22 Delicious Homemade Applesauce Recipes Easy

Homemade applesauce is the unsung hero of the kitchen—simple, versatile, and bursting with flavor. Whether you’re whipping up a quick snack, seeking a healthier dessert option, or looking to add a homemade touch to your meals, these 22 delicious recipes have got you covered. From classic cinnamon-spiced to innovative savory twists, there’s a perfect applesauce for every taste and occasion. Let’s dive into these easy-to-make delights!

Classic Homemade Applesauce

Venturing into the simplicity of homemade comfort, there’s something deeply satisfying about turning fresh apples into a smooth, sweet applesauce. It’s a humble dish that carries the essence of autumn in every spoonful, inviting warmth and nostalgia into your kitchen.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 lbs
• Water – 1 cup
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into 1-inch pieces. Tip: Using a variety of apples can add depth to the flavor.
2. Place the chopped apples in a large pot and add the water. Tip: The water prevents the apples from sticking to the pot before they release their own juices.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 15 minutes.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Tip: Adjust the amount of sugar based on the sweetness of your apples.
5. Continue to cook, stirring frequently, until the apples are completely soft and the mixture has thickened, about 20 minutes.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before blending to your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender.

Homemade applesauce has a velvety texture and a balance of sweet and tart flavors that store-bought versions can’t match. Serve it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon on top, or chill it for a refreshing side to your morning oatmeal.

Cinnamon Spiced Applesauce

Perhaps there’s no simpler joy than the sweet, spiced aroma of apples simmering on the stove, a humble reminder of autumn’s warmth even in the midst of summer’s end.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: If the apples start to stick, add a tablespoon more water.
3. Remove the lid and add the cinnamon and sugar, stirring well to combine.
4. Continue to cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the apples are completely soft and the mixture has thickened slightly. Tip: For a smoother applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher or blend briefly with an immersion blender.
5. Remove from heat and let cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: The applesauce will thicken more as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first.

Gently spiced and wonderfully smooth, this applesauce carries the essence of fall in every spoonful. Serve it warm over oatmeal or chilled alongside pork chops for a touch of sweetness.

Slow Cooker Applesauce

Amidst the quiet hum of the morning, there’s something profoundly comforting about the idea of slow cooker applesauce—a dish that whispers of autumn and patience, of simple ingredients transforming into something tender and sweet with time.

Ingredients

• Apples – 6 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Sugar – 1/4 cup

Instructions

1. Place the peeled and chopped apples into the slow cooker.
2. Add water, cinnamon, and sugar to the slow cooker with the apples.
3. Stir the mixture gently to ensure the apples are evenly coated with the cinnamon and sugar.
4. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low heat for 6 hours. Tip: Stirring occasionally can prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom.
5. After 6 hours, check the apples for tenderness. They should easily mash with a fork. Tip: If the applesauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until desired consistency is reached.
6. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples to your preferred consistency. Tip: For a smoother applesauce, blend the mixture with an immersion blender.
7. Let the applesauce cool for 10 minutes before serving.

Kindly note how the applesauce carries a velvety texture, with the cinnamon lending a warm, spiced note that complements the natural sweetness of the apples. Serve it warm over oatmeal or chilled as a refreshing side to pork dishes.

Sugar-Free Applesauce

Lately, I’ve found myself craving the simple, comforting embrace of homemade applesauce, especially one that skips the sugar but none of the sweetness. There’s something profoundly peaceful about the process, a gentle reminder of the beauty in simplicity.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 large, peeled and cored
• Water – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Cut the peeled and cored apples into 1-inch chunks for even cooking.
2. Place the apple chunks and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. The water should just cover the bottom of the pan to prevent sticking without making the applesauce too watery.
3. Cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure they cook evenly. The apples should become very soft and start to break down.
4. Remove the lid and mash the apples with a potato masher or fork until you reach your desired consistency. For smoother applesauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender.
5. Stir in the cinnamon and cook for an additional 2 minutes to blend the flavors. Tip: Adding cinnamon not only enhances flavor but also adds a natural sweetness without sugar.
6. Let the applesauce cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: It thickens slightly as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit thin at first.
7. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Tip: This applesauce freezes beautifully, making it easy to enjoy later.

Applesauce emerges silky and warmly spiced, a testament to the magic of minimal ingredients. Try it swirled into oatmeal or as a tenderizing base for baked goods, where its subtle sweetness shines without overpowering.

