I sometimes buy applesauce pouches and jarred applesauce at the store, but when apples are in season and I can get them for a low price, making homemade applesauce is a favorite option. This method, which involves simply simmering diced apples until soft on the stove, is fast and delivers consistently great results. You can store it in a jar in the fridge to serve as a side or snack, or you can portion it into reusable pouches for the kids. It also works on its own, or you can try one of the yummy flavor combinations I have including cinnamon, strawberry, peach, vanilla, and maple. Note: The jars shown above are from WeeSprout. Find Recipes that Use Applesauce if you have leftovers to use up. You may also like Cranberry Apple Pie, Cinnamon Applesauce, French Toast Casserole with Apples, and Apple Cookies.)
Ingredients You Need
To make this homemade applesauce recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients.
Apples: You can use any apple you like for this, though ones that taste good fresh will have the best flavor here. Varieties such as Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Sweet Tango, and more are our favorite types to use. You can do a combination of apple types, too, just know that they may not cook at exactly the same rate (so you might need to cook a little longer). Optional: You can add a little lemon juice to boost the flavor. You can add ground cinnamon or apple pie spice, a handful of strawberries or peaches, some vanilla extract, or optional sweeteners maple syrup as you like to vary the flavor. All of those are optional. The base recipe is for classic applesauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the method involved in making this homemade applesauce recipe. Scroll to the end of the post for the specifics including the amounts and the timing.
Applesauce Flavor Variations
Here are some easy ways to customize the flavor of this applesauce for your family.
Cinnamon Applesauce: Add 1 teaspoon cinnamon to the finished applesauce. Strawberry Applesauce: Replace 1 cup of apples with 1 cup of strawberries and prepare the recipe as directed. Peach Applesauce: Replace 1 cup of apples with 1 cup of peaches and prepare the recipe as directed. Vanilla Applesauce: Add 1 teaspoon vanilla extract to the finished applesauce. Maple Applesauce: Add 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup to the finished applesauce.
How to Store
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container or in an ice cube tray or reusable pouches. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.
Best Tips for Success
Use apples that taste good fresh for the best flavor. You can mix apple types, just know they may not cook at exactly the same rate. (So you may need to cook a little longer.) Stir a few times during cooking to help the apples cook evenly. If the applesauce is boiling rapidly when the pot is covered, turn down the heat slightly. You want it to simmer to avoid it cooking too quickly or burning. Use one of the options to vary the flavor. Serve in a bowl with a spoon or in a reusable pouch. Here’s information on how to can fresh applesauce. Use it in baking recipes including Baked Apple Oatmeal, Applesauce Muffins, Applesauce Cookies, Birthday Cake Muffins, Apple Donuts, and more. Or try in Overnight Oats.
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate it and comment below. This set of pouches comes in 3 sizes and is fridge and freezer-friendly. They’re also easy to clean!
Easy Crockpot Applesauce
Fresh Pear Sauce
Easy Peach Sauce
Easy Stewed Apples
This post was first published September 2022.
