Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
This unsweetened homemade applesauce is naturally sweet and bursting with fresh apple flavor, making it a healthy, guilt-free treat. With no added sugars, it’s a perfect versatile ingredient or snack that’s both delicious and nutritious.
Making homemade unsweetened applesauce is delicious because it captures the natural sweetness and rich flavor of fresh apples without any added sugars. It can be eaten as a healthy snack or used in oil-free baking.
We use this applesauce to make these delicious vegan applesauce muffins and even dairy-free healthy carrot cake.
Reasons you will love this recipe
- Naturally Sweet and Flavorful: This homemade unsweetened applesauce is bursting with the pure, natural sweetness of fresh apples, offering a delicious and wholesome treat without any added sugars.
- Simple and Healthy: Made with just a few simple ingredients, this applesauce is a nutritious option that’s free from preservatives and artificial additives, making it perfect for clean eating.
- Versatile and Easy to Make: Whether you’re using it as a snack, a baking ingredient, or a side dish, this applesauce is incredibly versatile and easy to prepare, fitting seamlessly into your meal prep routine.
- Kid-Friendly and Allergy-Friendly: This applesauce is a great choice for kids and those with dietary restrictions, as it’s naturally gluten-free, vegan, and free from common allergens, making it a safe and tasty option for everyone.
Ingredients you will need
- Apples- Any sweet variety of apples works well for this recipe. Even tart apples will work if you desire.
- Lemon juice- Enhance the natural sweetness of the apples and balance the flavors with a subtle tang. It also helps preserve the applesauce’s vibrant color by preventing the apples from browning during cooking.
- Cinnamon- Adds warmth and depth of flavor, complementing the natural sweetness of the apples. It brings a comforting, aromatic spice that elevates the overall taste, making the applesauce more flavorful and satisfying.
Best apples to use
The main ingredient in homemade applesauce is apples, so using a sweet variety is best. Some great options are Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Honey Crisp though others can also be used. You’ll definitely want to avoid the more tart varieties.
How to make unsweetened applesauce
The recipe card at the bottom of the page has the full list of ingredients with measurements and instructions.
STEP #1: Start by choosing 3-4 medium-sized sweet apples such as gala, fuji, golden delicious, or another variety.
Peel and core each of the apples and slice them into chunks. Some people leave the peels on, but I prefer to peel mine to keep the finished product nice and smooth.
I am often asked which knives I use personally, and I have to say that it is Victorinox. They are the same company that makes Swiss Army Knives and the quality is excellent.
STEP #2: Place the prepared apples in a large saucepan or stockpot along with the water and lemon juice.
Cook over medium heat for approximately 30-40 minutes until the apples become nice and soft. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
STEP #3: Once they are finished, use a potato masher or fork to get to the right consistency, or place the cooked apples in a blender and puree until nice and smooth.
If desired add a little cinnamon or even maple syrup before serving as a snack. It is also often used as a baby starter food.
Applesauce for baking
Oftentimes, I get messages from people telling me that they can’t find applesauce in their area or that there is no unsweetened applesauce to be found. Since it’s so easy to make at home, that doesn’t even have to be a problem.
Many people don’t know that applesauce is a great oil and butter replacer in many baking recipes. I use it in my banana oat pancakes and sugar-free chocolate vegan cake. It helps recipes to be moist and naturally sweetened.
Frequently Asked Questions
Great options include Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp, though other sweet types can work as well. It’s best to steer clear of the more tart varieties for this recipe.
1 medium apple equals a little over a cup diced.
It will last for about 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6-12 months, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
For those of you new to the whole food plant-based lifestyle, we’ve created a FREE 7-Day Plant-Based Menu Planner to help you get started!
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Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 sweet apples
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Start by choosing 3-4 medium-sized sweet apples such as gala, fuji, golden delicious, or another variety.
- Peel and core each of the apples and slice them into chunks. Some people leave the peels on, but I prefer to peel mine to keep the finished product nice and smooth.
- Place the prepared apples in a large saucepan or stockpot along with the water and lemon juice.
- Cook over medium heat for approximately 30-40 minutes until the apples become nice and soft. You’ll want to keep a close eye on them and stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once they are finished, use a potato masher or fork to get to the right consistency, or place the cooked apples in a blender and puree until nice and smooth.
- If desired add a little cinnamon or even maple syrup before serving as a snack. It is also often used as a baby starter food.
Video
Notes
- Apples- Great options include Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious, and Honeycrisp, though other sweet types can work as well. It’s best to steer clear of the more tart varieties for this recipe.
- Measurement- 1 medium apple equals a little over a cup diced.
- Lemon juice- This helps keep the color and helps it to last longer.
- Sweetener- If needed, a little maple syrup can be added to sweeten it up a bit.
- Storage- It will last for about 7-10 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 6-12 months, ensuring it stays fresh and delicious.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.
About Terri Edwards
Hi guys! I am the content creator behind EatPlant-Based and a licensed Food for Life instructor with the Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine. I am passionate about sharing healthy recipes and tips to empower others to get healthy. I’m so glad you’re here! Read More…
How to store and for how long?
Sonja- It should last 7-10 days in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It can also be frozen.