Chunky Homemade Applesauce

Yesterday, as the early autumn breeze whispered through the kitchen window, I found myself reaching for the simplest of ingredients to create something comforting. Chunky homemade applesauce, with its humble beginnings, transforms into a dish that feels like a warm embrace on a cool evening.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 large, peeled and cored
• Water – 1/2 cup
• Sugar – 1/4 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Cut the peeled and cored apples into 1-inch chunks. Tip: Uniform pieces ensure even cooking.
2. Place the apple chunks in a medium saucepan with water. Tip: The water prevents sticking without the need for butter or oil.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 10 minutes.
4. Add sugar and cinnamon, stirring to combine. Tip: Adjust sweetness by starting with less sugar and adding more if needed.
5. Reduce heat to low and simmer, uncovered, for another 15 minutes, or until the apples are completely soft but still hold their shape.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. For a chunkier texture, mash lightly with a fork or potato masher.

The applesauce emerges with a rustic texture, each spoonful offering a tender bite of apple with a hint of cinnamon warmth. Serve it warm over vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert, or enjoy it cold as a refreshing snack.

Apple Pear Sauce

Remembering the gentle fall of leaves outside my window, I find myself drawn to the simplicity of combining apples and pears into a sauce that whispers of autumn’s approach.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Pears – 2 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and pears into a large pot.
2. Add the water to the pot to prevent sticking.
3. Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the fruits begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Tip: Covering the pot can speed up the softening process.
4. Reduce the heat to low and stir in the cinnamon.
5. Continue to cook, uncovered, stirring frequently, until the mixture reaches your desired consistency, about 20 minutes. Tip: For a smoother sauce, use a potato masher to break down larger pieces.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving. Tip: The sauce will thicken as it cools, so consider this when deciding on consistency.

Mellow and subtly sweet, this sauce carries the essence of both fruits, with the cinnamon adding a warm undertone. Try it swirled into oatmeal or as a delicate topping for vanilla ice cream.

Vanilla Bean Applesauce

Moments like these call for simplicity, for the kind of recipe that feels like a warm hug on a quiet afternoon. Vanilla bean applesauce is just that—a humble, comforting dish that transforms everyday apples into something softly sweet and deeply aromatic.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Vanilla bean – 1, split lengthwise
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Tip: Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
2. Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the saucepan, then add the pod. Tip: Save the empty pod to make vanilla sugar later.
3. Stir in the sugar until it dissolves completely.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: The apples should be very tender but not mushy.
5. Remove the vanilla bean pod and discard it.
6. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For smoother applesauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender.

Gently spiced with vanilla, this applesauce is velvety and rich, with just the right amount of sweetness. Serve it warm over oatmeal, or chill it for a refreshing snack straight from the jar.

Maple Syrup Sweetened Applesauce

How quietly the morning unfolds, with the kitchen bathed in the soft light of dawn, inviting the creation of something simple yet profoundly comforting. This maple syrup sweetened applesauce is a gentle nod to the sweetness of life, crafted with care and patience.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Maple syrup – ¼ cup
• Water – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples in a medium saucepan over low heat.
2. Add water to the saucepan, ensuring the apples are just covered to prevent sticking.
3. Stir in the maple syrup and cinnamon, mixing gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
4. Cover the saucepan and let the mixture simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to avoid burning.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and check the apples for tenderness; they should easily mash with a fork.
6. Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher or fork to puree them to your desired consistency, leaving some chunks for texture if preferred.
7. Allow the applesauce to cool for 5 minutes before serving, or transfer to a jar for storage.

Upon tasting, the applesauce reveals a velvety texture, with the maple syrup lending a deep, woodsy sweetness that complements the tartness of the apples. Serve it warm over oatmeal or chilled as a refreshing side to pork dishes.

Apple Berry Sauce

Many evenings, when the light fades just so, I find myself drawn to the kitchen, craving something that bridges the gap between summer’s bounty and autumn’s warmth. This apple berry sauce, with its gentle sweetness and vibrant color, is my answer.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and diced
• Mixed berries – 2 cups
• Sugar – ½ cup
• Water – ¼ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. Combine apples, berries, sugar, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Stir gently to mix, then bring to a simmer. Tip: A wooden spoon is best for stirring to prevent crushing the berries.
3. Reduce heat to low, cover, and let cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. Tip: Keep the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape and prevent overflow.
4. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and add cinnamon. Stir well.
5. Continue to cook uncovered for another 10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your liking. Tip: The sauce will thicken further as it cools, so aim for a slightly looser consistency than desired.
6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

Velvety and rich, this sauce carries the essence of both fruits, with the cinnamon adding a whisper of spice. Try it swirled into oatmeal or as a companion to roasted meats for a surprising twist.

