Go Back
–+ servings
Close-up of a jar of applesauce topped with a cinnamon stick, sprinkled with ground cinnamon.
Print

No Sugar Added Homemade Applesauce

Ditch the store-bought stuff and make your own no-sugar-added, flavorful homemade applesauce!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword applesauce
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 45 minutes
Servings 8 cups
Calories 96kcal
Author Tawnie Graham of Kroll's Korner

Ingredients

  • 3-4 pounds apples (a mix of Pink Lady and Granny Smith recommended) peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1 cup filtered water
  • 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1-2 cinnamon sticks optional, for added depth of flavor
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

  • Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into evenly sized chunks for even cooking.
    3-4 pounds apples (a mix of Pink Lady and Granny Smith recommended)
    Chopped apples on a cutting board with peels and cores alongside, next to a large pot filled with peeled, diced apples ready for cooking.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, add the chopped apples, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, water, and orange juice. Add cinnamon sticks, if desired.
    1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice, 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg, 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves, Juice of 1 lemon, 1 cup filtered water, 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 1-2 cinnamon sticks
    Overhead view of a pot filled with chopped apples being seasoned with cinnamon and spices, as orange juice is poured in; the next frame shows apples stirred with cinnamon sticks.
  • Cook: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for ~25–35 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and breaking down. Start Timer
  • Mash or Blend: Remove from heat. Discard the cinnamon sticks, if used. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher. For a smoother texture, blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a blender in batches.
    Apples cooking down in a large pot, partially mashed, with an immersion blender blending the mixture into smooth applesauce.
  • Finish with Vanilla: Stir in the vanilla extract. Taste and adjust spices, if desired. Feel free to add 1-3 Tbsp maple syrup, honey, or brown sugar if you want it a bit sweeter or if your apples are really tart and don’t mind a little added sugar!
    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    Freshly blended homemade applesauce in a large pot, thick and smooth, with a wooden spoon stirring the mixture.
  • Serve or Store: Serve warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week, or freeze for longer storage.
    Jar of homemade applesauce placed on a wooden coaster, surrounded by other jars, cinnamon sticks, and a fresh apple in the background.

Video

Notes

  • You can use any apple(s) you'd like in this homemade applesauce. I like using a blend or two or three different varieties.
  • As the apples are cooking, if they need more liquid, add more water or orange juice.
  • Storage:
    • Let the applesauce cool completely before storing.
    • Transfer to airtight containers or glass jars with lids.
    • Store in the refrigerator for up to 7–10 days.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cup | Calories: 96kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 204mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 110IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.3mg