Make creamy, delicious homemade applesauce in less than 25 minutes! Pick your favorite flavor \u2013 classic, cinnamon, or mixed berry \u2013 for a naturally sweetened way to enjoy your carbohydrates.<\/p>\n
![\"Jars](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Homemade-Applesauce-Cover.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nApplesauce is one of the most underrated side dishes.<\/p>\n
There aren\u2019t many foods that work for breakfast, lunch, dinner, AND snacks!<\/p>\n
This easy homemade applesauce recipe is an inexpensive way to stretch a meal further and fill growing bellies! Plus, you can mix it up by adding different fruits to make fun flavored applesauce \u2013 the possibilities are endless!<\/p>\n
How do you make homemade applesauce?<\/strong><\/h3>\nApplesauce is as easy as cooking apples and pureeing them with a bit of liquid! Knowing the apples good for applesauce and what to add for flavoring without added sugar is just a bonus\u2026<\/p>\n
STORE-BOUGHT VS. HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\nI hadn\u2019t really thought about making my own applesauce until recently. This is odd because I frequently evaluate what to make from scratch to save time and money<\/a>.<\/p>\nThat\u2019s one of the core principles in my course <\/em>Grocery Budget Bootcamp<\/em><\/a>! Enrollment is currently closed, but you can join my <\/em>FREE Fight Inflation Challenge<\/em><\/a> and start saving money on groceries right away!<\/em><\/p>\nI\u2019ve always bought organic unsweetened applesauce that was fairly affordable and had a short and simple ingredient list: apples, water, and vitamin C.<\/p>\n
But when the kids started asking me to buy colorful flavored store-bought applesauce, I did a quick label check and voted them down. High fructose corn syrup and MSG<\/a>? I didn\u2019t realize so much junk was in sweetened and flavored applesauce!<\/p>\nI knew I could do better and learn how to make applesauce myself.<\/p>\n
WHY MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\nAfter making a few batches, I can assure you there are several good reasons to make your own applesauce:<\/p>\n
\n- Homemade applesauce tastes really, really good!<\/strong> The depth of flavor was outstanding \u2013 far better than store-bought varieties.<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s easy.<\/strong> Quarter some apples, heat them in a pot with a few other goodies, and blend. Done.<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s fast.<\/strong> Literally 25 minutes, start to finish.<\/li>\n
- Applesauce stores well.<\/strong> It keeps in the refrigerator for at least a week, and large batches can be frozen and defrosted as needed. There\u2019s also the option to can applesauce<\/a> for longer storage.<\/li>\n
- You can control the flavor and sweetness.<\/strong> I had fun fine-tuning the amounts of each ingredient so that the end product came out just right! My cinnamon version tastes like apple pie!<\/li>\n
- It\u2019s a great way to put seasonal produce to good use.<\/strong> Apples picked in season will always cost less. You can even go to a you-pick farm for some really great deals and fun!<\/li>\n
- Avoid food waste.<\/strong> If you found a great deal on apples but no one is eating them, rework them into something new.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Homemade-Applesauze-Plain-Cinnamon-Mixed-Berry-in-a-row.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nEASY APPLE SAUCE RECIPE INGREDIENTS<\/strong><\/h2>\nThis easy applesauce recipe includes just 3 simple ingredients.<\/p>\n
\n- Apples.<\/strong> Of course!<\/li>\n
- Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice.<\/strong> This helps with color and preservation, and the tartness helps balance out the sweetness of the apples.<\/li>\n
- Apple Juice.<\/strong> You can <\/em>use water for cooking the apples, but apple juice gives that extra burst of apple flavor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
APPLES GOOD FOR APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\nWhatever apples you like eating, you\u2019ll probably like in this apple sauce recipe!<\/p>\n
\n- I used Jonagold apples from my local grocery store.<\/li>\n
- You can use organic<\/a> apples if you prefer (just know that the cost will increase).<\/li>\n
- As far as flavor goes, a more tart apple like Granny Smith, Braeburn, or Golden Delicious is often recommended.<\/li>\n
- Sweet apples like Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Honeycrisp work too.<\/li>\n
- Or try a mixture of sweet and tart to find your own perfect applesauce combination!<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"One](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-1-1024x1024_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTOOLS FOR APPLESAUCE MAKING<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n- Using a high-powered blender (I love my Blendtec<\/a>) is the key to achieving a smooth and creamy texture.<\/li>\n
- A regular blender or immersion blender<\/a> will also work, but the texture may be a little different.<\/li>\n
- A food processor like this one<\/a> will also work to give you a silky-smooth apple sauce.<\/li>\n
- If you like chunky applesauce, use a potato masher<\/a> to mash the apples.<\/li>\n
