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Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Homemade Applesauce

A close-up of chunky, homemade applesauce served in a white bowl on a wooden surface.
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Learn how to make the best homemade applesauce on the stovetop in about 30 minutes. This easy recipe uses natural sweetness and lets you choose between a chunky or smooth texture.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs apples (like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • Pinch of ground cloves (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare your apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. Combine ingredients: Place the chopped apples, water, and lemon juice into a large saucepan.
  3. Cook the apples: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender.
  4. Add spices and sweetener: Stir in the brown sugar, cinnamon, and cloves, if you are using them. Cook uncovered for another 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. Determine texture: For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples lightly with a potato masher or fork directly in the pot.
  6. Cool and serve: Remove from heat. Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving warm, or chill completely for a refreshing snack.

Notes

  • For naturally sweet applesauce, use sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala and omit the brown sugar.
  • If you prefer a very smooth texture without blending, cook the apples until they are extremely soft, almost falling apart.
  • This recipe is excellent for meal prep; store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/easy-quick-stovetop-homemade-applesauce/