How to Make Applesauce
User Reviews
4.9
How to Make Applesauce
Description
How to Make Applesauce uses a combination of apples such as McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Jonathan for a balanced flavor and texture. The apples are peeled, cored, and simmered with lemon juice, water, and a cinnamon stick until soft. After cooking, the cinnamon stick is removed, and the apples are blended to the desired consistency, either smooth or chunky. For those wanting a sweeter treat, brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, and vanilla can be stirred in and gently thickened on the stove.
The resulting applesauce has a soft, smooth texture with a gentle tartness from the lemon juice and a warm spiced undertone from cinnamon. It can be enjoyed warm or cooled, making it suitable as a side dish, a snack, or a dessert base.
This recipe offers flexibility for storage — refrigerated applesauce keeps up to two weeks, while freezing allows for longer preservation. Variations include slow cooker or Instant Pot methods for convenience and substituting part of the apples with pears or adding strawberries for different fruit blends.
Ingredients
Basic Applesauce
- 5 pounds apple combination of McIntosh, Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Jonathan
- 1 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
Optional Additions
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel and core 5 pounds apples, then cut into small chunks. Place the diced apples in a large saucepan or pot.
- Add 1 cup water, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 whole cinnamon stick. Cover and bring to a boil over high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft.
- Remove the cinnamon stick and blend using a blender, food processor, or immersion blender. Blend until smooth or leave some chunks, depending on personal preference.
- Optional: For a sweetened applesauce, return the puree to the pot and stir in 1/2 cup brown sugar. Cook uncovered over low heat for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened. For a richer, dessert-like applesauce, stir in 2 tablespoons butter, 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon, and 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract until the butter melts completely.
- Serve warm or chilled. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For long-term storage, freeze in airtight containers for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Use the Instant Pot method by sealing and cooking ingredients on high pressure for 10 minutes, then naturally release.
- For slow cooking, cook on high for 3-4 hours until apples soften.
- Replace up to half of the apples with ripe pears for a mild flavor change or add chopped strawberries during the last 10 minutes of cooking for a fruit blend.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4cups
Amount Per Serving
Calories 227 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Serving | 0.5cup | |
| Calories | 227kcal | 11% |
| Carbohydrates | 53g | 18% |
| Protein | 1g | 2% |
| Fat | 3g | 5% |
| Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.3g | 2% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Trans Fat | 0.1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 8mg | 3% |
| Sodium | 31mg | 1% |
| Potassium | 328mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 7g | 28% |
| Sugar | 43g | 86% |
| Vitamin A | 242IU | 5% |
| Vitamin C | 15mg | 17% |
| Calcium | 33mg | 3% |
| Iron | 0.5mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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