Pumpkin Spice Applesauce

Under the soft glow of the kitchen light, the blend of pumpkin and apples whispers the arrival of autumn, a simple yet profound comfort that feels like a gentle embrace.

Ingredients

• Pumpkin puree – 1 cup
• Unsweetened applesauce – 2 cups
• Pumpkin pie spice – 1 tsp
• Maple syrup – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the pumpkin puree and applesauce over low heat.
2. Stir in the pumpkin pie spice and maple syrup until fully incorporated.
3. Increase the heat to medium-low and simmer the mixture for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Remove from heat and let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: For a smoother texture, blend the mixture with an immersion blender.
5. Transfer to a serving bowl or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Tip: This dish tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together.
6. Serve warm or chilled, according to preference. Tip: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a dollop of whipped cream for an extra touch of warmth.

Velvety and rich, this Pumpkin Spice Applesauce carries the essence of fall in every spoonful, perfect alongside a slice of cornbread or as a standalone treat to savor slowly.

Apple Sauce with Honey

Yesterday, as the golden light of late summer filtered through my kitchen window, I found myself reaching for the simplest of ingredients to create something comforting and sweet. Apple sauce with honey, a humble dish that carries the warmth of the season in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Honey – ¼ cup
• Water – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Add water to the saucepan, ensuring the apples are just covered to prevent sticking.
3. Stir in honey and cinnamon, mixing gently to coat the apples evenly.
4. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes to thicken the sauce, stirring frequently.
6. Once the apples are completely soft and the sauce has thickened, remove from heat.
7. For a smoother texture, mash the apples with a potato masher or blend briefly with an immersion blender.

Perfectly spiced with cinnamon and sweetened naturally with honey, this apple sauce has a velvety texture that’s both comforting and versatile. Serve it warm over oatmeal, or chill it for a refreshing side to your morning toast.

Ginger Infused Applesauce

Gently, the warmth of ginger meets the sweet simplicity of apples in this comforting blend, a quiet homage to autumn’s bounty. It’s a recipe that whispers of home, of slow afternoons spent stirring pots and savoring the scent that fills the air.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Ginger – 1 tbsp, freshly grated
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Cover and simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
2. Add the grated ginger, sugar, and lemon juice to the saucepan. Stir to combine, then reduce the heat to low. Simmer uncovered for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
3. Remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother texture, blend briefly with an immersion blender.
4. Let the applesauce cool to room temperature before serving. It will thicken slightly as it cools.

Unassuming yet deeply flavorful, this ginger-infused applesauce carries a subtle spice that elevates the natural sweetness of the apples. Serve it warm over oatmeal or chilled alongside roasted pork for a contrast in temperatures and tastes.

Apple Cranberry Sauce

Gently, the warmth of the kitchen wraps around you as you begin, the simple act of making apple cranberry sauce feeling like a quiet conversation with the past. It’s a recipe that carries the essence of autumn in every bite, a sweet and tart melody that dances on the palate.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and diced
• Cranberries – 2 cups
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Water – 1/2 cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the apples, cranberries, sugar, and water. Tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
2. Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for 20 minutes, or until the apples are soft and the cranberries have burst. Tip: Cover the saucepan partially to avoid splatters while allowing steam to escape.
4. Stir in the cinnamon and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Tip: For a smoother sauce, mash the mixture lightly with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool to room temperature before serving. It will thicken as it cools.

Lusciously vibrant, this apple cranberry sauce boasts a chunky texture with bursts of tartness from the cranberries, perfectly balanced by the sweetness of the apples. Serve it alongside roasted meats, or swirl it into yogurt for a breakfast treat that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

Rosemary Flavored Applesauce

Kindly imagine a quiet afternoon, the air lightly scented with rosemary, as you stir a pot of apples slowly transforming into a comforting sauce. This rosemary-flavored applesauce is a simple yet profound way to bring warmth to your table, blending the sweetness of apples with the earthy tones of rosemary.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Fresh rosemary – 1 tbsp, finely chopped

Instructions

1. Combine the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and add the sugar and chopped rosemary, stirring well to combine.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook for another 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. Tip: For a smoother texture, use a potato masher to break down any large apple pieces.
5. Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. Tip: If you prefer a chunkier sauce, skip the mashing and leave the apples as they are.
6. For an enhanced flavor, let the applesauce sit covered for an hour before serving. Tip: This allows the rosemary to infuse more deeply into the sauce.

