Description
This homemade applesauce recipe is a simple and delicious way to enjoy fresh apples cooked down into a sweet and comforting sauce. Using peeled, cored, and cubed apples simmered with apple cider, brown sugar, and a cinnamon stick, it offers a natural sweetness with warm spice, perfect as a side dish or healthy snack.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples (peeled, cored, and cubed)
- 1 cup apple cider (not apple cider vinegar)
- ¼-½ cup brown sugar
- 1 whole cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Add the peeled, cored, and cubed apples, apple cider, brown sugar, and the whole cinnamon stick into a large pot.
- Simmer the Apples: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Cook Until Tender: Continue cooking for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are fork tender and easily mashable.
- Remove Cinnamon Stick: Discard the cinnamon stick from the pot to avoid bitterness in the sauce.
- Mash the Applesauce: Use a potato masher to mash the apple mixture until it reaches your desired consistency—smooth or a little chunky.
- Serve or Store: Serve the applesauce warm or allow it to cool before refrigerating for later use.
Notes
- Adjust brown sugar amount based on the sweetness of your apples and personal preference.
- If you prefer a smoother applesauce, you can blend the mixture after cooking instead of mashing.
- Leftover applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- This applesauce can be served as a side to pork dishes, breakfast toppings, or a healthy snack.
- For a vegan and vegetarian-friendly recipe, confirm the apple cider is free of animal products.
