Cinnamon Applesauce
A comforting and simple homemade applesauce, slow-simmered with a warm touch of cinnamon. Perfectly sweet, a little tangy, and so much better than the store-bought version. Great as a side, snack, or dessert.
For 4 servings
4 steps. 25 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Apples (15 minutes)
- b.Wash the apples thoroughly.
- c.Using a vegetable peeler, peel the skin from all the apples.
- d.Carefully cut the apples away from the core and chop them into rough 1-inch chunks. Uniformity is not critical as they will cook down.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Simmer the Ingredients (20-25 minutes)
- b.Place the apple chunks into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
- c.Add the water, lemon juice, packed light brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and salt.
- d.Stir well to combine and coat the apples evenly with the spices and sugar.
- e.Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
- f.Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 20-25 minutes.
- g.Stir occasionally to prevent the bottom from scorching. The apples are ready when they are very tender and fall apart easily when poked with a fork.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Mash to Desired Consistency (2-3 minutes)
- b.Remove the pot from the heat.
- c.For a rustic, chunky applesauce, use a potato masher directly in the pot to break down the apples.
- d.For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender and blend until you reach your desired consistency.
- e.Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the cooked apples to a regular blender or food processor for an ultra-smooth puree. Be cautious when blending hot liquids.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Cool and Serve
- b.Taste the applesauce and adjust sweetness or cinnamon if desired.
- c.Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm, at room temperature, or chilled from the refrigerator.
What to keep in mind.
5 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet apples (like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp) and tart apples (like Granny Smith or Braeburn).
- 2If the mixture seems too dry while simmering, you can add another tablespoon or two of water.
- 3For a richer flavor, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or allspice along with the cinnamon.
- 4Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- 5This applesauce freezes beautifully. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of space at the top for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Adapt it for your goals.
Unsweetened Applesauce
Omit the brown sugar entirely. The natural sweetness of the apples is often enough, especially if using sweet varieties like Fuji or Honeycrisp.
Spiced Pear ApplesauceSpiced Pear Applesauce
Replace half of the apples with ripe pears (like Bartlett or Bosc). Add a pinch of ground ginger and a star anise pod during simmering for a warm, complex flavor. Remove the star anise before mashing.
Cranberry ApplesauceCranberry Applesauce
Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries to the pot along with the apples. You may need to add a little extra sugar to balance the tartness of the cranberries.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Apples are a great source of soluble and insoluble fiber, particularly pectin, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut microbiome, and can help manage cholesterol levels.
Packed with Antioxidants
Apples contain beneficial plant compounds like quercetin and catechins, which act as antioxidants to help protect your cells from oxidative stress and inflammation.
Supports Hydration
With a high water content (around 85%), apples contribute to your daily fluid intake, which is essential for all bodily functions.
Frequently asked questions
One serving (approximately 1 cup) of this homemade cinnamon applesauce contains about 150-180 calories, depending on the type of apples and the exact amount of sugar used.