or as smooth as my kids like, which has been changing almost daily lately!

A bowl of homemade applesauce with cinnamon sticks and apples.

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I don’t know why I never thought of making homemade applesauce before. I’ve been buying the store-bought stuff for so long that it’s almost automatic for me to grab a couple of jars every time I go to the store. It’s so much cheaper to buy a big bag of apples and make it myself, though, and it tastes so much better!

What’s in This Homemade Applesauce Recipe?

  • Apples: You’ll need 4 pounds of apples for this recipe. Choose an apple variety that works well in cooking recipes. Try fuji, granny smith, or gala. Removing the peels results in a smoother sauce.
  • Apple Cider: Make sure to use apple cider, and not apple cider vinegar!
  • Sugar: Brown sugar adds a rich sweetness. The sweeter the apples are, the less sugar you will need.
  • Cinnamon: A whole cinnamon stick infuses this applesauce with warmth.
Close up on a bowl of applesauce.
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Tips for Success

  • Make sure to use perfectly ripe apples for the best texture.
  • Cook the apples over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. A gentle simmer ensures even cooking.
  • For a smoother applesauce, transfer the mixture to a food processor and process until smooth.
  • Taste the sauce as you go. You can add more sweetener or spices if needed.
  • To prevent oxidation/browning, mix in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the finished sauce.

How to Store and Reheat

Store leftover homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Enjoy chilled, room temperature, or slightly warmed.

Freeze applesauce in small portions in airtight containers or Ziplock bags for up to 6 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before enjoying.

Applesauce in bowls with cinnamon sticks and apples.

Serving Suggestions

This homemade applesauce recipe is so versatile, and it’s one of my favorite ways to use up apples. It swirls seamlessly into oatmeal, replaces oil in your favorite chocolate chip cookies, and adds a hint of sweetness to potato pancakes or pork chops. And it’s one of the best side dishes to serve with kids’ lunches or dinners–they always love it!

Recipe Card

Homemade Applesauce Recipe

5 from 1 vote
Prep: 10 minutes
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: 30 minutes
Servings: 8 cups
Author: Laurel Perry
A bowl of applesauce with cinnamon sticks and apples.
You only need 4 ingredients to make this fresh homemade applesauce recipe, with the perfect cinnamon and brown sugar flavor!
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Ingredients 

  • 4 pounds apples peeled, cored, and cubed
  • 1 cup apple cider not apple cider vinegar!
  • ¼-½ cup brown sugar
  • 1 whole cinnamon stick

Instructions 

  • Add all the ingredients to a pot and bring it to a simmer.
    4 pounds apples, 1 cup apple cider, ¼-½ cup brown sugar, 1 whole cinnamon stick
    Apple crumble in a slow cooker.
  • Cook, stirring occasionally until the apples are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.
    Sliced apples in a slow cooker on a gray surface.
  • Discard the cinnamon stick and use a potato masher to mash the applesauce to your desired consistency.
    A slow cooker filled with mashed potatoes.
  • Serve warm or refrigerate before serving.

Video

Becky’s Tips

Yield: This recipe yields approx. 2 quarts of applesauce. A serving is 1 cup.
Storage: Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Serving: 1cupCalories: 158kcalCarbohydrates: 41gProtein: 1gFat: 0.4gSaturated Fat: 0.1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.02gSodium: 5mgPotassium: 282mgFiber: 6gSugar: 33gVitamin A: 123IUVitamin C: 11mgCalcium: 23mgIron: 0.4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Did you make this? Leave a comment!

How to Make Applesauce Step by Step

Simmer the Apples: Add 4 pounds of peeled, cored, and cubed apples; 1 cup of apple cider (not apple cider vinegar!); ¼-½ cup of brown sugar (adjust to your personal tastes); and 1 whole cinnamon stick to a large pot. Bring the pot to a simmer over medium-low heat.

Apple crumble in a slow cooker.

Cook to Tender: Cook, stirring occasionally until the apples are fork tender, about 15-20 minutes.

Sliced apples in a slow cooker on a gray surface.

Mash the Sauce: Discard the cinnamon stick and use a potato masher to mash the applesauce to your desired consistency. Serve warm or refrigerate before serving.

A slow cooker filled with mashed potatoes.
Is applesauce good for you?

Yes! Homemade applesauce is low in calories, fat-free, and a great source of fiber, vitamins, and minerals.

What kind of apples are best for applesauce?

Although any kind of apple will work, I recommend you choose an apple variety that works well in cooking recipes, like fuji, granny smith, or gala.

How many apples does it take to make a jar of applesauce?

For this recipe, we used 4 pounds of apples. This will yield about 2 quarts of applesauce.

Why do you peel apples for applesauce?

Peeling the apples helps create a smoother sauce, since the peels are tougher and take longer to break down than the flesh.

Do you need to remove seeds when making applesauce?

Yes! As you prep the apples, remove any seeds you come across, since they can add an unpleasant flavor to the final sauce.

How do I thicken homemade applesauce?

Time is your friend here. The longer you cook the applesauce, the thicker it will become. But if you’re feeling impatient, you can add a few spoons of flour or cornstarch to thicken it up more quickly.

Why is my applesauce grainy?

If you use overly ripe fruit, it can cause your applesauce to turn out grainy. Make sure to use perfectly ripe apples for the best texture.

Why does homemade applesauce turn brown?

There are enzymes in apples that cause oxidation when they are exposed to air. This oxidation is what causes the sauce to turn brown. To prevent this, mix in 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to the finished sauce.

More Apple Recipes To Try

Meet Laurel Perry

Laurel Perry has been a professional food videographer and recipe developer since 2014. Her work can be seen across the internet and on The Cookie Rookie. When not cooking, she spends her time with her husband and sons, wanders as many farmers markets as she can, and sneaks in a fitness class as often as possible.

5 from 1 vote (1 rating without comment)
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