5-Ingredient Homemade Applesauce (No Added Sugar) Recipe
This simple and wholesome 5-Ingredient Homemade Applesauce recipe captures the natural sweetness and fresh flavor of apples without any added refined sugar. Made with just apples, water, lemon juice, vanilla, and cinnamon, it’s easy to prepare on the stovetop and customizable in texture from chunky to smooth. Optional maple syrup adds a gentle touch of sweetness if desired. Perfect as a healthy snack, topping, or side that you can store refrigerated for up to a week.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 40 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups (1.5 quarts) 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
Applesauce Ingredients
- 4 lbs apples (Fuji, Honeycrisp, Gala, or similar; about 8 medium apples)
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 Tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice (or orange juice)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder or 1 cinnamon stick
- 1–2 Tbsp maple syrup (optional, for added sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples into large chunks or wedges. Add the chopped apples to a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pan to begin cooking.
- Cook the Apples: Pour in the water, then add the lemon juice, cinnamon (either powder or stick), and vanilla extract. Cover the pot and simmer the apples over medium to medium-low heat. Cook for about 35-40 minutes until the apples are fork-tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. Once tender, remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- Mash or Puree: For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples directly in the pot. For a smoother texture, use a handheld immersion blender to puree the apples, or transfer them to a high-speed blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Adjust Sweetness (Optional): Taste the applesauce. It should be naturally sweet with a hint of tartness. If you prefer it sweeter, stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons of maple syrup to suit your taste.
- Store Properly: Transfer the cooled applesauce to an airtight container, such as a mason jar. Store in the refrigerator where it will keep fresh for up to one week. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe containers.
Notes
- Use sweet and crisp apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala for the best flavor and natural sweetness in your applesauce.
- You can substitute lemon juice with orange juice for a slightly different citrus note.
- The cinnamon can be adjusted or omitted according to preference, or substituted with ground nutmeg or allspice for variation.
- Maple syrup provides a natural sweetener option but is entirely optional depending on your taste or dietary needs.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers refrigerated for up to one week, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Keywords: homemade applesauce, no added sugar applesauce, easy applesauce recipe, stovetop applesauce, healthy snack, natural sweetener
