Homemade applesauce is a cozy, small-batch pantry classic — gently spiced, lightly sweetened, and perfect for breakfast, toppings, or canning. This simple stovetop method yields smooth, slightly chunky applesauce your family will request again and again.
Prep Time: 20 mins • Cook Time: 15 mins • Total Time: 35 mins • Servings: 4 • Yield: ~4 cups
Ingredients
- 6 cups apples — peeled, cored and chopped (mixed sweet-tart varieties like Gala + Granny Smith are ideal)
- ¾ cup water
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ cup granulated white sugar (adjust to taste or substitute with honey/maple)
Directions
Step 1
In a 2-quart saucepan over medium heat, combine chopped apples, water, cinnamon, and cloves. Stir to combine.
Step 2
Bring to a gentle boil, reduce heat, and simmer for about 10 minutes until apples are soft and break apart easily.
Step 3
Stir in sugar and simmer 5 more minutes to meld flavors and thicken slightly.
Step 4
For a chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher to desired texture. For smooth applesauce, let cool slightly and puree in a blender or use an immersion blender until silky.
Step 5
Taste and adjust sweetness or spices. Serve warm, or cool and refrigerate.
Cook’s Note
For a naturally sweeter applesauce, use sweeter apple varieties or reduce added sugar. To make canned applesauce shelf-stable, process jars in a hot-water bath according to USDA canning guidelines.
How to Store
Refrigerate applesauce in an airtight container up to 7 days. Freeze in airtight containers up to 6 months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge.
Nutrition Facts (per 1 cup approx.)
Calories 195 • Total Fat 0g • Sodium 2mg • Carbohydrate 51g • Fiber 5g • Sugars 45g • Protein 1g • Vitamin C 9mg