Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
This is a super simple Unsweetened Applesauce that is homemade and better than any store-bought brand. It can be eaten as a healthy snack or used in oil-free baking.
If you’ve never tasted warm, naturally sweet cooked apples before, that needs to change right now. They are so simple to make and loaded with delicious flavor and nutrition. Homemade applesauce is great for using in baking too!
Applesauce for baking
Many people don’t even know that applesauce is a great oil and butter replacer in many baking recipes. I use it in my Applesauce Muffins and Sugar-Free Chocolate Vegan Cake. It helps recipes to be moist and naturally sweetened.
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.
Best apples for unsweetened applesauce
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.
Making your own applesauce is really easy. 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.
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 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.
Pro tips for making unsweetened applesauce
- Apple types- Any sweet variety of apple works well for this recipe. Even tart apples will work if you desire.
- Measurements- 1 medium apple equals a little over a cup diced.
- Make it last- Lemon juice helps keep the color and helps it to last longer.
- Money saver- Applesauce is a great option when you have apples on hand that need to be used quickly.
- Sweetener- If needed, a little maple syrup can be added to sweeten it up a bit.
Great recipes to use applesauce in
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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 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.
Equipment
Video
Notes
Pro tips for making unsweetened applesauce
- Any sweet variety of apple works well for this recipe. Even tart apples will work if you desire.
- 1 medium apple equals a little over a cup diced.
- Lemon juice helps keep the color and helps it to last longer.
- Applesauce is a great option when you have apples on hand that need to be used quickly.
- If needed, a little maple syrup can be added to sweeten it up a bit.
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.