Homemade Applesauce with Maple Syrup and Cinnamon Recipe
This homemade applesauce recipe is a simple, comforting, and naturally sweet treat made from fresh mixed apples simmered to tender perfection. Enhanced with a touch of maple syrup or sugar, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice for brightness, and warm cinnamon, this applesauce is smooth, flavorful, and perfect for enjoying on its own or as a versatile accompaniment to many dishes. Easy to prepare on the stovetop, it can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for convenient use.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 40 mins
- Total Time: 55 mins
- Yield: 4 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Applesauce Ingredients
- 3 lb. mixed apples, peeled, cored, chopped
- 1/4 cup pure maple syrup or sugar (optional)
- 2 Tbsp. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1/4 tsp. kosher salt
- 3/4 cup water
Instructions
- Cook Apples: In a medium Dutch oven or pot over medium heat, combine the chopped apples, maple syrup or sugar if using, apple cider vinegar or lemon juice, ground cinnamon if using, kosher salt, and 3/4 cup water. Cover the pot and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender and cooked through, about 25 minutes.
- Reduce Liquid: Remove the lid and continue cooking the mixture over medium heat, stirring occasionally, to reduce the liquid by about half. This should take approximately 10 more minutes and will intensify the flavor and thicken the sauce.
- Puree Applesauce: Transfer the cooked apples and any remaining liquid to a food processor. Process until the mixture is smooth, about 1 to 2 minutes, adjusting texture to preference. Let the applesauce cool slightly before transferring it to an airtight container.
- Store and Serve: Refrigerate the applesauce until ready to serve. It can be made up to 1 month ahead of time and kept refrigerated to preserve freshness and flavor.
Notes
- You can adjust the sweetness by omitting or adding maple syrup or sugar to taste.
- The apple cider vinegar or lemon juice adds brightness and helps preserve the color.
- Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for a balanced flavor.
- For chunkier applesauce, pulse the mixture in the food processor instead of pureeing fully.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month, or freeze for longer storage.
