“I make homemade applesauce for its goodness, but also for the way it fills our home— with the scent of spiced apples, sweet as candy, warm as morning sun. I make it for the way it lifts my soul . Like a window flung open to the light.
Joys of Homemaking
For over three years now, making homemade applesauce has become one of my most cherished weekly routines. I’ve stirred so many pots of homemade applesauce in this little kitchen of mine, perhaps more than any other food I’ve ever made. Batch after batch — plain and honest, chunky and rustic, or slow-simmered sweet, laced with cinnamon and dark muscovado.
My son loves applesauce. He has eaten it since his earliest days — for breakfast, for snacks, even in fevered hours when only comfort would do. And honestly, it has won my heart, too! I make it for its goodness, but also for the way it fills our home with the sweet scent of apples and cinnamon. I also make it for the way it lifts my soul.
The good news? Homemade applesauce is so easy to make and only needs a few minutes of your time.
Best Apples for Applesauce:
The best applesauce comes from a mix of sweet and tart apples. Great varieties include:
- Fuji (sweet and crisp)
- Granny Smith (tart and tangy)
- Honeycrisp (balanced sweetness and tartness)
- Golden Delicious (sweet and soft)
Experiment with different combinations to find your family's favorite flavor!
What to Serve Applesauce With:
Homemade applesauce pairs wonderfully with:
- Pancakes and waffles
- Pork chops or roasted chicken
- Oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast
- As a snack with crackers or cheese
- Warm as a dessert topping on ice cream or cake
Here's my simple, go-to recipe:
Ingredients
- 3 apples (I prefer using Fuji but you can try a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup water
- ½ medium size lemon
- A cinnamon stick or a dash of powdered cinnamon
- 1-2 tbsp. honey
- 1 tbsp. muscovado sugar (optional—I love adding this for a richer flavor!)
I recommend doubling the portions to fill a 500 ml jar completely.
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks.
- Place the apple chunks in a saucepan, squeeze in the lemon juice, then add the water and a cinnamon stick.
- Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and can be easily mashed.
- Remove from heat and mash the apples using a potato masher or spoon for a chunky applesauce—my favorite style to serve with meals or enjoy on its own. For a smoother texture, use a hand blender or food processor and blend until you reach your desired consistency.
Storage Instructions
Allow the applesauce to cool completely. Store it in airtight containers or glass jars in the refrigerator. I love using these! It stays fresh and tasty for up to one week. For longer storage, you can freeze the applesauce in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Simply thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy.
Enjoy your homemade applesauce warm or cold, as a healthy snack or a delightful accompaniment to meals. Happy cooking!