- Some people use a food mill, but I don\u2019t think this is necessary if you have one of the above appliances.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-2-1024x1024_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHOW TO MAKE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\nStep 1: Quarter the apples,<\/strong> remove the core, and chop into 1-inch cubes. There\u2019s no need to peel the apples first.<\/p>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-3-1024x1022_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nStep 2: Place the apple cubes and other ingredients in a large pot <\/strong>and stir to mix.<\/p>\n\n![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-4-1024x1022_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nStep 3: Heat over medium heat to medium-high heat <\/strong>until the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, partially covered, for around 15 minutes until apples are tender.<\/p>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-5-1024x1024_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nStep 4: Transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender. <\/strong>Blend on the lowest speed for about 20 seconds, then gradually increase speed until the entire mixture is completely smooth (2-3 minutes total). Alternatively, use your immersion blender<\/a> or food processor<\/a> to blend until the applesauce reaches your desired consistency.<\/p>\n\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-6-1024x1024_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nStore homemade applesauce in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 4 months.<\/p>\n
EASY APPLESAUCE RECIPE VARIATIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\nThis is where it really gets fun!<\/p>\n
The flavor possibilities for homemade applesauce are endless. Developing flavors got me thinking about all the different varieties we could make using seasonal produce<\/a> or my kids\u2019 favorite fruits.<\/p>\nTo make my two favorite apple sauce recipe variations, follow the directions for the unsweetened applesauce recipe, but add in the additional ingredients when you cook the apples.<\/p>\n
Cinnamon Applesauce<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- 2 \u2154 lbs apples (I like Jonagold)<\/li>\n
- 1 Tbsp orange juice<\/li>\n
- 2 Tbsp apple juice (or apple cider)<\/li>\n
- \u00be tsp ground cinnamon<\/a><\/li>\n
- \u00bc tsp orange zest<\/li>\n
- 2 Tbsp pure maple syrup<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n
Mixed Berry Applesauce<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n- 2 lbs apples (I like Jonagold)<\/li>\n
- \u00bd cup fresh or frozen berries (no need to defrost)<\/li>\n
- 1 Tbsp orange juice<\/li>\n
- 1 Tbsp raw honey<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/How-to-Can-AppleSauce-2.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHOMEMADE APPLESAUCE IN THE SLOW COOKER<\/strong><\/h2>\nI tested this recipe on the stove and in the crockpot. The prep time was the same, but the cooking time was much longer in the slow cooker<\/a> (2 hours versus just 15 minutes on the stove).<\/p>\nI was also surprised by how the flavor varied between the two methods. The stovetop version had a much lighter and sweeter flavor than the crockpot method. I really don\u2019t see a benefit to using the crockpot for this recipe unless you\u2019re cooking other food at the same time and just don\u2019t have a burner free to cook the apples.<\/p>\n
INSTANT POT APPLE SAUCE RECIPE<\/strong><\/h2>\nYou can also make applesauce in the Instant Pot<\/a>.<\/p>\nStep 1. Load your apples and juices, along with \u00bd cup of water, into the inner pot.<\/p>\n
Step 2. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.<\/p>\n
Step 3. Drain about half of the cooking liquid (but reserve it) and blend the apple mixture. Add some of the cooking liquid back in if the applesauce is too thick.<\/p>\n
\n![\"Single](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-7-1024x1024_resized.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHOW TO SERVE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\nApplesauce is a great snack for kids. Or it can be used as a side dish to finish out lunch or dinner.<\/p>\n
Other ways to enjoy applesauce:<\/p>\n
MACRO-FRIENDLY APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\nApplesauce is a great option for adding carbohydrates to your plate. It\u2019s also a chance to enjoy something sweet that isn\u2019t full of sugar!<\/p>\n
Don\u2019t be afraid of carbs \u2013 the reality is that we NEED carbs to fuel our bodies. They are literally the body\u2019s source of energy. They\u2019re also required for gut health, hormone regulation, and proper digestion<\/a>.<\/p>\nThis naturally sweetened applesauce is an easy and yummy choice to add to your plate when you have carbs available.<\/p>\n
Not sure how to figure out your macros, nutrition goals, and how to accurately track what you eat? I\u2019m a board-certified fat loss and nutrition coach, helping women 35+ lose weight and have more energy without giving up the foods they love. <\/em>Grab my free guide here<\/em><\/a> to start achieving your real body goals today!<\/em><\/p>\n\n![\"An](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/How-to-Can-AppleSauce-1.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nREGULAR AND CINNAMON APPLESAUCE FAQS<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n\n\nDo I need to peel the apples before making this applesauce recipe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\nPersonally, I leave the peels on produce whenever I can to get the extra fiber and phytonutrients. Plus, I also love the pinkish color that the red apple peels add to applesauce! And the natural pectin in the peels helps thicken the sauce.
