Discover the delightful taste of homemade applesauce with Kristina's easy-to-follow recipe! Perfectly sweetened and spiced, this comforting treat is not only a nostalgic favorite but also a versatile addition to your meals. Whether you’re looking to elevate your breakfast, create a delicious snack, or find a wholesome side dish, this applesauce recipe will have you coming back for more. With just a handful of ingredients and a little bit of time, you can create a batch of warm, fragrant applesauce that will fill your kitchen with the irresistible aroma of fall. Ready to impress your family and friends? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 cups
Ingredients
- 6 apples, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup sugar (optional)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients: 6 peeled and diced apples, 1/2 cup of water, 1/4 cup of sugar (if desired), and 1 teaspoon of cinnamon (if desired).
- Choose a variety of apples for the best flavor; a mix of sweet and tart apples like Granny Smith and Fuji works well.
- Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler, then core and dice them into small, even pieces to ensure they cook evenly.
- In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the diced apples and 1/2 cup of water. This will help the apples cook down without burning.
- If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, add the 1/4 cup of sugar to the saucepan. Adjust the amount of sugar based on your taste preference and the sweetness of the apples used.
- For added flavor, sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of cinnamon. This step is optional but enhances the taste of the applesauce.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. Stir occasionally to prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom of the pan.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan with a lid. Allow the apples to simmer for about 30 minutes, or until they are soft and tender.
- After 30 minutes, remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a fork or potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency, whether chunky or smooth.
- Let the applesauce cool for a few minutes before transferring it to a storage container. You can serve it warm or refrigerate it for later use.
- Homemade applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for longer storage. Enjoy your delicious homemade applesauce!
Tips
- Choose the Right Apples: For the best flavor, mix sweet and tart apples. A combination of Granny Smith and Fuji apples will provide a perfect balance of sweetness and tanginess.
- Prep Efficiently: Peel and core your apples before dicing them into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and become tender faster.
- Adjust Sweetness: Feel free to modify the sugar amount based on your taste preference. If your apples are particularly sweet, you might not need the full 1/4 cup.
- Add Flavor: While cinnamon is optional, it adds a wonderful warmth to the applesauce. You can also experiment with other spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique twist.
- Watch the Heat: Start on medium heat to bring your mixture to a boil, then reduce to low to simmer. This prevents burning and allows the apples to soften beautifully.
- Texture Preference: Mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a chunky texture, use a fork; for a smoother sauce, a potato masher or blender works well.
- Storage Tips: Store your homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it in portions for longer storage. It’s perfect for quick snacks or side dishes!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 100kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg
