Five Ways to Make Homemade Applesauce

🍎 Apples 🍎 

I love making applesauce every year from organic apples grown in my garden. I use a combination of different apples, mainly including Gala and Honeycrisp. I sometimes add pears as well. My favorite applesauce is without any sweeteners or additives. I am not much on canning, but these are perfect for canning and keeping on the shelf to eat during the winter, so you can eat the healthy fruit! Here are five delicious and heart-healthy ways to make homemade applesauce, all without added sugar unless you need to add maple syrup to sweeten it. Get ready now for some delicious apple goodness!

Cuisine Type: International (adaptable to various flavor profiles)

Dietary Preferences: Heart-Healthy, No Added Sugar, Vegan (naturally), Gluten-Free

Estimated Nutritional Information (per ½ cup serving, approximate, and will vary based on apple variety and additions):

* Calories: 60-80

* Protein: <1 gram

* Carbohydrates: 15-20 grams (naturally occurring sugars)

* Fat: <1 gram

Yield: Approximately 4 cups (depending on the number of apples used)

Prep Time: 15-20 minutes

Cook Time: Varies depending on method (20-45 minutes)

Ingredients:

* Base:

* 6-8 medium apples (about 2-2.5 pounds), a mix of varieties like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, McIntosh, or Braeburn for a balanced flavor.

* ½ cup water (or apple cider, unsweetened apple juice for richer flavor – adjust amount as needed)

* Optional Flavor Enhancers (choose based on your desired variation):

* Classic Cinnamon: ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon

* Spiced Delight: ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ¼ teaspoon ground allspice, pinch of ground cloves

* Lemon Zest: 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 1 tablespoon lemon juice

* Vanilla Bean: ½ vanilla bean, split and seeds scraped (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract, added after cooking)

* Ginger Zing: 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

* Maple Kiss: 1-2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional, for extra sweetness)

Equipment:

* Large saucepan (for stovetop methods)

* Vegetable peeler

* Knife

* Cutting board

* Potato masher or immersion blender (for desired consistency)

* Slow cooker (for slow cooker method)

* Instant Pot (for pressure cooker method)

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

1. Wash, peel, core, and quarter the apples. Peeling is optional; leaving the skins on adds fiber and nutrients, but will result in a slightly coarser applesauce.

Step 2: Choose Your Cooking Method & Add Flavorings

Method 1: Stovetop Applesauce (Classic)

1. Place the apples and ½ cup water (or apple cider/juice) in a large saucepan.

2. Add your chosen flavor enhancer (e.g., cinnamon).

3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.

4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily pierced with a fork.

5. Remove from heat. Mash with a potato masher for a chunkier sauce, or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.

6. Taste and adjust flavor as needed (add a touch of maple syrup if desired).

Method 2: Slow Cooker Applesauce (Set & Forget)

1. Place the apples and ½ cup water (or apple cider/juice) in a slow cooker.

2. Add your chosen flavor enhancer (e.g., Spiced Delight).

3. Cook on low for 4-6 hours, or on high for 2-3 hours, or until the apples are very soft.

4. Mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for desired consistency.

5. Taste and adjust flavor as needed.

Method 3: Instant Pot Applesauce (Quick & Easy)

1. Place the apples and ½ cup water (or apple cider/juice) in the Instant Pot.

2. Add your chosen flavor enhancer (e.g., Lemon Zest).

3. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.

4. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

5. Allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.

6. Mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for desired consistency.

7. Taste and adjust flavor as needed.

Method 4: Roasted Applesauce (Deeply Flavored)

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Place the apples in a baking dish. Add ¼ cup water to the bottom of the dish to prevent sticking.

3. Add your chosen flavor enhancer (e.g., Vanilla Bean – place the split bean among the apples).

4. Cover the dish with foil and bake for 30-40 minutes, or until the apples are very soft.

5. Remove from oven. Remove the vanilla bean (if using). Mash with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for desired consistency.

6. Taste and adjust flavor as needed. If using vanilla extract, stir it in now.

Method 5: Chunky Applesauce (Rustic)

1. Follow the stovetop applesauce method.

2. When cutting the apples, cut them into larger chunks.

3. Cook as directed.

4. Instead of mashing the apples use a fork to gently break them apart leaving large chunks of apple.

Step 3: Cool and Store

1. Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving.

2. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.

3. Applesauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months.

Serving Suggestions:

* Breakfast: Top oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes with a spoonful of applesauce.

* Snack: Enjoy it plain as a healthy and satisfying snack.

* Dessert: Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of cinnamon.

* Side Dish: Pair with roasted pork, chicken, or vegetables.

* Baking: Use as a substitute for oil or butter in muffins, cakes, or breads (this will reduce the fat content and add moisture).

* Baby Food: A great first food for babies (ensure it's smooth and free of any added ingredients that may be allergens).

Chef's Notes:

* Apple Variety: Experiment with different apple varieties to find your favorite flavor combination.

* Sweetness: The sweetness of the applesauce will depend on the apples you use. Taste as you go and add a touch of maple syrup or another natural sweetener if needed.

* Consistency: Adjust the amount of water or liquid to achieve your desired consistency.

* Spice Level: Adjust the amount of spices to your liking.

* Freezing: When freezing, leave some headspace in the container as the applesauce will expand.

Enjoy your homemade, healthy, and delicious applesauce!