Fall always makes me reach for apples. I love bringing home a big bag, filling the kitchen with that crisp, sweet smell, and turning them into a simple pot of homemade unsweetened applesauce. No sugar, no extras, just apples, a splash of water, and maybe a little cinnamon.
What’s fun is how different it tastes depending on the apples you use. Honeycrisp or Fuji give a naturally sweet sauce, while Granny Smith adds a little tart bite. I usually mix a few types together so the flavor is layered and bright. A squeeze of lemon keeps the color fresh, and if I’m craving something cozy, I’ll stir in cinnamon while it’s still warm.
I use it as a snack for the girls, spoon it over yogurt, or tuck it into baking instead of oil or sugar. Sometimes I just enjoy it warm straight from the pot. A simple recipe, but it makes the house smell like fall and never lasts long in our fridge.
How to make unsweetened applesauce
Begin with placing the chopped apples in a medium saucepan along with the water and lemon juice. Cover with a lid and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.
For a chunky texture, mash the apples directly in the pot with a potato masher. For a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender, or transfer to a food processor and blend until silky.
Stir in cinnamon to taste. Let the applesauce cool completely, then transfer to a clean, airtight container.
Refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in jars, zip-top bags, or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.
Other apple recipes you may like to try
These Apple Crumble Muffins are soft, fluffy muffins packed with apple chunks and topped with a crunchy crumble. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or that sweet fall craving.
These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are pillowy rolls swirled with cinnamon-sugar and juicy apples, finished with a drizzle of glaze. They are cozy, gooey, and irresistible fresh from the oven.
Try this Apple Crumble for a simple, comforting dessert that tastes like fall in every spoonful.
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Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
Ingredients
Makes about 25 oz – 700g applesauce
- 2 pounds (1kg) apples , peeled, cored, and chopped (a mix of sweet + tart like Gala + Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup (120ml) water
- 1 tbsp (15ml) lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon , optional
Instructions
- Cut the apples into small pieces.
- Place the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan.
- Add lemon juice.
- Cover and simmer over medium heat 15–20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally, until apples are soft.
- Mash with a potato masher for a chunky sauce, or use an immersion blender (or food processor) for smooth applesauce.
- Stir in cinnamon.
- Cool, then store in an airtight container.
- Refrigerate up to 1 week. Freeze in portions (jars, zip bags, or ice cube trays) up to 3 months.
Nutrition
Did you make this recipe?
Please let me know how it turned out for you! Leave a comment below and tag @homecookingadventure on Instagram and hashtag it #homecookingadventure.
