A small-batch stovetop Homemade Chunky Applesauce recipe made with only 3 ingredients. Choose the best apples for applesauce to eliminate the need for sugar!
You’ll wonder why you’ve waited so long to make this sugar free applesauce recipe!
Did you know there are about seven thousand varieties of apples, each with its own color, flavor, and texture?
That’s why certain apples are great for making apple chips, some for baking, and others are better for eating fresh.
And some apples are especially good for making sugar-free applesauce!
Not only is this the best applesauce recipe to have as a snack, but it’s great to use as a topping for buttermilk waffles, buttermilk pancakes, this simple crepe recipe or even these homemade cheese blintzes.
Swirl this apple puree into your breakfast bowl or oatmeal.
It’s also great with savory dishes, like roast meats.
As you can see, there are no limits to how you can use this wonderful fruit puree.
If you have ever wondered how to make sugar-free applesauce from scratch, you’ve come to the right place!
Ingredients
A printable recipe card at the bottom of this page has the specific amounts for each ingredient. This is just a summary.
- Apples. Some varieties are better than others.
- Water. Just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan.
- Cinnamon. Just a sprinkle of this warm and comforting spice.
That’s it! No need for any added sugar, lemon juice or salt. Everything else is just extra.
Although, a sprinkle of pumpkin spice is always appreciated!
How to make sugar free applesauce
Let’s begin by giving the apples a good rinse. Dry off the excess water with a clean tea towel.
Next, with a very sharp knife, peel and core the apples. Then chop or slice. Work quickly to prevent discoloration.
- In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples with about ¼-½ cup of water. There should be just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and ensure that there is always a thin layer of water at the bottom of your pan.
- Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (or to taste).
- Continue to cook for another 10 minutes or so.
Chunky or Smooth Applesauce
Once the mixture has softened, you can mash the mixture with a fork or a potato masher until your desired consistency is achieved. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
Serve warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
Is homemade applesauce healthy?
Yes! Apples are packed with vitamins and antioxidants that contribute to a healthy lifestyle. Making homemade applesauce is a great way to limit the preservatives and added sugar usually found in store-bought applesauce.
I will put on my dietitian’s hat and tell you that as far as adding sugar is concerned, it isn’t necessary. Just make sure you are using sweet apples.
You will also notice that some recipes have you add apple juice to the applesauce – again, something I don’t think is necessary, as apples are sweet and tasty enough on their own (I add water instead).
But, as always, these are my preferences – you should feel free to play around with the recipe until your applesauce is just how you like it!
Tips
- Use a mixture of sweet and tart apples. Different apples provide different flavors and are the basis for making an unsweetened applesauce recipe.
- Ensure there is a thin layer of water at the bottom of the pan. This prevents scorching.
What are the best apples for applesauce?
Try to choose naturally sweet apple varieties. This eliminates the need to add extra sugar.
- McIntosh
- Cortland
- Lobo
- Gala
- Jonathan
- Fuji
- Red Delicious
What are the best spices for applesauce?
If you prefer spicy applesauce, a sprinkling of cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger are great options.
Does applesauce need to be refrigerated?
Yes. Allow to cool down, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days.
Can applesauce be frozen?
Yes. You can use zip-top freezer bags (reusable) or freezer-friendly food containers with lids. Best to use within 2 months.
Can I make a big batch?
Yes. The recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, etc… For long-term storage, place your applesauce in sterilized jars, and process them in a water bath. For more details, you can follow this link.
What does applesauce replace in a recipe?
Use applesauce to replace up to half of the fat in baked goods—a great way to reduce your total fat intake.
Delicious recipes using applesauce
- Apple Muffins
- Honey Spice Cake
- Apple Cake
- Oven-Baked Ribs
- Apple Cookies
- Zucchini Muffins
Recipe origins
This is one of those recipes which isn’t a recipe if you know what I mean.
My mom would alternate between making this stovetop applesauce and (equally delicious) baked apples during my youth. It was my favorite after-school snack, especially in the fall.
When I had my kids, I truly realized how easy and nutritious sugarless applesauce is.
