Easy Stovetop Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Make the best homemade applesauce with this simple stovetop recipe. It is naturally sweet, perfect for snacks, baking, or as a comforting side dish.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 25 min
- Total Time: 35 min
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds apples (like Honeycrisp or Gala), cored and roughly chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
Instructions
- Place the chopped apples and water into a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
- Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. The apples should be very soft.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon, nutmeg, and lemon juice, if using.
- For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher to your desired consistency.
- Taste the applesauce. If you prefer more sweetness, add a small amount of maple syrup or sugar, though the fruit often provides enough natural sweetness.
- Serve the homemade applesauce warm, or chill it completely for a refreshing snack.
Notes
- You do not need to peel the apples for this recipe; the skins break down during cooking and add fiber.
- This recipe makes a great freezer-friendly snack; cool completely before storing in airtight containers for up to three months.
- For a cozy fall aroma, add one cinnamon stick during the simmering process and remove it before blending.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 3/4 cup
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 20
- Sodium: 2
- Fat: 0.2
- Saturated Fat: 0
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.1
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 28
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 0.3
- Cholesterol: 0