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    You are here: Home / Recipes

    Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe

    BY: Courtney PUBLISHED: Oct 24, 2021 Leave a Comment UPDATED ON: Aug 26, 2022

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please see my disclosure policy for more information.
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    Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce is perfect for baking or a side dish. This applesauce recipe uses apples, water, and cinnamon if you’d like. It’s super simple and so much better than storebought applesauce.

    unsweetened applesauce recipe in small mason jars with apples around it

    Why you’ll love this recipe: If you just went apple picking and need to use up those apples or you love applesauce you’ll love this recipe. It’s great to enjoy on its own or perfect in your favorite baking recipes.

    unsweetened applesauce recipe in small mason jars with apples around it and spoon scooping applesauce in one jar

    BEST APPLES FOR APPLESAUCE

    You can use any apple for applesauce, but we find that if you want to make it unsweetened the best is a combo of Golden Delicious and Fuji!

    Our top picks for the best apples for applesauce are McIntosh Apples, Gala Apples, Golden Delicious Apples, Cortland, Jonagold, or Fuji Apples.

    STOVE TOP OR SLOW COOKER APPLESAUCE

    You can make crockpot applesauce, instant pot applesauce, or good old-fashioned stovetop applesauce. For the slow cooker, we cook the apples for 4 hours on high. We find that the stovetop method is much quicker.

    unsweetened applesauce in small mason jars with apples around it

    HOW TO MAKE UNSWEETENED APPLESAUCE

    1. Wash apples to remove any dirt or wax. Peel the apples if desired.
    2. Place the apples into a large pot with water and cook apples and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they can be easily mashed with a fork.
    3. Use a potato masher, immersion blender, food processer or blender to puree into applesauce.
    4. Serve or allow cool for 30 minutes then refrigerate until ready to enjoy.

    HOW TO STORE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

    Allow the applesauce to cool at room temperature for about 30 minutes then pour the applesauce into containers and refrigerate for up to 1 week. You can also freeze homemade applesauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months.

    Recipe Tips:

    • You can peel the apples or leave the peel on for extra nutrition, especially if they’re organic.
    • Use a blend of apples for more flavor.
    • Add in your favorite spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, clove, etc.
    • This is perfect for the lunch box! Use small mason jars for the best portion sizes on the go.

    FAQs

    Can I freeze homemade applesauce?

    Yes, you can freeze homemade applesauce in a freezer safe container for up to 2 months.

    Can I add in other fruits?

    Some like to add peaches, nectarines, or berries. You can add this while cooking. For softer fruits and berries we suggest adding about 5-10 minutes after apples are already cooking as they break down more quickly.

    Do I need to add lemon?

    Lemon is typically used to prevent oxidation, so it’s optional.

    mason jars filled with homemade applesauce and apples around it

    MORE APPLE RECIPES

    • Homemade Apple Cider
    • Vegan Caramel Apples using Date Caramel
    • Apple Cinnamon Pancakes
    unsweetened applesauce recipe in small mason jars with apples around it
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    Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe

    Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce is perfect for baking or a side dish. This applesauce recipe uses apples, water, and cinnamon if you'd like. It's super simple and so much better than storebought applesauce.
    Prep Time: 5 mins
    Cook Time: 15 mins
    Total Time: 20 mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: homemade applesauce, unsweetened applesauce
    Servings: 12 servings
    Calories: 95kcal
    Author: Courtney

    Ingredients

    • 12 apples
    • 1/2 cup water
    • cinnamon if desired
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    Instructions

    • Wash apples to remove any dirt or wax. Peel the apples if desired.
    • Place the apples into a large pot with water and cook apples and bring to a boil, then reduce to medium-low heat and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until they can be easily mashed with a fork.
    • Use an immersion blender, food processer or blender to puree into applesauce. If you peeled apples you could also use a potato masher.
    • Serve right away or allow cool for 30 minutes then refrigerate until ready to enjoy.
    Nutrition
    Serving: 1serving | Calories: 95kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 2mg | Potassium: 195mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 19g | Vitamin A: 98IU | Vitamin C: 8mg | Calcium: 11mg | Iron: 1mg

    The nutritional information is automatically calculated and can vary based ingredients and products used. If the nutrition numbers are important for you we recommend calculating them yourself.

    nutrition disclaimer

    Did you try this recipe? Be sure to leave a recipe rating! Also, tag us @knowyourproduce on Instagram and hashtag it #knowyourproduce so we can share it!.

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    POSTED IN: Dairy Free Recipes Gluten Free Recipes Recipes Side Dish Recipes Vegan Recipes Vegetarian Recipes apples applesauce

    About Courtney

    Fruit and Veggie lover. I love making produce fun and delicious, not to mention taking tons of pictures in the process! :-)

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