on Oct 13, 2014, Updated Sep 22, 2023 16 Comments This fresh and delicious Homemade Applesauce is such a simple treat for snacks and desserts and can even be used in baking. It is easy to make with just two ingredients and by two methods – either by stovetop or Instant Pot – so it’s no wonder it’s such a favorite for all who have tried it and love it! Since this is made with only two ingredients, it is simple to prepare and have ready in minutes. You can make it smooth or chunky, and I give options for adding spices to customize your homemade applesauce if you wish. It’s naturally sweet from the apples, so I don’t add any sugar. But you can add a bit of sugar if you’d like it sweeter. I can’t wait for you to try it!
How to Make Applesauce
To make it, you’ll only need two ingredients, but there are optional ingredients too. This recipe makes about 1 1/2 quarts.
Ingredients
Be sure to see the recipe card below for the full listing of ingredients, instructions, notes, and estimated nutritional information.
Apples – Use six large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced. Use three sweet apples and three Granny Smith apples for the BEST flavor! I give many examples of the best apples for applesauce to follow, but as a rule of thumb, use your favorite sweet “eating apple” as your sweet apples for this recipe.
Apple cider, apple juice, OR water – Use one of these liquids to cook the apples. Of course, the applesauce will have even greater apple sweetness when made with apple cider or apple juice.
Optional Ingredients
Brown Sugar – add 1/4 – 1/2 cup brown sugar to apples and liquid in your Dutch oven or Instant Pot Cinnamon – add 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to apples and liquid in your Dutch oven or Instant Pot Apple Pie Spice – add 1/2 teaspoon to apples and liquid in your Dutch oven or Instant Pot
What Are the Best Apples for Applesauce?
I use a blend of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. This results in the perfect combination and gives my applesauce a crisp sweetness without adding any sugar or sweeteners to my recipe. For the sweet apples, I like to use Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala. For the tart apples, I use Granny Smith.
Step-by-Step Instructions
You can use your favorite method for making this applesauce recipe: Stovetop or in the Instant Pot.
Stovetop Applesauce
Slow Cooker Applesauce
Instant Pot Applesauce
Storage Tips
To store – Once it’s cooled, scoop applesauce into a container(s) with an airtight lid(s) or portion into individual airtight containers and place in the refrigerator. It will last about one week in stored properly in the refrigerator. To freeze – Once cooked, allow to cool completely. Portion into a freezer-safe container(s) and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. To serve – Thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator overnight. Stir to combine and serve.
How to Use Applesauce as Substitute in Baking
Applesauce makes a great substitute for some other baking ingredients. Whether it’s for egg sensitivity and you want to make my Best Banana Bread without eggs, or you ran out of butter, you may need to make a substitution in the middle of baking something. I’ve included a list of how you can use applesauce as a substitute:
1/4 cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 egg 1 cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 cup oil 1 cup unsweetened applesauce = 1 cup butter
Here’s my homemade applesauce recipe. I hope you love it as much as we do! Enjoy!Robyn xo
