Description
This classic homemade applesauce recipe uses sweet cooking apples cooked down with cinnamon and a touch of salt to create a naturally sweet, flavorful sauce. You can make it chunky or smooth according to your preference, and optionally add maple syrup for extra sweetness. The apples are gently simmered until tender, making this a simple and comforting dessert or snack.
Ingredients
Applesauce Ingredients
- 4 pounds sweet cooking apples (e.g., Macintosh)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick (or ground cinnamon to flavor at the end)
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Maple syrup (optional, for sweetness)
Instructions
- Prep the apples: Core and dice the apples. You can leave the skins on for a rosy-colored applesauce, or peel them if you prefer a chunkier texture.
- Cook the apples: Place the diced apples in a large pot or Dutch oven along with the water, cinnamon stick, and kosher salt. Cover and bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer until the apples are soft, about 30 to 35 minutes. Stir occasionally and mash the apples down as they cook. Once tender, turn off the heat and remove the cinnamon stick.
- Make chunky applesauce: Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples. If the skins remain, remove them with a fork for a smoother texture. Peeling apples before cooking simplifies this step.
- Make smooth applesauce: Blend the cooked apples using a food processor or blender until smooth but still slightly textured. Then pass the sauce through a fine strainer to remove peel pieces, or alternatively, use a food mill to puree and separate skins quickly.
- Taste and adjust: Taste the applesauce. Depending on your apples, it may be sweet enough as is. If not, add a drizzle of maple syrup for extra sweetness. If you did not use a cinnamon stick during cooking, stir in ground cinnamon to taste.
Notes
- Using Macintosh or other sweet cooking apples provides natural sweetness and a soft texture.
- Peeling apples before cooking yields a chunkier applesauce and makes skin removal easier.
- Adjust sweetness with maple syrup according to preference; often unnecessary with sweet apples.
- Use a food mill or strainer for smooth applesauce without bits of peel.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