\u00a0
When the applesauce is ready, I puree it in my Blendtec<\/a> to give it a creamy texture. It turns out so smooth that you can\u2019t even tell the peels are there!
\u00a0
You might consider peeling your apples if you don\u2019t own a high-powered blender to achieve the same silky-smooth texture. Peeling<\/a> the apples also helps if you prefer chunkier applesauce and don\u2019t want to have pieces of peel swirling around.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\nCan I freeze homemade applesauce?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n\nHow do I can homemade applesauce?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nMORE YUMMY APPLE RECIPES<\/strong><\/h2>\n\n ![\"Three](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Protein-Muffins-web-28.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n <\/div>\n\nHigh Protein Recipes on Repeat<\/h4>\n
Download the top 15+ recipes that are on repeat in my house, making it easy to feed my family AND meet my protein goals!\n\t\t\t\t <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n
WATCH HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Jars](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Homemade-Applesauce-Cover-350x466.jpg\")
\n<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHomemade Applesauce<\/h2>\n
Tiffany<\/span><\/p>\nMake creamy, delicious homemade applesauce in less than 25 minutes! Pick your favorite flavor \u2013 classic, cinnamon, or mixed berry \u2013 for a naturally sweetened way to enjoy your carbohydrates.<\/span><\/p>\n
I hadn\u2019t really thought about making my own applesauce until recently. This is odd because I frequently evaluate what to make from scratch to save time and money<\/a>.<\/p>\n That\u2019s one of the core principles in my course <\/em>Grocery Budget Bootcamp<\/em><\/a>! Enrollment is currently closed, but you can join my <\/em>FREE Fight Inflation Challenge<\/em><\/a> and start saving money on groceries right away!<\/em><\/p>\n I\u2019ve always bought organic unsweetened applesauce that was fairly affordable and had a short and simple ingredient list: apples, water, and vitamin C.<\/p>\n But when the kids started asking me to buy colorful flavored store-bought applesauce, I did a quick label check and voted them down. High fructose corn syrup and MSG<\/a>? I didn\u2019t realize so much junk was in sweetened and flavored applesauce!<\/p>\n I knew I could do better and learn how to make applesauce myself.<\/p>\n After making a few batches, I can assure you there are several good reasons to make your own applesauce:<\/p>\n This easy applesauce recipe includes just 3 simple ingredients.<\/p>\n Whatever apples you like eating, you\u2019ll probably like in this apple sauce recipe!<\/p>\n Step 1: Quarter the apples,<\/strong> remove the core, and chop into 1-inch cubes. There\u2019s no need to peel the apples first.<\/p>\n Step 2: Place the apple cubes and other ingredients in a large pot <\/strong>and stir to mix.<\/p>\n Step 3: Heat over medium heat to medium-high heat <\/strong>until the mixture begins to bubble. Reduce heat to a low simmer and cook, partially covered, for around 15 minutes until apples are tender.<\/p>\n Step 4: Transfer the mixture to a high-powered blender. <\/strong>Blend on the lowest speed for about 20 seconds, then gradually increase speed until the entire mixture is completely smooth (2-3 minutes total). Alternatively, use your immersion blender<\/a> or food processor<\/a> to blend until the applesauce reaches your desired consistency.<\/p>\n Store homemade applesauce in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 4 months.<\/p>\n This is where it really gets fun!<\/p>\n The flavor possibilities for homemade applesauce are endless. Developing flavors got me thinking about all the different varieties we could make using seasonal produce<\/a> or my kids\u2019 favorite fruits.<\/p>\n To make my two favorite apple sauce recipe variations, follow the directions for the unsweetened applesauce recipe, but add in the additional ingredients when you cook the apples.<\/p>\n I tested this recipe on the stove and in the crockpot. The prep time was the same, but the cooking time was much longer in the slow cooker<\/a> (2 hours versus just 15 minutes on the stove).<\/p>\n I was also surprised by how the flavor varied between the two methods. The stovetop version had a much lighter and sweeter flavor than the crockpot method. I really don\u2019t see a benefit to using the crockpot for this recipe unless you\u2019re cooking other food at the same time and just don\u2019t have a burner free to cook the apples.<\/p>\n You can also make applesauce in the Instant Pot<\/a>.<\/p>\n Step 1. Load your apples and juices, along with \u00bd cup of water, into the inner pot.<\/p>\n Step 2. Close the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 4 minutes.<\/p>\n Step 3. Drain about half of the cooking liquid (but reserve it) and blend the apple mixture. Add some of the cooking liquid back in if the applesauce is too thick.<\/p>\n Applesauce is a great snack for kids. Or it can be used as a side dish to finish out lunch or dinner.