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