Applesauce
User Reviews
4.9
Applesauce
Description
Applesauce is made by peeling, coring, and slicing apples, which are then gently cooked in water until soft. The cooked apples are mashed or blended to a texture that can range from chunky to smooth, depending on preference. Adding sugar is optional, allowing for control of sweetness, while cinnamon offers a warming spice note. The consistency is similar to a slightly runny pudding, which can be thinned with extra water if desired. This method highlights the natural sweetness and mild tartness of the chosen apples.
The sauce can be enjoyed warm off the stove or chilled, making it a flexible accompaniment or snack. It pairs well with breakfast items like oatmeal or can be used in baking or cooking. The homemade version avoids preservatives and can be stored refrigerated for up to a week or longer.
When preparing large quantities for canning, scaling up the recipe and adjusting sugar levels is recommended. Variations include sugar-free versions for babies, addition of cinnamon for spice, or slow cooker and Instant Pot methods for convenience.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples whatever kind you like--I use Golden Delicious (6-8 apples, fresh
- 1 cup water , plus more if needed
- granulated sugar , optional (to taste)
- ground cinnamon , for topping
Instructions
- First peel, core, and cut your apples into slices. (An apple peeler/corer/slicer may come in handy for this part, but you can do it by hand.)
- Place apple slices in a large pot and add 1 cup of water. Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring often, until tender. Mash the apples with a potato masher. If you want an even smoother consistency, puree them in a blender.
- At this point you can add a little extra water if you need to, depending on how thick or thin you want your applesauce. I like to reach the consistency of slightly runny pudding.
- You can also add sugar at this point, depending on how sweet you want your applesauce. Add a little at a time and taste it until it's how you like.
- The applesauce will also sweeten over time, in the jars, so keep that in mind when adding sugar. I use white granulated sugar because brown sugar makes the applesauce dark, but either will work.
- Sprinkle with cinnamon. Enjoy warm or cold! Store in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
How to Can Applesauce (see note for amount):
- Make sure everything is sterilized! (I usually run the jars and lid rings through the dishwasher before I begin). You will need NEW lids, clean rings, equipment, countertops and workspace.
- Fill sterilized quart jars with applesauce, leaving 1/2'' of headspace. Use a small rubber spatula to scrape down the inside of the jar and remove any air bubbles. Wipe jar rims clean. Don't skip this step! Place lids and rings securely on the jars.
- Process in water bath canner for 20 minutes (for altitudes less than 1,000 ft). Adjust cooking time for your altitude, if necessary. For more details, follow water bath canning instructions : http://www.simplycanning.com/water-bath-canning.html )
- Canned applesauce is good for up to one year when stored in a cool, dark place.
Notes
- This recipe yields roughly 1.5 quarts of applesauce; for larger batches, such as canning six quart jars, use about 12 pounds of apples.
- For baby-friendly applesauce, omit sugar completely or add minimal amounts to keep it naturally sweet.
- To make unsweetened applesauce, simply leave out the sugar entirely.
- Adding cinnamon creates a spiced variant that enhances the flavor.
- Slow cooker method involves cooking peeled and sliced apples with lemon juice and cinnamon on low for four hours, no water needed.
- Instant Pot can be used to speed up the cooking and achieve a smooth texture with blending afterward.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 118 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 118kcal | 6% |
| Carbohydrates | 31g | 10% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 1g | 2% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Sodium | 4mg | 0% |
| Potassium | 243mg | 5% |
| Fiber | 5g | 20% |
| Sugar | 24g | 48% |
| Vitamin A | 122IU | 2% |
| Vitamin C | 10mg | 11% |
| Calcium | 14mg | 1% |
| Iron | 1mg | 6% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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