grandma’s homemade applesauce recipe

The Best grandma’s homemade applesauce recipe

I’ve been making my grandma’s homemade applesauce recipe for years, and it’s still a staple in our household. My kids love it, and it’s a great way to get them to eat more fruits. The recipe is simple, yet it’s packed with flavor and nutrients.

I’ve always been fascinated by the process of cooking down apples into a smooth, velvety sauce. It’s a technique that requires patience, but the end result is well worth the effort. I remember my grandma telling me that she used to make this recipe for our family gatherings when I was a child.

She’d simmer the apples with cinnamon and sugar until they were tender, then mash them up with a fork until they were smooth. The smell of apples baking in the oven would fill the whole house, and we’d all gather around the kitchen table to enjoy the fruits of her labor. As I grew older, I began to appreciate the health benefits of this recipe – the fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants that come from using fresh apples.

My grandma would always say that this recipe was her secret to keeping us healthy and happy. And now, as a mother myself, I can see why she was so adamant about making this recipe a part of our family traditions. It’s a delicious way to get my kids to eat more fruits, and it’s also a great way to teach them about where their food comes from.

When you make something yourself, you appreciate the effort that goes into growing and harvesting those ingredients. And let’s be honest – there’s nothing quite like the taste of homemade applesauce on a cold winter day or as a side dish for any meal.

Grandma’s Homemade Applesauce

4.9 from 1167 votes

This classic applesauce recipe is made with simple ingredients and slow simmered to perfection. The natural sweetness of the apples is enhanced with a touch of cinnamon and lemon.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time30 mins
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time45 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 180 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Applesauce

6 large apples (such as McIntosh or Gala), peeled, cored, and quartered
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place the peeled, cored, and quartered apples into a large heavy-bottomed pot.
2Add the water and lemon juice to the pot, then set it over medium-high heat.
3Once the liquid begins to simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low.
4Cover the pot and let the apples cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are very soft and easily broken apart with a spoon.
5Remove the pot from the heat.
6Use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency, or use an immersion blender for a smoother sauce.
7For an extra smooth sauce, press the mixture through a fine-mesh strainer.
8Stir in the sugar and ground cinnamon until well combined.
9Taste and adjust sweetness or spice as desired.
10Let the applesauce cool for about 10 minutes before serving warm, or refrigerate it to serve cold.

🔧Equipment

Large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven
Wooden spoon
Vegetable peeler
Apple corer
Cutting board
Chef’s knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Potato masher or immersion blender (optional)
Fine-mesh strainer (optional)

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 180 kcal🧈Total Fat: 0g💛Saturated Fat: 0g❤️Cholesterol: 0mg🧂Sodium: 5mg🌾Total Carbs: 47g🥦Dietary Fiber: 5g🍬Sugars: 38g🥩Protein: 0g

📝Notes

For a chunkier applesauce, mash the apples less. You can also use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Watch Video Of How Grandma’s Homemade Applesauce Works

This homemade applesauce recipe is a staple in our household because it’s easy to make and delicious to eat. It’s also packed with health benefits that come from using fresh apples.

One thing I love about this recipe is how versatile it is – you can serve it as a side dish for any meal or use it as an ingredient in recipes like muffins or cakes. My kids love helping me make this recipe because they get to participate in peeling and coring the apples – they’re learning valuable skills while having fun at the same time.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Grandma’s Applesauce

Q: What type of apples should I use for this recipe?

This recipe works best with a mix of sweet and tart apples. Granny Smith and Golden Delicious are two good options because they hold their shape well when cooked down.

Q: Can I use pre-cooked apples for this recipe?

No, you should cook your own apples from scratch using this recipe. The texture and flavor will be better if you start from raw ingredients.

Q: How do I store leftover applesauce?

Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q: Can I add other spices besides cinnamon?

Yes, feel free to experiment with different spices like nutmeg or ginger to find your favorite flavor combination.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for babies?

This recipe is perfect for babies who are starting solid foods because it’s easy to digest and packed with nutrients.

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