Description

This homemade applesauce recipe is so simple and delicious! Once you make it, you’ll never want to buy it again. The good news? It’s really easy to double or triple this recipe and freeze it for later.

Ingredients

Scale

3 pounds unpeeled apples (about 6 large apples), with cores, seeds, and stems removed. Roughly chop or use my favorite tool- an apple slicer corer.
1/3 cup water
1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
salt, a pinch
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional. In place of the ground cinnamon you can cook the apples with a stick of cinnamon, just remove it before puréeing.[tasty-recipe id="31"]

Instructions

Combine the apples, lemon juice, salt, and water (as well as cinnamon, if using) in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium heat.
Cover and bring to a boil.
Periodically use a potato masher to breakdown the apples as they soften, releasing the natural liquid from the apples.
Reduce to a simmer for a total cooking time of 20-25 minutes until the apples are soft and falling apart.
Blending options:
1. Run through a food mill to separate pulp from peel for the smoothest option. Process about a cup at a time.
2. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for a smooth texture that allows for peels to remain- keeping the peels deepens the flavor and color
3. Place in a high-powered blender-my preferred method. Again blending the peels deepens the flavor and color
Once blended using preferred option, if applesauce is too watery, simmer over low heat to thicken to desired texture- 5 minutes or less.
Serve warm, or chill in the refrigerator for several hours to serve cold.

Notes

Applesauce will keep in the refrigerator in a covered container for up to 5 days. Freezes wonderfully for up to a year in a deep freezer in a freezer-safe container. 5 months is a good guideline if you don’t have a deep freezer. If you freeze it, be sure to allow at least an inch of headroom in your jar for expansion.

Letting the natural flavors of the apples sweeten the sauce is my favorite method. However, all apples are different, even within the same variety. If your sauce is too tart, real pure maple syrup pairs wonderfully with apples and is my go-to if I need a little sweetness. Add to taste.

Keywords: applesauce recipe