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Easy Stovetop Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Close-up of chunky, spiced homemade applesauce served in a small white ramekin on a wooden surface.

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Make this easy stovetop homemade applesauce with just a few simple ingredients. This recipe is naturally sweet, perfect as a healthy snack, a side dish for dinner, or for use in baking.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and core the apples. You may peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but peeling is optional for this recipe. Cut the apples into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Place the apple chunks, water, cinnamon, and nutmeg into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. The apples are done when they are very tender and easily mashable with a fork.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the lemon juice, if using.
  7. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture carefully to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples lightly with a potato masher directly in the pot.
  8. Serve the homemade applesauce warm or chill it completely before serving as a healthy snack or side dish.

Notes

  • This recipe yields a naturally sweet applesauce; add 1-2 tablespoons of maple syrup or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter result.
  • For a cozy fall aroma, add one whole cinnamon stick during the simmering process and remove it before serving.
  • This applesauce stores well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week or can be frozen for up to three months.

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