How To Make Applesauce

Did you know applesauce isn’t just for babies?

Although many associate it with baby food, applesauce has much more to offer. It’s the perfect side dish for main courses like roasted meats, or even a base for delicious desserts. Plus, its smooth and natural flavor makes it a versatile ingredient you can use in many recipes. It’s one of those staples that should always be in your kitchen!

The best part about applesauce is that it’s easy to make and super healthy. By making it at home, you can control exactly what ingredients you use, avoiding added sugars or preservatives. Whether you enjoy it plain, with a touch of cinnamon, or as part of a more elaborate recipe, this simple dish will surprise you with its versatility. Let me know if you'd like any adjustments!

How to choose the best apples for applesauce

Choosing the right apples is key to making flavorful applesauce with the perfect texture. Not all apples are the same, and depending on what you want in your applesauce, some varieties will be better than others. Here are some tips to help you choose the best ones.

Sweet varieties: If you prefer naturally sweet applesauce, go for apples like Fuji or Golden Delicious. These apples provide a soft and natural sweetness, ideal for a more delicate applesauce.
Tart varieties: If you like a bit of tartness in your applesauce, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp are perfect. These apples balance sweetness with a refreshing acidity, ideal for those looking for a more complex flavor.
Mix of varieties: To get applesauce with more depth of flavor, mix sweet and tart apples. Combining different varieties will allow you to achieve the perfect balance between sweetness and acidity.
Freshness and ripeness: Make sure the apples are fresh, firm, and free from bruises. Overripe apples can make the sauce watery, while firmer ones ensure better texture.

If you're looking for a balanced and versatile applesauce, it's best to combine sweet and tart varieties. This will give you a sauce with a more interesting flavor and perfect texture.

Essential ingredients for making applesauce

To make delicious applesauce, it’s important to have the right ingredients. Here’s a breakdown of each one with its recommended quantity:

Apples (6 to 8 large apples): You can use a combination of Fuji or Golden Delicious for sweetness, and Granny Smith to balance it with a touch of acidity. This mix will give your applesauce the perfect flavor.
Water (1/2 cup): Helps cook the apples without burning them and ensures the applesauce has the right consistency.
Cinnamon (1 teaspoon, optional): Adds a warm, spiced touch to the applesauce, ideal for giving it more depth of flavor.
Lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Enhances the natural flavor of the apples and prevents them from oxidizing during cooking, while also adding a slight tang.
Sugar or sweetener (2 to 3 tablespoons, optional): If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, you can add sugar, honey, or maple syrup to taste. However, if the apples are sweet enough, this ingredient is optional.

I especially recommend using a mix of Fuji or Golden Delicious with Granny Smith, as this combination will give you the best balance between sweetness and acidity in your applesauce.

Step-by-step recipe for making applesauce

Making applesauce at home is simple and quick. Here are the detailed steps to help you achieve a delicious applesauce with the perfect texture.

1. Peel and cut the apples

Start by peeling 6 to 8 apples (you can use a mix of Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Granny Smith to balance sweetness and acidity). Then, cut them into medium-sized pieces, removing the core and seeds.

2. Cook the apples

Place the apple pieces in a large pot and add 1/2 cup of water. Cook over medium-high heat until it starts to boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Cook for 15 to 20 minutes or until the apples are very soft.

3. Add lemon juice and cinnamon (optional)

While cooking, you can add 2 tablespoons of lemon juice to enhance the flavor and prevent the apples from oxidizing. If you like a spiced touch, add 1 teaspoon of cinnamon to give it a warm flavor.

4. Mash the apples

Once the apples are cooked and soft, remove them from the heat. Use a blender, food processor, or food mill to mash them until you reach your desired consistency. If you prefer chunkier applesauce, you can mash them with a fork.

5. Adjust the texture (optional)

If the applesauce is too thick, you can add a little more water until you get your preferred consistency. If it’s too watery, cook it again over low heat without a lid for a few minutes to evaporate excess water.

6. Sweeten (optional)

If you prefer sweeter applesauce, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sugar or sweetener while the apples are still hot, stirring well to dissolve it.

7. Cool and serve

Let the applesauce cool before serving or storing it in airtight jars. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze it for later enjoyment.

This process will give you a delicious homemade applesauce that you can customize according to your tastes. Enjoy it on its own or as a side dish in your favorite recipes!

Benefits of homemade applesauce

Homemade applesauce is not only delicious, but it also offers a range of health benefits. Since it’s made with natural ingredients and without preservatives, it’s a nutritious and versatile option that can improve your daily diet.

Rich in antioxidants: Apples, especially when used with the peel, contain antioxidants like quercetin and chlorogenic acid, which help fight free radicals and reduce the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer and heart disease.
Source of essential nutrients: Applesauce is a good source of vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. These nutrients are key to maintaining a strong immune system, improving digestion, and regulating blood pressure.
Supports digestion: Although it has less fiber than whole apples, applesauce still contains soluble fiber, which helps improve digestive health by regulating bowel movements and lowering cholesterol levels.
Natural hydrator: Thanks to its high water content, applesauce can help keep you hydrated, especially if consumed without added sugars or artificial ingredients.
Healthy alternative for sweetening: Applesauce can be used as a natural sugar substitute in baking recipes, making it an ideal option for those looking to reduce their intake of refined sugars.

