Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe (2024)

Fall is my favorite season, and the scent of apples and cinnamon is definitely one of the best things about it. It makes me feel warm and cozy, and it always means that something delicious is in the works.

Whether I’m baking French apple cake, apple crisp or making this easy Homemade Applesauce recipe, the house is filled with the most amazing aroma.

The best part about this recipe is that it tastes like apple pie and takes a fraction of the time. It’s one of the best ways to celebrate apple season!

Table of Contents

Why you’ll love this recipe

• This Homemade Applesauce recipe is the perfect way to celebrate apple season. It’s so fresh tasting with the warm flavor of cinnamon, and will be a hit with everyone in the family.
• The recipe includes 4 ingredients with minimal sugar so the flavor of the apples really shine.
• The entire recipe is ready in about 40 minutes and is also great for meal prep.
• Applesauce can be enjoyed as a snack, used as a substitute for oil in some baked goods, or served as a side with pork or chicken!

Recipe ingredients

Less is more in this easy applesauce recipe to let the flavor of the apples shine. There is minimal sugar and a touch of cinnamon for a nice warm flavor.

Ingredient notes

• Apples. I used Pink Lady apples for their sweet flavor, but they may be substituted with your favorite baking apples.
• Granulated sugar. Add more sugar as necessary, depending on how tart your apples are, or substitute with unrefined sugar such as maple syrup, honey or coconut sugar.
• Lemon juice. The lemon juice makes the flavors pop, but it may be omitted if you don’t have any on hand.
• Cinnamon. I added 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon for a nice warm flavor, or you can toss in a cinnamon stick while the mixture cooks.

See the recipe card below for the full list of ingredients and quantities.

How to make this recipe

Homemade applesauce couldn’t be easier to make, and it tastes like apple pie!

Pro tip: Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples to the desired consistency, or process in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.

See the recipe card below for full instructions.

1. Place all of the ingredients in a medium saucepan and stir well to combine.
2. Bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce heat slightly. Cover and cook 30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.
3. Mash with a potato masher until the apple sauce is the consistency you desire.

Recipe FAQs

Serving suggestions

Homemade applesauce is certainly special served all on its own as a snack or even dessert, but it also makes a wonderful side dish with savory dishes such as baked pork chops or bbq pulled chicken.

It’s also a great side with your favorite lunch such as veggie sandwiches and curry chicken salad.

Applesauce is also a great substitute for oil in baking. It adds moisture and flavor to cake, muffins, quick breads and my blackberry snack cake.

Recipe notes

• Pro tip: Use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples to the desired consistency, or process in a food processor if you prefer a smoother texture.
• I love using Pink Lady apples for their sweet flavor, but they may be substituted with your favorite baking apples.
• Store applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.

More apple recipes you’ll love

• Apple oatmeal muffins
• Apple tarte tatin
• Baked apples
• Spinach apple salad

All recipes and images © Flavor the Moments.