Homemade Applesauce: Your New Kitchen Staple

Applesauce is one of those versatile staples every household should have on hand. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a natural sweetener, or a substitute in baking, homemade unsweetened applesauce is incredibly simple to make and packed with flavor. It’s a great way to use up extra apples, and it can be enjoyed on its own or used in recipes like cakes, muffins, pancakes, or even as a topping for savory dishes like pork chops. With just a few ingredients and a little time, you can create a batch of applesauce that’s fresh, wholesome, and free of any added sugars or preservatives.

Ingredients

• 4–6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith, Fuji, or Golden Delicious)
• 1 cup water (or apple juice)
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Fresh peel from 1/2 lemon (cut into large strips)
• A pinch of salt

Tools You’ll Need

• Large pot with a lid
• Potato masher or electric mixer
• Peeler and corer
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring cup

Instructions

1. Peel and core the apples. Start by removing the skin and core from the apples, then chop them into medium-sized pieces.
2. Cook the apples. Place the apple pieces in a large pot. Add the water (or apple juice), lemon juice, fresh lemon peel, and a pinch of salt.
3. Simmer. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover the pot and let the apples cook for about 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they’re soft and break apart easily.
4. Remove lemon peel. Once the apples are tender, carefully remove the strips of lemon peel from the pot.
5. Mash or blend. For a chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher. For a smooth applesauce, blend the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.
6. Cool and store. Let the applesauce cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week or frozen for later use.

Betty’s Pro Tips

• Apple variety matters. Using a mix of tart and sweet apples can give your applesauce a more balanced flavor. Granny Smith and Fuji make a great combination!
• For a more intense flavor. Simmer the applesauce with apple juice instead of water to enhance the apple flavor.
• Use it in baking. Applesauce can be a great substitute for oil or butter in baked goods like muffins and cakes. Simply swap in an equal amount of applesauce to reduce the fat content and add moisture.
• Portion control. Freeze the applesauce in an ice cube tray for individual portions, perfect for adding to smoothies or packing in lunchboxes.