This homemade applesauce recipe is simple, no-frills, and lets you control the sugar from start to finish. It’s easy to make, works for families of any size, and is perfect when you want a big batch of something cozy and useful in the fridge.
I started making applesauce to use up extra apples, and over time I’ve made it just about every way possible. What I’ve learned is that good applesauce doesn’t need much. Just decent apples and the flexibility to adjust it to how you like it.
This applesauce is great on its own, but it’s also one of those recipes that earns its keep. Spoon it over breakfast, use it in baking, or turn it into something fun like Applesauce Pancakes, or Applesauce Muffins. Once you start making apple sauce from scratch, it’s hard to go back.
Step-by-step photos and instructions are below, but you can jump right to the recipe card if you wish!
Why you’ll love this recipe
- It has just 4 ingredients.
- Takes under 30 minutes to make.
- Totally customizable.
- Pick your method. We can do it stove top, instant pot or crockpot!
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The Best Apples for Applesauce
I prefer to use Granny Smith apples, but McIntosh and Golden Delicious also do really well. These kind of apples soften easily, making them a great choice. That said, I have used Honeycrisp, Gala and Red Delicious apples – sometimes all at once (I just raid the fruit bowl). Depending on the type of apples I have around, I leave out the sugar, or use less – some apples don’t need anything added!
I love making pantry staples from scratch, if you do too – you’ll enjoy my Homemade Taco Seasoning, Homemade Bisquick or my FABULOUS Homemade Chicken Stock!
How to Make Homemade Applesauce (Choose Your Method)
Stove top applesauce is the classic method and gives you the most control. It’s easy to taste and adjust as it cooks, and works well for both smooth and chunky applesauce.
Instant Pot applesauce is great when you want a hands-off option. The pressure cooker softens the apples quickly and evenly, making this one of the fastest ways to get homemade applesauce on the table. It’s especially handy for large batches.
Slow cooker applesauce is perfect if you want to set it and forget it. The apples cook low and slow, filling your house with that cozy apple smell. This method works well when you’re using very firm apples or cooking a big quantity.
Key Recipe Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and amounts is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Apples. Use whatever apples you have on hand. See “best apples for applesauce for more clarity“
- Water. Just enough to get things started and prevent sticking. The apples will release plenty of liquid as they cook.
- Sugar. Optional and adjustable. You can use regular sugar, brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or leave it out entirely depending on your apples.
- Ground cinnamon. Adds warmth, but it’s optional. You can also swap in pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or skip spices altogether.
How to make this recipe
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This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Stove Top Instructions
Scroll for Recipe
This next part is only a photo tutorial of the recipe steps. The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
Peel, core and slice apples and add to large pot or Dutch oven. Add water, sugar and cinnamon. Mix well and bring to a boil over medium heat, then lower the heat, cover and simmer for 20 minutes (up to 30 minutes) or until the apples are tender.
Remove some of the liquid, and puree using an immersion blender, or remove apples and use a regular blender – adding extra cooking liquid as needed to achieve the desired consistency/texture. Mash, blend, or use a food mill as desired. If you like chunky applesauce, simply mix to break up large pieces.
Slow Cooker Instructions
Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples to your slow cooker along with any liquid or seasoning you’re using. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice if you’re around.
Once the apples are very soft and breaking down, mash for chunky applesauce or blend for a smoother texture. Taste and adjust sweetness at the end if needed.
Instant Pot Applesauce Instructions
Add the peeled, cored, and sliced apples to the Instant Pot along with a small amount of liquid. You don’t need much, just enough to help the pot come to pressure. Secure the lid, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release any remaining pressure. The apples should be very soft and easy to mash.
Mash for chunky applesauce or use an immersion blender for smooth applesauce. Taste and adjust sweetness or seasoning after blending.
Troubleshooting Guide – Common Problems and Solutions
- Applesauce is too thin. Let it simmer uncovered on the stove or use the sauté function on the Instant Pot to cook off extra liquid. It will thicken up as the moisture evaporates.
- Applesauce is too thick. Stir in a little water, apple juice, or apple cider until it loosens up and looks right.
- Applesauce tastes bland. Add a pinch of salt or a little more cinnamon. A small splash of lemon juice can also help wake up the flavor.
- Applesauce is too tart. Add a small amount of sugar, maple syrup, or honey and taste again. Go slowly so you don’t accidentally turn it into dessert applesauce.
- Apples didn’t break down fully. They just need more time. Keep cooking until the apples mash easily with a fork, then mash or blend again.
- Applesauce burned on the bottom. This usually means the heat was too high or there wasn’t enough liquid. Carefully scrape what didn’t burn into a new pot and add a little more liquid next time.
- Applesauce turned brown. This is normal and happens from oxidation, especially if the apples sit before cooking. A little lemon juice helps keep the color lighter.
Recommended Equipment/Tools
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You don’t need anything fancy to make homemade applesauce, but different tools and cooking methods can change both the process and the final texture.
For texture, your tool matters just as much as your cooking method. A potato masher keeps things chunky, an immersion blender gives you smooth applesauce right in the pot, and a food mill is ideal if you want ultra-smooth applesauce without peeling the apples first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does homemade applesauce last?
In my house? About an hour. But… if you are storing it in the refrigerator, it will last about a week. It can also be frozen, or canned (using proper canning practices).
Do I need to peel the apples first?
Peeling is optional. If you want super smooth applesauce and don’t have a food mill, peeling is the easiest route. If you plan to use a food mill, you can leave the skins on and remove them at the end.
Can I make applesauce without cinnamon?
Yes. Cinnamon is optional. You can leave it out entirely or swap in nutmeg, cloves, apple pie spice, or vanilla.
Kylee’s Notes
- If you plan to leave the apple skins on, both the Instant Pot and crockpot methods work especially well when finished with a food mill. It gives you ultra-smooth applesauce without the extra peeling step.
- Add some strawberries and cook along with the apples, or add some canned peaches to the mix right before you blend for a delicious way to change it (adjust the cinnamon or leave it out).
- You can use brown sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup in place of sugar.
- Add 1 cup of this applesauce in place of apples in my Apple Cinnamon Waffles recipe.
How to store Applesauce
Refrigerator
Keep in the fridge for up to 7-10 days in a sealed container.
I don’t can this and store in the pantry, but you could! You will need to add lemon juice to the water while cooking – and use a water bath or pressure cooker to can effectively.
Freezing
Applesauce can be frozen (I put it in silicone muffin pans in the freezer and just pop out what I need)
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Update: This was originally posted in October of 2009, and has been updated with new photos and instructions to improve reader experience in January 2026
Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 apples
- 1 1/2 cup water
- 1/2 cup white sugar
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
- Peel, core and slice 8 apples.
- Add apples to a large saucepan, add 1 1/2 cup water, 1/2 cup white sugar and 1 teaspoon cinnamon and toss until well combined.
- Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer for 20-30 minutes – until apples are tender and soft.
- Depending on how thick/thin you like it – drain off some of the liquid and reserve.
- Use an immersion blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Add leftover liquid as needed to get your ideal consistency.
- Devour.
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Notes
- Add some strawberries and cook along with the apples, or add some canned peaches to the mix right before you blend for a delicious way to change it (adjust the cinnamon or leave it out).
- You can use brown sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup in place of sugar.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 7 days in a sealed container.
Nutrition Facts
Disclaimer
Nutritional information is an estimate and provided to you as a courtesy. You should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe using your preferred nutrition calculator.
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