I always get a warm, cozy feeling every time I make homemade applesauce. The smell of apples and cinnamon wafted through the kitchen while cooking, and soon the scent of fall filled the entire house. Fall is also the best time to make this recipe because apples are in season, so there are plenty of varieties to choose from, their flavor is at its peak, and they are inexpensive. Sure, you can buy store-bought, but trust me, it doesn’t compare to the taste of homemade applesauce!
“Outstanding and so simple. Made two batches of this this week. No reason to buy it in a jar again. Although there was no sugar, it was sweet enough for dessert.”
Jackie
Naturally sweetened homemade applesauce
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this easy applesauce recipe—no added sweeteners needed! The trick is to use sweet or semi-sweet apples (I like to use Gala apples). They already have plenty of natural sweetness, so there’s no need to add anything to sweeten them.
Tips and recipe suggestions
- You can use several different types of apples to make applesauce. But since I don’t add any sweetener to my recipe, I prefer to use a variety like Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady or Honeycrisp. They are already very sweet and require no added sugar. You can use a single variety or a combination of varieties if you wish. Tart apples (like Granny Smiths) will also make a delicious applesauce, but you’ll definitely want to add a little sugar to taste!
- I like to peel my apples to get a smoother consistency. But it’s certainly not obligatory. If you’re short on time, just wash them and leave the skin on.
- Make the most of seasonal produce. If you make this recipe during the fall season, you’ll find the best deals and the sweetest apples this time of year! Some varieties come into season before others (for example, in the United States, Gala apples often come into season in early September, while Fuji apples are usually closer to October). So even if certain varieties are available all year round in stores, it is still worth comparing the prices of seasonal apples!
- Budget saving tip: It’s also worth comparing the prices of larger bags of apples versus smaller ones. Larger bags often prove more cost effective. This recipe freezes well, so you can make a big batch when you find a good deal and save portions for later. Or you can use the extras to make another recipe, like apple fries!
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Homemade applesauce
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Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Equipment
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Medium pot
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Potato masher
Ingredients
- 6 big apples about 3 pounds, $5.46
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon $0.03
- ¾ cup water $0.00
- 2 teaspoon lemon juice $0.04
Instructions
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Wash, peel and remove the core from the apples. Cut the apples into small 3/4 inch pieces.
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Add the chopped apples, ground cinnamon and water to a medium saucepan and place a lid on top. Heat the apples over medium heat, letting them simmer. Continue to simmer the apples for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Total cooking time varies depending on the variety of apple used.*
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Remove the pan from the heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher inside the pan to obtain a thick texture. Or let the apples cool slightly and blend them with a hand blender or gently in a blender for a smoother texture.
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Add the lemon juice to the applesauce and mix. Serve warm or chilled in the refrigerator.
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Video
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Nutrition
How to Make Homemade Applesauce, Step by Step, Photos
Prepare the apples: Start by washing, peeling and removing the cores of 6 apples. Then cut the apples into small ¾ inch pieces.
Add to a saucepan: Now, pour the chopped apples, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon and ¾ cup water into a medium saucepan and place a lid on top. Heat over medium heat, letting the apples simmer. Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes until tender. Be sure to stir occasionally. Total cooking time varies depending on the variety of apple used.
Crush the apples: Remove the pan from the heat and mash the apples with a potato masher. This will create a nice thick texture. Or if you prefer a smoother texture, let the apples cool slightly and blend them with a hand blender or gently in a blender.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little water. Or, if it is too thin, let it simmer a little longer on the stove (without a lid) to thicken it!
Serve: Add 2 teaspoons of lemon juice and mix. This helps enhance the flavors of the apples. You can serve your homemade applesauce warm or let it cool in the refrigerator first. Appreciate!
How to Use Homemade Applesauce
Yes, applesauce is good on its own in a bowl with a spoon, but it’s also super versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Stir it into overnight oats or yogurt for breakfast
- Use it to add sweetness and moisture to baked goods like my carrot cake recipe!
- Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles
- Stir it into oatmeal and bake for a delicious apple pie.
- Add it to smoothies
- Use it as an egg substitute in some recipes (our cornbread cake is a great example)
- Spread it on toast with a pinch of cinnamon
- Pair it with cheese and crackers
Storage Instructions
Homemade applesauce keeps very well in the refrigerator and freezer. Simply store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
More Easy Apple Recipes
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
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Apple crumble
Recipe at $7.42 / serving at $0.61
Caramelized Apples
$5.54 recipe / $0.92 each
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
Recipe at $4.89 / serving at $0.49
Our Homemade Applesauce recipe was originally published on 10/16/2023. We’ve updated it to be the best it can be and republished 10/19/25.
The article Homemade Applesauce appeared first on Budget Bytes.
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