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Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Homemade Applesauce Recipe

A close-up of chunky homemade applesauce topped with cinnamon in a white bowl, with fresh red apples in the background.

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Make the best homemade applesauce on your stovetop in just 30 minutes. This simple recipe uses natural sweetness and lets you choose a chunky or smooth texture for a healthy apple snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs apples (about 68 medium apples, such as Gala or Fuji)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash and core the apples. You may peel them if you prefer smooth applesauce, or leave the skins on for a more rustic, chunky texture and added fiber. Cut the apples into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Place the apple chunks, water, and lemon juice into a large saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are very tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat. If using, stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until dissolved.
  6. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples lightly with a potato masher or fork.
  7. Serve the homemade applesauce warm, or chill completely before serving as a healthy apple snack or side dish.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
  • This recipe makes a naturally sweet applesauce; only add sugar if your apples are very tart.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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