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Amazing 15-Minute Applesauce Secret You Need

applesauce

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Make the best homemade applesauce with this simple stovetop recipe. You control the texture—chunky or smooth—and you can skip the added sugar for a naturally sweet treat. This recipe is quick, uses fresh apples, and tastes much better than store-bought versions.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 medium apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash, core, and roughly chop the apples. You do not need to peel them if you prefer a rustic texture or want extra fiber.
  2. Place the chopped apples and water into a large saucepan.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally until the apples are very tender.
  5. Remove the pan from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice, if using.
  6. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher directly in the pot until you achieve a mix of chunks and sauce.
  8. Cool completely before serving or storing.

Notes

  • Chef Tariq suggests using a mix of tart and sweet apples for the best flavor balance.
  • If you skip peeling, the final sauce will have a slightly darker color due to the skins.
  • For a sweeter sauce without added sugar, let the apples cook down longer or use naturally sweeter apple varieties.
  • Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

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