Old-Fashioned Applesauce
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.
Equipment
- Large Dutch Oven or Heavy-Bottomed Pot
- Vegetable Peeler
- Cutting Board & Sharp Knife
- Potato Masher or Immersion Blender
- Wooden Spoon or Silicone Spatula
Ingredients
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
Instructions
Cooking the Applesauce
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
- 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.
- 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.