Most often, I like to add applesauce to a breakfast bowl with granola, as pictured. Or, a personal favorite, spoon a little warm applesauce over vanilla almond milk ice cream. Applesauce is also delicious on top of pork chops. Even muffins and pancakes can use applesauce as a baking ingredient.
The actual cooking time for the applesauce is about 30 minutes, but it does take awhile to peel the apples. This is a great chore for enlisting the help of all the extra hands at home. Since this recipe is sugar free, I recommend picking out a sweet variety of apples to use, such as Gala or McIntosh. Once the apples are peeled, all of the ingredients are simply simmered together on the stove.
Once the apples have completely softened and cooked down, let them cool for a few minutes. Taste a spoonful of the applesauce to see if you would like to add more cinnamon, or perhaps another squeeze of lemon juice. Once the applesauce has cooled down, you can mash it with a fork or a potato masher for a chunky, textured applesauce. If you would like a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree it in the pot until smooth.
Applesauce from scratch is one dish that makes me wonder why more people don’t make their own. It tastes so much better than the store-bought variety. It doesn’t take that much effort, and requires only a few ingredients. You can store it for long periods of time; so one afternoon’s work can be enjoyed for a long while.
One more thing that is easy and fun to try with your applesauce is to add different fruits to it. A few fresh cranberries can make a deliciously tart cranberry applesauce, or diced rhubarb stalks for a new variety.
Ingredients
- 4 lbs. apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup apple cider
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1-2 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp nutmeg
Directions
- Place all of the ingredients into a large pot on the stove. Cover and cook over medium heat for 25-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples have completely softened. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Allow to cool slightly. Mash with a fork or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
Yum thanks! I make a ton of applesauce and it freezes very well. If I make it on the stove top I usually burn it:( So now I make great amounts in my crockpot!
I’ve been hesitant to make because of the apple cider. Any special kind?
Also, does it freeze well?
Thanks for all your help with recipes.
hi i am wanting to try the applesauce can you recommend an apple cider for this recipe thankyou
Love your recipes. Apples done with just a little water and a good sprinkle of cinnamon and then done in a slow cooker on high for 3 hours are divine. It freezes and preserves in jars really well.