How to Make Homemade Applesauce in 5 Easy Steps

Applesauce is a delicious and healthy snack that you can enjoy any time of the year. It’s also easy to make at home with just a few ingredients and some simple steps. In this article, we’ll show you how to make homemade applesauce in 5 easy steps.
- Wash and peel the apples. You’ll need about 4 pounds of apples for this recipe, which will yield about 2 quarts of applesauce. You can use any variety of apples you like, but we recommend using a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Wash the apples well and peel them with a vegetable peeler or a knife. Then, core and chop them into small pieces.
- Cook the apples with water and sugar. Transfer the apple pieces to a large pot and add enough water to barely cover them. You can also add some sugar to sweeten the applesauce, depending on your preference and the sweetness of the apples. We suggest starting with 1/4 cup of sugar and adjusting later if needed. Bring the mixture to a boil over high heat, then reduce the heat and simmer until the apples are soft, about 15 to 20 minutes.
- Mash or puree the apples. Once the apples are cooked, you can mash them with a potato masher or a fork for a chunky texture, or puree them with a blender or a food processor for a smooth texture. You can also use an immersion blender to puree the apples directly in the pot. If you want to add some extra flavor, you can stir in some cinnamon, nutmeg, lemon juice, or vanilla extract at this point.
- Let the applesauce cool. Transfer the applesauce to a large bowl or a container and let it cool completely. You can also refrigerate it for faster cooling. The applesauce will thicken as it cools.
- Enjoy your homemade applesauce. You can serve your homemade applesauce as it is, or use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, oatmeal, yogurt, ice cream, or cake. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze it for up to 3 months.
Congratulations! You’ve just learned how to make homemade applesauce in 5 easy steps. We hope you enjoy this simple and tasty recipe as much as we do.
Homemade applesauce is not only delicious, but also nutritious. Apples are rich in fiber, vitamin C, antioxidants, and phytochemicals that can benefit your health in many ways. Applesauce can help lower your cholesterol, blood pressure, and blood sugar levels, as well as boost your immune system and digestion. Applesauce can also prevent constipation, diarrhea, and stomach ulcers.
Homemade applesauce is also more economical and eco-friendly than store-bought applesauce. You can save money by using apples that are in season or on sale, or by growing your own apples in your backyard or balcony. You can also reduce waste by using organic apples or by composting the peels and cores. Homemade applesauce is also free of preservatives, additives, artificial colors, and flavors that may be found in some commercial brands.
Homemade applesauce is also versatile and customizable. You can make it with any type of apples you like, or mix different varieties for a more complex flavor. You can also adjust the sweetness and texture of the applesauce to suit your taste buds. You can add different spices, herbs, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients to create your own unique flavors. You can also use homemade applesauce as a substitute for oil, butter, or eggs in baking recipes to make them healthier and more moist.