Stovetop Applesauce

Stovetop Applesauce ~

A quick and easy homemade applesauce made with a few simple ingredients and packed with fresh apple flavor!

This post was updated on January 18, 2025, to include FAQs and a step-by-step video on the recipe card.

Apple season is upon us, friends, and the probability of you getting talked into visiting a local orchard for some seemingly harmless apple picking by your well-intentioned friends has just grown exponentially with the ever-so-slight drop in temperatures.

When it happened to me, the result was that I found myself bringing home a 30-pound haul of, admittedly, a nice variety of freshly picked apples.

Then comes the inevitable question of what in the world to do with this ridiculous abundance of apples.

So, in addition to this applesauce, I’ve also made Apple Crisp, Apple Cheddar Rosemary Bread, and an Cranberry Apple Crisp.

It’s pretty much all apples all the time around here right now.

Anyway. As I was beginning to write this post, I found myself wondering…

Is it ‘Applesauce’ or ‘Apple Sauce’?

Turns out, both are acceptable and which version you prefer most likely has something to do with where you are geographically in the world.

Fun fact: According to Merriam-Webster, ‘applesauce’ is the most commonly used spelling in the U.S. while our friends across the pond in the U.K. tend to prefer ‘apple sauce’.

So there you have it.

Ingredients for Stovetop Applesauce

• 2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into 1/4-inch pieces
• 1 1/2 cups water
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional

Ingredient Notes

• Apples: Fresh, peeled, and cored apples are the foundation so use your favorite variety or mix a few for a balance of sweetness and tartness.
• Water: Helps soften the apples as they cook.
• Granulated Sugar: Adjust the sweetness to your preference. You can even use less if your apples are naturally sweet.
• Cinnamon (optional): Adds a warm, cozy flavor that’s optional but highly recommended for that classic applesauce taste.

How to Make Stovetop Applesauce

STEP ONE: Combine ingredients. In a large saucepan over medium heat, combine the apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon (if using).

STEP TWO. Cook. Cover and cook for 15 minutes, until the apples are fork-tender.

STEP THREE: Cool. Remove from heat and allow to cool 15 minutes, until the apple mixture has thickened.

STEP FOUR: Mash. Using a potato masher, mash the apples to your desired consistency.

STEP FIVE: Serve. Applesauce can be served warm right away or chilled for later.

FAQ

• Can I use different types of apples? Absolutely! Mixing apple varieties can add depth to the flavor. Try combining sweet and tart apples for a balanced applesauce.
• Is cinnamon necessary? Not at all. Cinnamon adds a lovely warmth, but you can leave it out if you prefer plain applesauce or experiment with other spices like nutmeg or cloves.
• Can I use a blender instead of a potato masher? Yes, a blender or food processor works if you want a smoother texture. Just be cautious not to over-blend if you want some chunks.
• What can I pair applesauce with? Applesauce is wonderfully versatile! It pairs well with pancakes, oatmeal, or even as a topping for yogurt. You can also enjoy it on its own as a snack or dessert.
• Can I make this applesauce sugar-free? Yes, as long as your apples are sweet enough for your taste, you can leave out the sugar.

Storage

• Refrigerator: Cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: Let the applesauce cool completely before freezing. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir before serving.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

• Apple Crisp
• Cranberry Apple Crisp
• Apple Walnut Bars
• Sourdough Stuffing Muffins with Apple and Fresh Herbs

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