A Family Favorite: From My Husband to My Son
I’ve been making this applesauce recipe for years for my husband, but it’s now a go-to staple for our 2.5-year-old son. I started making it when he was just 6 months old, and I love knowing exactly what he’s eating—no added sugars, just pure, fresh apples. When he was younger, I’d mix in different fruits to introduce new flavors and textures, making it a great way to explore new foods. Now, I always keep some in the freezer, so I can easily add a healthy side to his meals. It’s become a family favorite, I hope after trying this recipe, it becomes a favorite in your home too!
Healthier, Fresher, and Easier
Your Go-To Recipe for Perfect Unsweetened Applesauce
Making homemade unsweetened applesauce is easier than you think! This simple applesauce recipe is naturally sweet, thanks to the variety of apples used, and requires no added sugar. Perfect for snacks, baking, or even as baby food, this unsweetened apple sauce is a versatile staple for any kitchen. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for a healthy treat, making homemade baby food, or need a side dish for your next gathering, this recipe for unsweetened applesauce is sure to become a favorite.
Table of Contents
Top Reasons to Make Applesauce at Home
Healthier Option
Store-bought applesauce often contains added sugars or preservatives. With this unsweetened applesauce recipe, you know exactly what’s going into your food—just fresh apples, lemon juice, a bit of water, and some natural spices like cinnamon.
Simple & Easy
This is a simple applesauce recipe that requires minimal ingredients and effort. In under 30 minutes, you’ll have a delicious batch of unsweetened apple sauce ready to enjoy.
Versatile Use
Whether you’re looking for a quick snack, a baking ingredient, or even homemade baby food, this unsweetened applesauce recipe is perfect for all occasions.
Customizable
While this recipe keeps it simple, you can easily add a touch of vanilla, cinnamon, or other spices to tailor the applesauce to your taste.
Simple & Healthy Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 13 1x
Description
Looking for a simple and healthy way to enjoy apples? Try this easy unsweetened applesauce recipe made with a blend of Granny Smith, McIntosh, and Honey Crisp apples for a naturally sweet and tangy flavor. With just a touch of cinnamon, water, and fresh lemon juice, this applesauce comes together in 30 minutes, making it the perfect no-sugar-added snack or versatile ingredient for baking and cooking.
This homemade applesauce is ideal for those looking to cut out refined sugars while still enjoying the comforting taste of apples. Whether you’re serving it as a snack, using it as a topping for oatmeal, or incorporating it into recipes, this unsweetened apple sauce delivers pure apple flavor with the perfect texture.
Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make! Simply peel, core, and dice the apples, simmer with water, cinnamon, and lemon juice, and mash to your desired consistency. Store it in the refrigerator, and you’ll have a naturally sweet, healthy applesauce ready to enjoy whenever you like.
Perfect for meal prepping, baby food, or baking, this recipe shows you how to make unsweetened applesauce in just a few simple steps!
Ingredients
- 1 lb Granny Smith Apple (about 2 large apples)
- 2 lb McIntosh Apple (about 4 large apples)
- 1 lb Honey Crisp Apple (about 2 large apples)
- ½ tsp cinnamon
- ½ cup water
- 4 tsp lemon juice
Instructions
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Prepare the apples: Peel and core the apples. Cut the McIntosh and Honey Crisp apples into ½-inch cubes. Cut the Granny Smith apples into smaller pieces, about ¼-inch cubes, since they take longer to soften.
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Cook the apples: Place all the apples in a large saucepan. Add the water, cinnamon, and lemon juice.
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Simmer: Cover the saucepan and place it over medium heat. Let the apples cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Cook until the apples break down and become soft. If the mixture looks dry, add a splash of water to prevent sticking.
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Mash the apples: Once the apples have softened, remove the saucepan from heat. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, you can blend it with an immersion blender or food processor.
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Cool and store: Allow the applesauce to cool completely before transferring it to a storage container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
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Enjoy: Serve chilled or warmed, on its own or as a topping for your favorite dishes.
Notes
- Adjust to Taste: Modify ingredients to suit your preferences.
- Get Creative: Add fruits like berries, pears, or peaches for a twist. Spice it up with nutmeg, ginger, or cloves for a fall flavor.
- Apple Varieties: Mix different types—Granny Smith for tartness, Fuji or Gala for sweetness.
