Ingredients
4 medium apples (mix of sweet and tart, e.g., 2 Fuji, 2 Granny Smith)
1/2 cup water (or apple cider)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 1 cinnamon stick)
Pinch of salt
2-4 tablespoons granulated sugar (or to taste, optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Wash, peel, core, and chop apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Place them in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
Step 2: Add water (or apple cider), lemon juice, cinnamon (or cinnamon stick), and a pinch of salt to the pot with the apples.
Step 3: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until apples are very soft. Stir occasionally.
Step 4: Remove from heat. Mash with a potato masher for chunky applesauce, or use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender/food processor) for smooth applesauce.
Step 5: Taste and add granulated sugar, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired sweetness is reached. Stir until dissolved.
Step 6: Let cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
For a richer flavor, substitute water with apple cider. Adjust sugar to your preference and the natural sweetness of your apples. For a smoother consistency, strain the applesauce through a fine-mesh sieve after blending.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Desserts & Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup (120g)
- Calories: 105 kcal
- Sugar: 21 g
- Sodium: 2 mg
- Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 27 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