Here, the applesauce carries a velvety texture with a sweet and slightly herbal note from the rosemary. Serve it warm alongside roasted pork or chilled as a refreshing dessert topped with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Apple Sauce with Orange Zest

Amidst the quiet hum of the kitchen, the simple act of making apple sauce becomes a moment of solace, a gentle stir of sweetness and citrus weaving through the air.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Orange zest – 1 tbsp
• Water – ½ cup
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Once the apples are soft, remove the saucepan from heat and mash the apples with a potato masher or fork until smooth.
4. Stir in the sugar and orange zest, then return the saucepan to low heat for an additional 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. For a smoother texture, blend the apple sauce with an immersion blender until desired consistency is reached.
6. Let the apple sauce cool to room temperature before serving or storing.

Delightfully smooth with a bright hint of citrus, this apple sauce pairs beautifully with pancakes or as a sweet layer in yogurt parfaits.

Spiced Rum Applesauce

Curling up with a bowl of something warm and spiced feels like a quiet celebration of the season. This spiced rum applesauce is a simple, comforting dish that carries the warmth of autumn in every spoonful.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Spiced rum – ¼ cup
• Brown sugar – ½ cup
• Cinnamon – 1 tsp
• Water – ½ cup

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the chopped apples, spiced rum, brown sugar, cinnamon, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low. Cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. After 20 minutes, remove the lid and continue to simmer for another 10 minutes, or until the apples are completely soft and the liquid has reduced slightly. Tip: For a smoother applesauce, use a potato masher to break down the apples further.
4. Once the apples are soft and the mixture has thickened, remove from heat. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Tip: If you prefer a chunkier texture, skip the mashing and leave the apples as they are.
5. For an extra flavor boost, stir in an additional tablespoon of spiced rum after removing from heat. Tip: This applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Velvety and rich, this spiced rum applesauce has a deep, caramel-like sweetness balanced by the warmth of cinnamon and rum. Serve it warm over vanilla ice cream for a decadent dessert, or enjoy it chilled as a refreshing side.

Apple Sauce with Cinnamon Sticks

Beneath the quiet hum of the morning, there’s something deeply comforting about the simplicity of homemade apple sauce, especially when it’s gently spiced with cinnamon sticks. It’s a humble dish that carries the warmth of autumn in every spoonful, a reminder of slower days and the sweetness of simplicity.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Cinnamon sticks – 2
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples, water, and cinnamon sticks in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the saucepan and let it cook for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: If the apples start to stick, add a tablespoon of water.
3. After 20 minutes, remove the cinnamon sticks and add the sugar. Stir well to combine.
4. Using a potato masher or fork, gently mash the apples to your desired consistency. For smoother apple sauce, blend it briefly with an immersion blender. Tip: Leaving some chunks adds a lovely texture.
5. Cook for an additional 5 minutes uncovered, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Tip: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so don’t over-reduce it.

Now, the apple sauce is ready to enjoy. Naturally sweet with a hint of spice from the cinnamon, it’s perfect served warm over oatmeal or chilled as a refreshing side. The texture is velvety yet retains a bit of rustic charm, making it a versatile addition to both sweet and savory dishes.

Caramel Apple Sauce

Falling into the rhythm of autumn, there’s a quiet joy in stirring together the simplest of ingredients to create something unexpectedly delightful. This caramel apple sauce, with its humble beginnings, transforms into a velvety companion for chilly evenings.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and diced
• Sugar – 1 cup
• Water – ½ cup
• Butter – 2 tbsp

Instructions

1. In a medium saucepan, combine the diced apples, sugar, and water over medium heat.
2. Stir gently until the sugar dissolves, about 3 minutes, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Add the butter, stirring occasionally, and let the mixture simmer for 25 minutes. Tip: For a smoother sauce, cover the saucepan to retain moisture.
4. After 25 minutes, remove the lid and increase the heat to medium. Stir constantly for 5 minutes to thicken the sauce. Tip: The sauce is ready when it coats the back of a spoon.
5. Remove from heat and let it cool for 10 minutes. Tip: For an extra smooth texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender before cooling.

You’ll find the caramel apple sauce luxuriously thick, with a balance of sweet and tart that plays well over pancakes or swirled into yogurt. Yet, its true magic lies in how it captures the essence of fall in every spoonful.

Apple Sauce with Lemon Juice

Wandering through the kitchen on a quiet morning, the thought of making something simple yet comforting led me to the idea of apple sauce with a hint of lemon juice. It’s a humble dish that carries the warmth of home and the freshness of fruit, perfect for reflecting on the slow passage of time.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Lemon juice – 2 tbsp
• Water – ½ cup
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the peeled and chopped apples in a medium-sized pot.
2. Add ½ cup of water to the pot to prevent the apples from sticking.
3. Cook the apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until they begin to soften, about 10 minutes. Tip: Covering the pot can speed up the softening process.
4. Once the apples are soft, mash them with a potato masher or fork to your desired consistency. Tip: For smoother apple sauce, blend the cooked apples with an immersion blender.
5. Stir in ¼ cup of sugar and 2 tbsp of lemon juice, adjusting the sweetness or tartness to your liking. Tip: The lemon juice not only adds flavor but also helps preserve the color of the apples.
6. Continue to cook the mixture for another 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the sugar is completely dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly.
7. Remove the pot from the heat and let the apple sauce cool to room temperature before serving.

