My kids love picking out applesauce pouches from the store, but those little containers can add up and they often include added sugars (which aren’t always needed for yummy applesauce). And since they particularly like the Strawberry Applesauce flavor, I thought I’d try making it at home. I’m so delighted to share this recipe which is both really easy to make and completely delicious. You can serve this as a toddler snack, baby snack, or as a an easy side dish for any other meal. It’s great in a bowl with a spoon or served from a reusable pouch. (You may also like my Strawberry Banana Bread, Berry Crisp or my Favorite Strawberry Recipes.)
Applesauce Recipe without Added Sugar
The natural sugars in the fruits cook down to make a plenty sweet homemade applesauce with a pretty pink hue. I was surprised by how pleasant the flavor was without anything added to the fruit and I think you will be too. It’s so satisfying to make a recipe with lots of yummy flavor using only two fresh ingredients! Sign up for our email updates to get tips and ideas sent to your inbox.
Ingredients You Need
This strawberry applesauce recipe is super simple. Here’s a look at what you need to make it. Strawberries: I usually use fresh strawberries for this recipe, though frozen berries can work too if that’s what you have on hand (or find for less money). Apples: You can really use any type of fresh apple in this recipe (or even frozen sliced apples). I would recommend not using a tart apple since we’re not adding any extra sweetener to balance that out. Try Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Sweet Tango apples.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the basics of how to make this Strawberry Applesauce recipe. (Scroll down to the recipe card for all of the details.)
Do I have to remove the apple peels?
You can keep the peels on the apples if you want, though you’ll likely need to blend the mixture much longer to get a very smooth texture. So if your kids don’t mind more texture in their applesauce, you can leave them on. Otherwise, you can give the peels to older toddlers or kids as a snack, add them to a zip top freezer bag in the freezer and use them in future smoothies, or you can always compost them.
Homemade Applesauce Pouches
To keep our food budget in check and to make my toddler happy, I love to make a batch of this applesauce and serve it in reusable pouches. It’s easy to send to daycare, preschool, or school this way, and it’s so much less expensive than buying store-bought pouches.
Serving Suggestions
We like it stirred into yogurt and oatmeal, in a reusable pouch as a snack, alongside any dinner that includes roasted chicken or turkey, or as part of a snacky lunch with cheese and crackers. It’s really versatile!
Best Tips for Success
Vary the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of cinnamon. Use fresh or frozen strawberries. Sweeten the applesauce with a little honey if desired. Serve warm or cold. To freeze, let cool completely and freeze in a zip top freezer bag with as much air removed as possible, laid flat. Or in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. The thawed mixture may separate a little so stir it up before serving. You can use any remaining liquid in the pot in smoothies or chill and add to your own sparkling water! You may also like my Strawberry Puree, my Strawberry Muffins, and my easy Strawberry Smoothie.
I’d love to hear what you think if you try this recipe, so please comment below with feedback.
Strawberry Smoothie Recipe with Yogurt
Strawberry Overnight Oats
Fluffy Strawberry Pancakes
Instant Pot Applesauce
This post was first published June 2019.
