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Simple Stovetop Applesauce

A close-up of homemade applesauce, lightly dusted with cinnamon, served in a white bowl.

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A straightforward recipe for making fresh, flavorful applesauce using common kitchen methods.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. Place the chopped apples, water, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using) into a large saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat.
  6. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture in batches to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the mixture with a potato masher to your desired consistency.
  7. Taste and add sweetener if needed, though the natural sweetness of the apples may be sufficient.
  8. Cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a combination of sweet apples (like Fuji or Gala) and tart apples (like McIntosh or Granny Smith).
  • If you prefer a thicker sauce, cook uncovered for the last 5 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
  • This recipe can be easily doubled for canning or freezing.

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