4.6 5 Published Aug 29, 2024, Updated Oct 02, 2024 You can enjoy it as a healthy fall snack (it’s one of my kids favorite snacks) or keep it on hand for recipes. I use applesauce ALL THE TIME in my recipes like these healthy pumpkin bars, oatmeal raisin cookies, apple cinnamon baked oatmeal and healthy chocolate cupcakes.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Naturally Sweet – This homemade applesauce is naturally sweetened by the apples themselves. No need for added sugar — it’s delicious just as it is! Super Simple – With just four ingredients, this recipe is as easy as it gets. You’ll have a batch of fresh, warm applesauce ready in no time. Versatile – This applesauce is incredibly versatile. Enjoy it straight from the jar, use it as a topping for oatmeal or pancakes or in your baked goods to keep recipes nice an moist like these healthy vanilla cupcakes. Kid-Friendly – Kids of all ages love applesauce and this homemade version is a great kid-friendly snack without any added sugars or preservatives. You can feed it to babies as homemade baby food or pack it in your toddlers school lunch box for a healthy snack. Customizable – I love that you can customize how smooth or chunky you want your applesauce and you can play around with flavor variations! I love keeping it plain or adding a dash of cinnamon.
apples – I recommend choosing a sweet variety like Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala or Golden Delicious. Or you can do a blend of tart and sweet apples! water – what helps the apples steam and soften as they cook. lemon juice – a bit of tang to balance the sweetness of the apples! Apple cider vinegar could be used instead. cinnamon – ground cinnamon cinnamon is optional but I personally love adding it to my applesauce, especially if I’m just making a batch to enjoy as a snack. Cinnamon + apple = the best combo ever!
How to Make Applesauce
How to Use Applesauce
There are dozens of ways to enjoy applesauce! On its own with a bit of cinnamon is amazing, but you can also use it for baking and more! Here are some ideas to try:
Add vanilla: For a subtle, sweet aroma, add a small splash of vanilla extract to the applesauce after it has cooked. The vanilla pairs well with the natural sweetness of the apples. Add spices: Add a warm, cozy flavor by increasing the cinnamon or trying other spices like nutmeg, cloves, or allspice. You can create a spiced applesauce that’s perfect for fall or the holidays. Mixed Fruit: Experiment by adding other fruits like pears, peaches or berries to your apples. Pears blend particularly well with apples for a smooth, sweet sauce. Sweetened: If you prefer your applesauce a bit sweeter, you can stir in a tablespoon or two of maple syrup, honey or agave nectar after cooking. This is especially nice if you’re using tart apple varieties like Granny Smith, McIntosh or Pink Lady. Citrusy: Add a little more zest to your applesauce by including a bit of orange or lime zest along with the lemon juice. It brightens up the flavor beautifully!
In baked goods – Applesauce is a fantastic substitute for oil or butter in baking, adding moisture and a subtle sweetness. Try using it in recipes like my healthy zucchini muffins or vegan apple bread. It keeps your baked goods nice and moist while cutting down on added fats. In a savory dish – Add applesauce to a savory dish like this cabbage soup or unstuffed cabbage rolls. As a topping – Spoon some of your homemade applesauce over a warm bowl of my cinnamon raisin oatmeal, yogurt bowls or almond flour pancakes for a naturally sweet and fruity topping. In smoothies – Blend a scoop of applesauce into your favorite smoothie for an extra dose of fruit. It works well with ingredients like spinach, nut butter and frozen berries. Try adding it to the peanut butter green smoothie. As a snack – Enjoy your applesauce on its own as a healthy snack, or pair it with a handful of my homemade granola for some added crunch!
How to Store Homemade Applesauce
Let your homemade applesauce cool before placing in an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you’re making a big batch, consider freezing some for later. Applesauce freezes well and can be a quick and healthy snack or addition to recipes. Just be sure to leave some space in your containers, as the sauce will expand when frozen. Applesauce will be good for up to 3 months in the freezer. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight before using.
More Apple Recipes
Apple Pie Overnight Oats Healthy Apple Crisp Date Caramel Apple Slices Healthy Apple Crumble Bars Fuji Apple Salad Apple Nachos with Date Caramel Sauce Applesauce Cake Healthy Apple Samoas