- Texture: Blend for smooth applesauce or mash for a chunkier version.
- Storage: Keep in the fridge for up to a week.
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months; thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Side Dish
Nutrition
- Calories: 73
- Sugar: 15
- Sodium: 2
- Fat: 1
- Saturated Fat: 1
- Carbohydrates: 19
- Fiber: 3
- Protein: 1
How to Store & Freeze Applesauce
Once you’ve made your unsweetened applesauce, proper storage is key to keeping it fresh and delicious. Here are some tips for storing it in both the fridge and freezer:
Storing Applesauce in the Fridge
Store your applesauce in an airtight container to preserve its freshness for up to a week. Some great options include:
- Glass Jars: Ideal for storing in the fridge because they’re non-reactive, preserving the applesauce’s flavor. Plus, glass jars are environmentally friendly and allow for easy portioning.
- Plastic Containers with Tight Seals: A practical choice if you prefer lightweight containers. Just ensure the lid seals well to prevent air from getting in, which can cause spoilage.
Freezing Applesauce
When freezing applesauce, use freezer-safe containers that allow for expansion as the applesauce freezes. Here are the best options:
- Freezer-Safe Glass Jars: These are great if you prefer glass but be sure to leave space at the top since the applesauce will expand as it freezes.
- Silicone Freezer Trays: Perfect for freezing small portions. Once frozen, you can pop the cubes into a freezer-safe bag for easy storage and portion control.
My Favorite Freezing Method for Baby or Toddler Applesauce
For baby or toddler portions, I love using Kiinde Twist Pouch Bags. These pouches are convenient, mess-free, and portioned perfectly for little ones. Once you fill the pouches with applesauce, they can be stored flat in the freezer, saving space. The pouches are also great for easy defrosting and on-the-go snacks!
Fork
Creates a chunky texture. Best for small batches but can be time-consuming.
Potato Masher
Perfect for chunky applesauce. Easy to use but may leave larger pieces.
Hand Blender
Offers a smooth texture with easy cleanup. Great for blending directly in the pot.
Blender
Creates a very smooth applesauce. Efficient for large batches but requires extra cleanup.
Food Processor
Provides a range of textures. Ideal for big batches, though bulky to clean.
Nothing Says Fall Like This Simple, Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe!
There’s nothing quite like homemade unsweetened applesauce to welcome the fall season—sweet, delicious, and made with freshly picked apples. This simple applesauce recipe is so unbelievably easy that you’ll wonder why you ever bought applesauce from the store! Made with just apples, a hint of cinnamon, and lemon juice, this unsweetened applesauce recipe is bursting with natural flavor, with no artificial ingredients or extra sugar. In fact, you’ll be surprised to learn that this applesauce is completely unsweetened just by tasting it!
What Makes This Unsweetened Apple Sauce Recipe Special?
The secret to this delicious unsweetened apple sauce recipe lies in the perfect combination of apples. We don’t just use one type of apple; instead, we use a blend of McIntosh, Granny Smith, and Honey Crisp apples to achieve an awe-worthy flavor. This mix of apples creates the ideal balance of natural sweetness, just the right amount of tartness, and a subtle tangy finish.
Why These Apples? The Method Behind the Madness!
Each type of apple brings something unique to the table, which makes this recipe for unsweetened applesauce so special:
McIntosh Apples
Known for their crunchy, tart flavor, McIntosh apples add a sweet yet lightly acidic touch. Keep in mind that their flavor is best when fresh, as it fades the longer they’re stored.
Granny Smith Apples
These crisp, sharp apples bring a higher level of acidity, adding a tartness that balances out the sweetness. Interestingly, Granny Smith apples become sweeter the longer they’re stored.
Honey Crisp Apples
These sweet and crisp apples are high in water content and add just the right amount of sweetness without needing added sugar.
You can feel free to use any apples you prefer, as the cooking method remains the same, but we highly recommend trying this blend of apples for the best flavor in your unsweetened applesauce.
What's The Best Apple For Your Unsweetened Applesauce?