At its best, this apple sauce is a balance of sweet and tart, with a texture that’s both smooth and slightly chunky. Serve it warm over pancakes or cold as a refreshing side to pork dishes, letting its simplicity shine through.

Apple Sauce with Star Anise

Evenings like these call for something warm, something that fills the kitchen with a scent that wraps around you like a soft blanket. Apple sauce with star anise is just that—a simple, comforting dish that turns the ordinary into something quietly extraordinary.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Star anise – 2 whole pieces
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the peeled and chopped apples into a medium-sized pot.
2. Add ½ cup of water to the pot with the apples.
3. Drop in 2 whole pieces of star anise into the pot.
4. Turn the heat to medium-low and cover the pot. Let the apples simmer gently for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Tip: The apples should soften but not turn to mush; keep an eye on the texture.
5. After 20 minutes, remove the star anise pieces from the pot.
6. Add ¼ cup of sugar to the apples and stir well to combine. Tip: If you prefer a less sweet sauce, start with half the sugar and adjust to your liking.
7. Continue to cook uncovered for another 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Tip: For a smoother sauce, use a potato masher to break down any larger apple pieces.
8. Remove the pot from the heat and let the apple sauce cool for a few minutes before serving.

Velvety and warm, this apple sauce carries the subtle licorice hint of star anise, making it a perfect companion to morning oatmeal or a dollop atop vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. The texture is chunky yet soft, inviting you to savor each spoonful slowly.

Apple Sauce with Cardamom

Just like the quiet moments of early morning, this apple sauce with cardamom is a gentle embrace of simplicity and warmth. It’s a recipe that feels like a whisper, inviting you to slow down and savor the process as much as the result.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Cardamom – 1 tsp
• Sugar – ¼ cup

Instructions

1. Place the chopped apples and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
2. Cover the saucepan and let the apples simmer for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. After 15 minutes, remove the lid and add the cardamom and sugar to the saucepan.
4. Reduce the heat to low and continue to cook, uncovered, for another 10 minutes, stirring frequently until the apples break down into a sauce.
5. For a smoother texture, use a potato masher or immersion blender to puree the sauce to your desired consistency.
6. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before serving.

Every spoonful of this apple sauce carries the delicate fragrance of cardamom, transforming the humble apple into something unexpectedly elegant. The texture is velvety, with just enough body to feel substantial, yet light enough to pair beautifully with yogurt or oatmeal. Try swirling it into warm porridge or layering it with granola for a breakfast that feels like a quiet celebration.

Apple Sauce with Cloves

Now, as the early morning light filters through the kitchen window, there’s something deeply comforting about the thought of simmering apples into a sweet, spiced sauce. It’s a simple pleasure, one that fills the home with warmth and nostalgia.

Ingredients

• Apples – 4 cups, peeled and chopped
• Water – ½ cup
• Sugar – ¼ cup
• Ground cloves – ½ tsp

Instructions

1. Place the peeled and chopped apples into a medium-sized saucepan.
2. Add ½ cup of water to the saucepan, ensuring the apples are just covered to prevent sticking.
3. Turn the heat to medium-low and cover the saucepan, allowing the apples to soften for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to check consistency.
4. Once the apples are soft and easily mashed with a spoon, remove the saucepan from heat.
5. Using a potato masher or fork, gently mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, blend briefly with an immersion blender.
6. Return the saucepan to low heat and stir in ¼ cup of sugar and ½ teaspoon of ground cloves until fully dissolved and combined.
7. Simmer uncovered for an additional 5 minutes, stirring frequently to enhance the flavors and thicken the sauce.

Every spoonful of this apple sauce carries the warmth of cloves, a hint of sweetness, and a texture that’s both smooth and comforting. Serve it warm over oatmeal or chilled as a refreshing side to pork dishes.

Conclusion

You’ve just discovered 22 scrumptious ways to make homemade applesauce that’s sure to delight your taste buds! Whether you’re after classic simplicity or adventurous flavors, there’s a recipe here for everyone. We’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite—drop us a comment below. Loved this roundup? Share the apple love by pinning this article on Pinterest for your fellow home cooks to enjoy!

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