Old-Fashioned Applesauce

When I was a very young, my stepbrothers and I would visit a small orchard across from our favorite swimming hole. I remember gathering up apples that were too big for me to hold with one hand. We’d load them into a wagon and tug the wagon home. A peeling contest would then take place, and whoever was the first to remove the whole peel in one long strip was declared the winner. The prize? First taste of the most delicious applesauce recipe ever made. It’s a simple dish that reminds me of Grandma’s kitchen.

Follow along as our Test Kitchen shows you how to make applesauce. The process is super simple, and there are only three steps! If you’ve ever made mashed potatoes, you can make this applesauce recipe.

Applesauce Ingredients

• Apples: Before getting started, give the apples a quick wash. No need to be too thorough here, as you’ll be peeling them in the first step.
• Water: Water helps break down the apples so we can mash or blend them up later.
• Cinnamon: Use a cinnamon stick or cinnamon extract to infuse its sweet, cozy flavor into the applesauce.
• Sugar: Apples vary in sweetness, so we recommend anywhere between a 1/2 cup to 1 cup of sugar. You can use granulated sugar or brown sugar, but know the brown sugar will impart a brown hue to the applesauce.

Directions

Step 1: Prep the apples

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Using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, peel the apples, leaving as much of the apple as possible. Use a paring knife to core and quarter the apples.

Test Kitchen Tip: Apple peelers and corers are great, but unless you require peeled, cored apples regularly, save the expense and space, and use a tool you already have.

Step 2: Simmer the apples

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Add the apple chunks, water and cinnamon to a Dutch oven and bring them to a boil. As soon as the water starts to boil, reduce the heat. Cover the pot and simmer the apples for 10 to 15 minutes or until they’re tender. Remove the Dutch oven from the heat.

Test Kitchen Tip: Did you know you can slow-cook your applesauce instead? Add apples, water and cinnamon to a slow cooker, then cover and cook on low until apples are tender, six to eight hours. Or, bake the applesauce! Place the ingredients in a greased baking dish, then cover and bake it at 350ºF for 40 to 45 minutes.

Step 3: Add the sugar

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Add sugar to taste and stir until it has dissolved. Remove and discard the cinnamon stick if you used one.

Editor’s Tip: Start with the 1/2 cup of sugar and stir until dissolved. After you mash the apples in the next step, taste the sauce and see if you need to add more sugar.

Step 4: Mash the apples

Mash the apples with a potato masher until the desired texture is reached. Feel free to serve it hot or cold!

Editor’s Tip: How much you mash them is totally up to you. Or, if you prefer smooth applesauce, you can take an immersion blender to the apples and blend them to a completely silky sauce.

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Applesauce Variations

• Give other sweeteners a try: Honey, agave nectar and real maple syrup make great flavor additions instead of sugar.
• Play with the cozy flavors: Add a bit of nutmeg, cloves, cardamom or fresh gingerroot to spice things up.
• Add some spice: Stir in 1/4 cup of Red Hots to add pretty color and even more cinnamon flavor.

How to Store Applesauce

To store homemade applesauce, first let it cool completely to room temperature. Then transfer the applesauce to a Mason jar or airtight container—leaving a 1/2-inch headspace for expansion—and stash it in the fridge for up to one week.

Can you freeze applesauce?

Yes, you can freeze applesauce. Place your room-temperature applesauce in a resealable bag, leaving a 1-inch headspace for expansion. Homemade applesauce can be kept frozen for up to eight months. Thaw the applesauce overnight in the fridge and enjoy it the next day.

Applesauce Tips

What are the best apples for making applesauce?

The best apples for making applesauce are soft varieties that will break down easily like McIntosh or Golden Delicious. However, you really can use any type of apple to make applesauce! Each apple type will bring its own nuanced flavor. You can even do a mix of apples for a totally unique homemade applesauce recipe.

What should I serve with applesauce?

There are a lot of ways to use applesauce! Keep it in the fridge and dollop it on oatmeal, pancakes and waffles. Applesauce makes a great secret ingredient in baked desserts, or can be used as the main ingredient in recipes like our spicy applesauce cake that’s filled with cinnamon, nuts, chocolate chips and raisins. For a savory option, dollop applesauce onto baked pork chops. These two ingredients are simply made for each other!