Homemade Apple Sauce

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: About 6

Ingredients

• 6 medium apples (Honeycrisp, Fuji, Granny Smith, or a mix)

• ½ cup water

• 1–2 tablespoons pure maple syrup, optional

• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Instructions

1. Prepare the apples: Wash, core, and chop the apples into similar-sized pieces. Peel them for a smoother applesauce or leave the skins on for extra fiber.

2. Cook: Add the apples, water, and cinnamon to a large pot. Cover and simmer over medium-low heat for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.

3. Mash or blend: Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

4. Add sweetness: Stir in the maple syrup and lemon juice. Taste and adjust the sweetness as needed.

5. Cool and serve: Enjoy warm or let cool before refrigerating.

Tips

• Best flavor: Mix sweet apples like Honeycrisp or Fuji with tart Granny Smith apples for a balance of flavors.

• Naturally sweet: Start without maple syrup and taste before adding any. Sweet apples may not need additional sweetener.

• Adjust the texture: Leave the skins on for extra fiber or peel the apples for a smoother applesauce.

• Serving ideas: Enjoy on its own, stir into oatmeal or yogurt, serve with pancakes, or use as a substitute for some of the oil or butter in baking recipes.

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.