Apples are not just a fruit; they are a delightful journey of flavors and textures. From the crisp bite of a Granny Smith to the sweet juiciness of a Honeycrisp, each variety offers a unique taste experience. Explore the different types of apples and find your favorite today!
| Apple Variety | Taste Profile | Best Use in Applesauce |
|---|---|---|
| Granny Smith | Tart, crisp, slightly sour | Adds a tangy flavor and balances sweeter apple varieties. Great for those who prefer a less sweet applesauce. |
| Honeycrisp | Sweet, slightly tart, juicy, crisp | Known for its juicy sweetness, Honeycrisp adds natural sweetness and a crisp texture to the applesauce. |
| McIntosh | Sweet, tangy, soft | Breaks down easily when cooked, making it perfect for smooth applesauce with a balanced sweet-tart flavor. |
| Gala | Mildly sweet, floral | Adds a delicate sweetness and subtle floral notes, ideal for those who like their applesauce on the sweeter side. |
| Fuji | Very sweet, firm, crisp | Provides intense sweetness and a firm texture that holds up well during cooking. Great for naturally sweet applesauce. |
| Golden Delicious | Sweet, mellow, slightly tart when ripe | Adds a mellow sweetness and smooth texture, perfect for making silky, sweet applesauce. |
| Braeburn | Sweet, spicy, slightly tart | Adds a complex, spicy sweetness with hints of spice, making it great for a rich, flavorful applesauce. |
| Jonagold | Sweet, tangy, with honeyed notes | A balanced mix of sweet and tart, ideal for those who want a rich, flavorful applesauce with a hint of honey. |
| Cortland | Mildly sweet, crisp, tangy | Retains a mild sweetness with a tangy finish, perfect for adding a light, crisp flavor to your applesauce. |
| Rome | Mild, slightly sweet, firm | Firm texture makes it perfect for chunkier applesauce, but it benefits from mixing with sweeter varieties. |
Creative Applesauce Flavors for Every Season
Applesauce is the perfect base to get creative with seasonal flavors. No matter the time of year, you can enhance your unsweetened applesauce recipe with fresh fruits and spices that reflect the season’s best flavors. Check out these ideas to keep your applesauce exciting year-round:
As the weather warms up, try incorporating fresh, tart, and slightly sweet flavors to reflect the freshness of spring.
- Strawberry Applesauce: Add fresh or frozen strawberries for a burst of berry sweetness.
- Rhubarb-Apple Sauce: Mix in chopped rhubarb for a tangy and slightly tart applesauce.
- Mint-Infused Applesauce: Add a few fresh mint leaves for a refreshing twist.
- Lemon Zest Applesauce: Stir in a bit of lemon zest to brighten up the flavor.
- Honey & Lavender Applesauce: A touch of honey and a pinch of culinary lavender make for a light floral treat.
Summer is the perfect time to blend applesauce with juicy, ripe fruits and create light, refreshing versions of this classic.
- Peach Applesauce: Blend fresh, ripe peaches for a sweet and juicy variation.
- Blueberry-Apple Sauce: Add fresh or frozen blueberries for a delicious antioxidant boost.
- Mango-Apple Sauce: Tropical and smooth, mango adds a vibrant flavor to applesauce.
- Cucumber-Mint Applesauce: A light and cooling combination perfect for hot days.
- Coconut-Lime Applesauce: Mix in shredded coconut and a splash of lime juice for a tropical twist.
Fall is all about cozy, warm flavors, and your applesauce can easily be spiced up to reflect the rich, autumnal tastes of the season.
- Cinnamon-Spiced Applesauce: Add extra cinnamon for that warm, cozy fall feeling.
- Apple Cider Applesauce: Replace some of the water with apple cider for a richer apple flavor.
- Pumpkin Spice Applesauce: Stir in pumpkin puree with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves for a fall classic.
- Maple & Pecan Applesauce: Drizzle in some maple syrup and sprinkle chopped pecans for a sweet, nutty twist.
- Caramel Applesauce: Swirl in caramel sauce for an indulgent autumn treat.
Winter is the perfect time to cozy up with rich, warming spices and fruits that bring comfort during the colder months.
- Cranberry-Apple Sauce: Add fresh or dried cranberries for a tart and festive holiday applesauce.
- Pear & Vanilla Applesauce: Mix in ripe pears and a splash of vanilla extract for a delicate, smooth flavor.
- Ginger-Spiced Applesauce: Add grated ginger for a little heat and spice.
- Cinnamon-Orange Applesauce: Incorporate cinnamon with a splash of fresh orange juice and zest for a wintery citrus kick.
