I always get a warm and cozy feeling anytime I make Homemade Applesauce. The smell of apples and cinnamon spreads through the kitchen as it cooks, and soon the scent of Fall has filled the entire house. Fall is also the best time to make this recipe because apples are in season, so there are a lot of varieties to choose from, their flavor is at their peak, and they’re inexpensive. Sure, you can buy store-bought, but trust me, it’s no comparison to the taste of homemade applesauce!
“Outstanding and so simple. I’ve now made two batches this week. No reason to ever again buy it in a jar. Though there is no sugar, this was sweet enough for a dessert.”
Jacki
Naturally Sweet Homemade Applesauce
You only need 4 simple ingredients to make this easy applesauce recipe—no added sweetener needed! The trick is to use sweet or semi-sweet apples (I like to use Gala apples). They already have plenty of natural sweetness, so there’s no need to add anything extra to sweeten them up.
Recipe Tips & Suggestions
- You can use several different types of apples to make applesauce. But because I don’t add any sweeteners to my recipe, I prefer to use a variety like Fuji, Gala, Pink Lady, or Honeycrisp. They’re already plenty sweet and don’t require any added sugar. You can use just one or a combination of varieties if you want. Tart apples (like Granny Smiths) will also make a delicious applesauce, but you’ll definitely want to add a little sugar to taste!
- I like to peel my apples in order to get a smoother consistency. But it’s definitely not required. If you’re short on time, just give them a good wash and leave the peel on.
- Make the most of in-season produce. If you’re making this recipe during the fall season, you’ll find the best deals and the sweetest apples during this time of year! Some varieties come into season before others (for example, in the U.S., Gala apples often become in season by early September, while Fuji are usually closer to October). So while certain varieties are available year-round in stores, it’s still worth comparing prices on in-season apples!
- Budget-saving tip: It’s also worth comparing the prices of larger bags of apples vs smaller ones. Larger bags often work out more cost-effective. This recipe freezes well, so you can make a big batch when you find a good deal and stash portions away for later. Or you can use the extras to make another recipe, like fried apples!
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Homemade Applesauce
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Step-by-step photos can be seen below the recipe card.
Equipment
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Medium Pot
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Potato Masher
Ingredients
- 6 large apples about 3 lbs., $5.46
- ¼ tsp ground cinnamon $0.03
- ¾ cup water $0.00
- 2 tsp lemon juice $0.04
Instructions
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Wash, peel, and remove the core from the apples. Chop the apples into small 3/4 inch chunks.
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Add the chopped apples, ground cinnamon and water to a medium pot and place a lid on top. Heat the apples over medium, allowing them to come up to a simmer. Continue to simmer the apples for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are tender. The total cook time will vary depending on the variety of apple used.*
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Remove the pot from heat. Mash the apples with a potato masher inside the pot for a chunky texture. Or allow the apples to cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or carefully inside a blender for a smoother texture.
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Add the lemon juice to the applesauce and stir to combine. Serve warm or chilled in the refrigerator.
See how we calculate recipe costs here.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
How to Make Homemade Applesauce Step-by-Step Photos
Prep the apples: Start by washing, peeling, and removing the core from 6 apples. Then chop the apples into ¾ inch small chunks.
Add to a pot: Now, pour the chopped apples, ¼ tsp ground cinnamon, and ¾ cup of water into a medium pot and place a lid on top. Heat over medium heat, allowing the apples to come up to a simmer. Continue to simmer for 15-20 minutes until they are tender. Be sure to stir occasionally. The total cook time will vary depending on the variety of apple used.
Mash the apples: Take the pot off the heat and mash the apples with a potato masher. This will create a nice, chunky texture. Or if you prefer a smoother texture, let the apples cool slightly and blend with an immersion blender or carefully inside a blender.
If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. Or, if it’s too thin, simmer it a little longer on the stove (without a lid) to thicken it up!
Serve: Add 2 tsp of lemon juice and stir to combine. This helps to brighten the flavors of the apples. You can serve your homemade applesauce warm or let it chill in the refrigerator first. Enjoy!
How to Use Homemade Apple Sauce
Yes, applesauce is good on its own in a bowl with a spoon, but it’s also super versatile! Here are some delicious ways to use it:
- Stir it into overnight oats or yogurt for breakfast
- Use it to add sweetness and moisture to baked goods like my carrot cake recipe!
- Use it as a topping for pancakes or waffles
- Stir it into oatmeal and bake for a delicious apple pie baked oatmeal
- Add it to smoothies
- Use it as an egg replacer in some recipes (our cornbread cake is a great example)
- Spread it on toast with a sprinkle of cinnamon
- Pair it with cheese and crackers
Storage Instructions
Homemade applesauce stores very well in the refrigerator and the freezer. Just store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 4-5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, let it sit in the refrigerator overnight.
More Easy Apple Recipes
Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
$4.22 recipe / $1.06 serving
Apple Crumble
$7.42 recipe / $0.61 serving
Caramel Apples
$5.54 recipe / $0.92 each
Apple Cinnamon Muffins
$4.89 recipe / $0.49 serving
Our Homemade Applesauce recipe was originally published 10/16/2023. We have updated it to be the best it can be and republished 10/19/25.
The post Homemade Applesauce appeared first on Budget Bytes.