In summary, making your own applesauce at home allows you to enjoy all these benefits while controlling the ingredients. It’s a healthy and delicious way to incorporate more fruit into your daily diet.

How to adjust the texture of applesauce: thicker or thinner

The texture of applesauce can vary depending on your preferences, and adjusting it is very simple. Here’s how to achieve a thicker or thinner applesauce, depending on what you’re looking for.

For a thicker applesauce:

Cook the apples for a longer time, allowing the excess water to evaporate naturally.
Add a thickening agent like cornstarch or arrowroot. Mix 1 or 2 teaspoons with cold water to form a paste and add it to the hot applesauce, stirring until it thickens.
Use firmer apples like Granny Smith, which release less water during cooking, resulting in a naturally thicker applesauce.

For a thinner applesauce:

Gradually add water or apple juice while stirring until you reach the desired consistency.
You can also use lemon juice to add a tangy flavor while making it lighter.

These simple adjustments will allow you to customize the texture of your applesauce according to your preferences, whether you want it thicker or smoother.

Creative uses for applesauce in sweet and savory recipes

Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can transform both sweet and savory recipes. Here are some creative ideas to make the most of it in your kitchen:

In sweet recipes:

Sugar substitute: Use applesauce as a natural sweetener in cake, cookie, or muffin recipes. It not only adds sweetness but also moisture, making your baked goods softer.
Filling for pies or tarts: Applesauce is perfect as a filling for sweet pies or tarts. You can combine it with cinnamon and nuts to add more flavor and texture.
Base for parfaits or yogurt: Add a layer of applesauce to your morning yogurt or parfait. It pairs well with granola, nuts, and fresh fruit.
Ice cream or sorbet: Mix applesauce with a bit of lemon juice and freeze it to make a refreshing and healthy sorbet.
Sauce for desserts: Use it as a light sauce to accompany crepes, pancakes, or waffles. Adding a touch of cinnamon or nutmeg will give it a special flavor.

In savory recipes:

Side dish for meats: Applesauce is a classic side dish for meats like pork or turkey. Its natural sweetness balances the salty and fatty flavors of roasted meats.
Sauces for savory dishes: Combine applesauce with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs to create a light sauce that you can serve with chicken or fish.
Fresh salads: Add a spoonful of applesauce to your homemade salad dressings. It brings a sweet and tangy touch that pairs well with ingredients like walnuts, blue cheese, and spinach.
Chutneys: Mix applesauce with spices like ginger, garlic, and vinegar to create a delicious chutney that you can serve with cheeses or curry dishes.
Stuffing for meats: Use it as stuffing in pork chops or chicken breasts. It adds moisture and a slightly sweet flavor that complements the meats well.

With these ideas, you’ll be able to make the most of applesauce in a wide variety of dishes, both sweet and savory. It’s time to experiment in the kitchen!

How to preserve applesauce: freezing and canning

Preserving applesauce is a great way to enjoy it for longer. There are two main methods: freezing and canning. Below, I explain how to do it correctly to maintain its flavor and texture.

Freezing:

Cool the applesauce : Before freezing, make sure the applesauce is completely cool. This prevents ice crystals from forming, which can affect its texture.
Choose the right container : Use freezer bags or airtight containers suitable for freezing. Leave a small space (about 1 cm) at the top of the container, as the applesauce will expand when frozen.
Freeze in portions : If you prefer to thaw only what you need, freeze the applesauce in small portions, such as in ice cube trays or individual containers.
Label and store : Label the containers with the date and contents. Applesauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thaw correctly : To thaw, place it in the refrigerator overnight or use cold water to speed up the process. Avoid thawing at room temperature to prevent sudden changes in texture.

Canning:

Prepare the jars : Sterilize glass jars and their lids by submerging them in boiling water for a few minutes. Make sure they are dry before filling them.
Fill jars with hot applesauce : Fill the jars with hot applesauce, leaving about 1 cm of space at the top to allow for expansion during the canning process.
Remove air bubbles : Use a spatula or clean knife to remove any trapped air bubbles inside the jar.
Seal and process the jars : Place the lids on and seal the jars tightly. Then, place them in a pot of boiling water (water bath) for 15 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of the jar.
Store : Once processed, let the jars cool at room temperature before storing them in a cool, dark place. Canned applesauce can last up to 1 year if stored properly.

Both methods are effective for preserving your applesauce, but if you're looking for a quick and practical solution, I recommend freezing for its simplicity and speed. If you prefer to store it for longer, canning is ideal for keeping it fresh for up to a year.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: How long does applesauce last in the refrigerator?

A: Homemade applesauce can last between 5 to 7 days if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Make sure it is completely cool before storing to prevent bacteria growth.

Q: Can I freeze applesauce?

A: Yes, applesauce freezes very well. You can store it in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight.

Q: Is it necessary to add sugar to applesauce?

A: No, it’s not necessary. If you use sweet apples like Fuji or Golden Delicious, the applesauce will have a naturally sweet flavor. You can skip the sugar or add it based on your preference.

Q: What type of apples are best for making applesauce?

A: It’s ideal to use a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Golden Delicious and Granny Smith, to achieve a perfect balance between sweetness and acidity. This will give the applesauce a more complex and delicious flavor.