Craving something cozy and nostalgic? My Old-Fashioned Applesauce is a heartwarming, homemade recipe that brings comfort in every spoonful.

Made with just a few simple ingredients—fresh apples, a touch of brown sugar, and a hint of cinnamon—this classic side dish or snack is perfect for fall and winter meals, holiday gatherings, or simply enjoying warm on a chilly day.

Whether you prefer your applesauce smooth or chunky, this recipe can be tailored exactly to your liking with minimal effort and maximum flavor.

Ingredients List

Applesauce Ingredients

4 lbs. apples, peeled, cored, and cut into chunks
1 cup water (plus extra if needed)
¼ cup packed brown sugar

1 tablespoon lemon juice
¾ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Pinch of salt

This simple mix of ingredients creates a naturally sweet and aromatic applesauce with a deep, comforting flavor. Feel free to adjust the sugar depending on the type of apples you’re using—tart varieties may need a bit more, while sweet apples might need less or none at all.

Required Kitchen Tools

Making old-fashioned applesauce at home doesn’t require any fancy equipment. Here’s what I recommend having on hand to make the process easy and smooth:

Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot: This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the apples from scorching at the bottom.

Vegetable Peeler: To make peeling your apples quicker and more efficient.
Cutting Board & Sharp Knife: Essential for coring and chopping your apples into uniform pieces.
Potato Masher or Immersion Blender: For mashing or blending the applesauce to your preferred consistency—chunky or smooth.

Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula: Useful for stirring the apples as they cook to ensure they soften evenly.

These basic tools are all you need to transform fresh apples into a delicious, old-fashioned applesauce your whole family will love.

Cooking the Applesauce

Cooking your own applesauce is surprisingly simple and fills your kitchen with the warm, inviting aroma of cinnamon and stewed apples. Follow these steps to bring this comforting classic to life.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Combine the Ingredients:
Add the chopped apples, water, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt to a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer Slowly:
Cover the pot and cook the mixture over medium-low heat. Let it simmer gently, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. As the apples cook, they’ll begin to release their juices and break down. This should take around 25 to 30 minutes.
Check for Tenderness:
Once the apples are fork-tender and starting to fall apart, you’re ready to move on to the next step. If the mixture starts to look too dry before the apples soften, feel free to add a splash of extra water to keep things moving.

Customizing Texture: Smooth or Chunky

After the apples are cooked, it’s time to choose your texture:

Chunky Applesauce:
Use a potato masher to gently mash the cooked apples until you reach your desired chunkiness. This rustic version has a hearty, homemade feel that pairs perfectly with pork chops or holiday meals.
Smooth Applesauce:
For a silky-smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Alternatively, transfer the mixture in batches to a blender and blend until smooth. Be careful with hot liquids—let the apples cool slightly before blending.

No matter which texture you prefer, the result is a cozy, naturally sweet applesauce that tastes just like Grandma used to make.

Taste and Adjust

Once your applesauce has reached the perfect texture, it’s time for the finishing touches to make it truly shine.

Seasoning and Sweetening

After blending or mashing, give your applesauce a taste. Depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference, you might want to add a little more brown sugar. I usually recommend starting with a teaspoon at a time—mix well and taste again until it’s just right.

If your applesauce feels too thick, simply stir in a bit more water, a tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the perfect consistency for you. This step is especially helpful if you plan to use your applesauce as a topping or a smoother side dish.

Serving Suggestions

Old-fashioned applesauce is incredibly versatile. I love serving it:

Warm, right from the pot, as a comforting side to roast chicken or pork.

Chilled, as a refreshing snack or breakfast topping for oatmeal and yogurt.
As a natural sweetener or fat substitute in baked goods like muffins and cakes.

Feel free to get creative with your serving ideas!

Storage and Tips for Keeping Your Applesauce Fresh

How to Store Homemade Applesauce

One of the best things about making applesauce from scratch is how well it keeps. After cooking, allow your applesauce to cool completely. Then, transfer it into an airtight container and refrigerate. Properly stored, your applesauce will stay fresh for up to 7 to 10 days—perfect for enjoying all week long!

Freezing Applesauce

If you want to keep your applesauce even longer, freezing is a great option. Spoon the cooled applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. Frozen applesauce can last for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.

Bonus Tips for Perfect Applesauce Every Time

Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples (like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith) for a balanced flavor.

Adjust cinnamon and sugar to suit your taste; start small and add more if needed.
If you want a little extra warmth, add a pinch of ground nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract during cooking.
For an extra special touch, stir in a spoonful of honey just before serving.