This is a great recipe to make throughout the year. I guarantee you’ll never buy commercial again.
Enjoy!
THANKS SO MUCH for following and being part of the She Loves Biscotti community where you will find Simple & Tasty Family-Friendly Recipes with an Italian Twist.
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Ciao for now,
Maria
★★★★★ If you have made this homemade applesauce, I would love to hear about it in the comments below and be sure to rate the recipe!
Recipe
Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 fresh apples peeled, cored and chopped into chunks
- ¼-½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch nutmeg optional
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, combine apples and water. (There should be just enough water to cover the bottom of your pan).
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium low and simmer, covered, for approximately 10 minutes. Stir occasionally and make sure that there is always a thin layer of water at the bottom of your pan.
- Add cinnamon (and nutmeg if using) and continue to cook for another 10 minutes or so. Once the mixture has softened, you can mash the mixture with a fork or a potato masher, until your desired consistency is achieved. Alternatively, you can use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.
Video
Notes
- Use a mixture of sweet and tart apples. Different apples provide different flavors and are the basis for making an unsweetened applesauce recipe.
- Ensure there is a thin layer of water at the bottom of the pan. This prevents scorching.
- Applesauce can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Recipe can easily be doubled, tripled, etc...
- 1 portion is ½ cup.
Nutrition
This post was originally published on October 3, 2015 and republished on September 17, 2019 with updated content and photos.
Bree
This recipe is fantastic and so easy!! I quadrupled it and used allspice instead of nutmeg (I was out). This is a keeper, for sure! Many thanks!!
Maria
So glad to hear Bree! Thanks so much for sharing your experience with this recipe 🙂
alexandra
Thank you maria for the recipes you share, i’ve tried them all they were amazing
Maria
My pleasure Alexandra! I’m so glad you are enjoying them 🙂 Thanks so much for taking the time to comment ♥
Lori
I made this today for my family. It was delicious, perfectly sweet and certainly a simple recipe. I will not be buying store bought applesauce ever again.
Thank you so much for sharing.
Maria
My pleasure Lori! There is so much magic in simplicity! Thanks for taking the time to comment ♥♥♥
Sandi
What type of apples do you recommend?
Maria
I will usually make this applesauce with whatever apples I have on hand. I find that combining different types of apples produces the best flavors. I personally like the combination of Cortland and McIntosh apples. Appreciate your comment 🙂
Terri
Hi Maria…this applesauce looks really good! I am hoping to make a large amount of applesauce and can it using a water bath. Do I need to add lemon juice to the applesauce? I’ve seen some recipes calling for it.
Maria
Thanks Terri! The lemon juice is optional… it does however prevent discoloration of apples. Also, if the apples you are using are very sweet, a little lemon juice might be nice to balance out the flavors. So, it’s really up to you. If you are making a large batch, I would kindly suggest adding the spices when the apples have been mashed up… it will be easier to taste and adjust according to personnel taste. Great comment. Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Michelle Alexandre
Is it possible to freeze some of this?
Maria
Yes, it is freezer friendly. You may have to adjust the seasonings once the applesauce has been thawed. Great comment, thanks 🙂
Sonja
This is so easy !!! My mom told me just this recipe but she adds sugar and no nutmeg .
Maria
Enjoy Sonja! Thanks for dropping by 🙂
Sonia and mom
Yes Mary I never buy it I make it and great for Sonia’s lunch
Maria
I agree…it’s one of the easiest things to make. Thanks for taking the time to comment 🙂
Nella
Making this today with my son. We have so many apples from our apple-picking outings (yes, there were 2) this will be perfect to use them.
Simple, naturally-sweet goodness.
Thanks for sharing.
Maria
I also love apple picking. Thank-you Nella for taking the time to comment:)
Franca
Hi Maria,
My mom used to make baked apples all the time.
I’m making this applesauce for tomorrow morning. I’m sure that it will be delicious!
Take care,
Franca
Maria
Hi Franca, Our moms…they would always share their recipes…Thanks so much for your support and your comment! Enjoy 🙂