<\/p>\n Other ways to enjoy applesauce:<\/p>\n Applesauce is a great option for adding carbohydrates to your plate. It\u2019s also a chance to enjoy something sweet that isn\u2019t full of sugar!<\/p>\n Don\u2019t be afraid of carbs \u2013 the reality is that we NEED carbs to fuel our bodies. They are literally the body\u2019s source of energy. They\u2019re also required for gut health, hormone regulation, and proper digestion<\/a>.<\/p>\n This naturally sweetened applesauce is an easy and yummy choice to add to your plate when you have carbs available.<\/p>\n Not sure how to figure out your macros, nutrition goals, and how to accurately track what you eat? I\u2019m a board-certified fat loss and nutrition coach, helping women 35+ lose weight and have more energy without giving up the foods they love. <\/em>Grab my free guide here<\/em><\/a> to start achieving your real body goals today!<\/em><\/p>\n Personally, I leave the peels on produce whenever I can to get the extra fiber and phytonutrients. Plus, I also love the pinkish color that the red apple peels add to applesauce! And the natural pectin in the peels helps thicken the sauce. Download the top 15+ recipes that are on repeat in my house, making it easy to feed my family AND meet my protein goals!\n\t\t\t\t <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p><\/div>\n Tiffany<\/span><\/p>\n Make creamy, delicious homemade applesauce in less than 25 minutes! Pick your favorite flavor \u2013 classic, cinnamon, or mixed berry \u2013 for a naturally sweetened way to enjoy your carbohydrates.<\/span><\/p>\nWHY MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/09\/Homemade-Applesauze-Plain-Cinnamon-Mixed-Berry-in-a-row.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nEASY APPLE SAUCE RECIPE INGREDIENTS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
APPLES GOOD FOR APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"One](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-1-1024x1024_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nTOOLS FOR APPLESAUCE MAKING<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\n
![\"Two](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-2-1024x1024_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHOW TO MAKE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-3-1024x1022_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"Apple](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-4-1024x1022_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-5-1024x1024_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\n![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-6-1024x1024_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nEASY APPLESAUCE RECIPE VARIATIONS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Cinnamon Applesauce<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
Mixed Berry Applesauce<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\n
![\"A](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/How-to-Can-AppleSauce-2.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHOMEMADE APPLESAUCE IN THE SLOW COOKER<\/strong><\/h2>\n
INSTANT POT APPLE SAUCE RECIPE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Single](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/07\/Applesauce-7-1024x1024_resized.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nHOW TO SERVE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
MACRO-FRIENDLY APPLESAUCE<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"An](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/09\/How-to-Can-AppleSauce-1.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/figure>\n<\/div>\nREGULAR AND CINNAMON APPLESAUCE FAQS<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Do I need to peel the apples before making this applesauce recipe?<\/strong><\/h3>\n
\u00a0
When the applesauce is ready, I puree it in my Blendtec<\/a> to give it a creamy texture. It turns out so smooth that you can\u2019t even tell the peels are there!
\u00a0
You might consider peeling your apples if you don\u2019t own a high-powered blender to achieve the same silky-smooth texture. Peeling<\/a> the apples also helps if you prefer chunkier applesauce and don\u2019t want to have pieces of peel swirling around.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nCan I freeze homemade applesauce?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n
How do I can homemade applesauce?<\/strong><\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
MORE YUMMY APPLE RECIPES<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"Three](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/Protein-Muffins-web-28.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n <\/div>\nHigh Protein Recipes on Repeat<\/h4>\n
WATCH HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE<\/h2>\n
![\"Jars](\"https:\/\/dontwastethecrumbs.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/08\/Homemade-Applesauce-Cover-350x466.jpg.webp)
\n<\/picture>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\nHomemade Applesauce<\/h2>\n