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Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe from Backyard Apples Perfect for Fall

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A quick and easy homemade applesauce recipe using fresh backyard apples, perfect for fall. This simple recipe highlights the natural flavor of apples with optional sweeteners and warm spices.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 6 cups chopped fresh apples (about 6 medium apples, mix of Macintosh and Gala recommended)
  • 1/2 cup water (120 ml)
  • 23 tablespoons granulated sugar (optional, can use organic cane sugar or coconut sugar)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves (optional)
  • Optional sweetener alternatives: honey or maple syrup (about 2 tablespoons)

Instructions

  1. Peel, core, and chop about 6 medium apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
  2. Add chopped apples to a large pot along with 1/2 cup water, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle 2-3 tablespoons sugar if using.
  3. Bring mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Check if apples are soft enough to mash; cook longer if needed, adding a splash of water to prevent burning.
  5. Mash with a potato masher or fork for chunky texture, or blend/food mill for smooth applesauce.
  6. Adjust sweetness and seasoning to taste; add more sugar, cinnamon, or a pinch of nutmeg/cloves if desired.
  7. Let applesauce cool to room temperature, then store in airtight containers in the fridge or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Use a mix of tart and sweet apples for balanced flavor. Lemon juice helps preserve color. Cook low and slow to avoid burning. Adjust sweetness to taste or omit sugar for natural sweetness. Applesauce freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: applesauce, homemade applesauce, fall recipe, easy applesauce, backyard apples, cinnamon applesauce, healthy snack, gluten-free, vegan