- Chai-Spiced Applesauce: Infuse your applesauce with chai spices like cardamom, cinnamon, and cloves for a warm, spiced flavor.
Check Out Some Of Our Other Favorite Sides Dish and Sauce Recipes:
FAQ
If you’re looking for more information on how to make and customize your own unsweetened applesauce recipe, you’re in the right place! Whether you’re curious about the health benefits of unsweetened applesauce, wondering which apple varieties work best, or need tips on sweetening your simple applesauce recipe, we’ve got the answers. Below, you’ll find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about unsweetened applesauce recipes. Learn everything from choosing the right apples, freezing your applesauce, to understanding its nutritional benefits!
How Long Does Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Last?
Homemade unsweetened applesauce can last up to 7 days in the fridge when stored in an airtight container. If you’d like to keep it longer, it can be frozen for up to 3 months. Simply thaw it in the fridge overnight before using.
Is This Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe Good for Baby Food?
Yes, this unsweetened applesauce recipe is perfect for baby food! It’s made with just apples, water, and a bit of lemon juice, with no added sugars or preservatives, making it a healthy, natural option for babies. Be sure to puree the applesauce thoroughly to achieve a smooth texture that’s easy for younger babies to eat. You can also freeze the applesauce in small portions for up to 3 months, making it convenient for meal prep. As your baby grows, you can introduce more texture by leaving the applesauce chunkier. You can even mix in other baby-safe fruits like bananas or pears to add variety. Applesauce is rich in fiber and vitamin C, making it a nutritious addition to your baby’s diet.
How Healthy Is Unsweetened Applesauce?
Unsweetened applesauce is a very healthy snack, especially when made at home. It’s rich in:
- Vitamins and Minerals: Apples are full of vitamin C, fiber, and antioxidants, making them a nutritious option.
- Low in Calories: Without added sugars, this simple applesauce recipe is low in calories and a great alternative to sugary snacks.
- Natural Sweetness: The natural sugars in apples offer a sweet taste without the need for artificial sweeteners, making it a good choice for those watching their sugar intake.
- Gut Health: The fiber in apples can promote better digestion and support gut health.
What Are the Best Apples for Unsweetened Applesauce?
For the best flavor, it’s ideal to use a mix of apples to balance sweetness and tartness. Some of the best apple varieties for unsweetened applesauce include:
- Honey Crisp: Sweet and slightly tart, perfect for adding natural sweetness.
- McIntosh: Soft and tangy, they break down easily, making them great for smooth applesauce.
- Granny Smith: Tart and firm, these apples provide a tangy flavor that pairs well with sweeter varieties.
- Fuji: Very sweet and crisp, great for those who prefer sweeter applesauce.
Mixing these varieties gives your applesauce the perfect balance of flavors.
Can I substitute apples in recipes?
Yes, you can substitute apples depending on the flavor profile you desire. For a tart flavor, use Granny Smith; for sweetness, try Honeycrisp or Fuji.
Are Honey Crisp Apples Good for Applesauce?
Yes! Freezing unsweetened applesauce is a great way to extend its shelf life. After making your recipe for unsweetened applesauce, allow it to cool completely. Then, transfer it to an airtight container or freezer-safe bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use it, thaw it in the fridge overnight.
How to Sweeten Unsweetened Applesauce?
While this unsweetened applesauce recipe relies on the natural sweetness of apples, there are easy ways to add a bit more sweetness if you prefer:
- Add Honey or Maple Syrup: Stir in a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetener.
- Mix in Cinnamon or Vanilla: Adding a teaspoon of cinnamon or a drop of vanilla extract can enhance the natural sweetness without added sugars.
- Blend in Sweet Apples: If your applesauce tastes too tart, try mixing in sweeter apple varieties like Gala or Fuji to naturally balance the flavor.
- Fruit Purees: You can blend in other fruits like bananas or pears for an extra sweet, fruity touch while keeping it all-natural.
Is Unsweetened Applesauce Acidic?
Yes, unsweetened applesauce can be slightly acidic, but it depends on the type of apples you use. Apples like Granny Smith have a higher acidity, which gives them a tart flavor. However, using a mix of sweet apples like Honey Crisp or Golden Delicious can balance the acidity and make the applesauce taste more mild. The addition of a little lemon juice, which is common in applesauce recipes, also helps prevent browning and may slightly raise the acidity.
