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Quick Stovetop Homemade Applesauce

Close-up of chunky, spiced applesauce sprinkled with cinnamon served in a small white bowl.

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Make simple, naturally sweet applesauce on the stovetop. This recipe is quick and allows you to control the texture, whether you prefer it chunky or smooth.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 large apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples. You may peel them or leave the skins on for extra fiber and color (no peel method).
  2. Core the apples and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
  3. Place the apple chunks, water, and lemon juice (if using) into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  4. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the apples are very tender when pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon and sweetener, if you are using them.
  7. 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 a fork.
  8. Serve warm or chill completely before storing.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use a mix of sweet and tart apples.
  • If you leave the skins on, the final applesauce will have a pinkish hue.
  • Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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