How to Make Applesauce

Homemade applesauce doesn’t have to take all day in the kitchen! From the instant pot to the crock pot to the stovetop, we have all the easiest methods to making this delectable homemade applesauce in no time.

Homemade Applesauce

Who knew that making applesauce could be so easy and taste so good? In a family taste-test, this homemade recipe was the unanimous favorite over store-bought. It is smoother and has more flavor, and LESS sugar, than the store-bought stuff. It can be used as an after school snack, served over vanilla ice cream for dessert, or keep it to bulk up your food storage . Put it in these re-useable pouches for easy snacking/day trips with kids, as a baking ingredient, or even baby food!

Best Apples To Use For Applesauce

According to Stemilt World Famous Fruit, the apple growers in Wenatchee, WA, the best apples are softer varieties like Golden Delicious, Fuji, and McIntosh. These apples will break down easier when cooked. Here are some more of our favorites:

• Gala
• Pink lady
• Granny Smith apples
• Jonathan
• Crispin
• Cortland

Frequently Asked Questions

Instant Pot Method

Making applesauce (especially in the Instant Pot) is a breeze. Just a few easy steps and you can be enjoying fresh applesauce in a matter of minutes.

1. Peel, core, and slice apples. This is SUPER easy with an apple peeler/corer (THIS is the one that I have) or you can also use a paring knife or potato peeler.
2. Place apples in the Instant Pot. Add ¾ cup water and 2 teaspoons lemon juice
3. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes
4. Mash with potato masher or pulse in a food processor until smooth.

CrockPot Method

You can easily make applesauce in a Crock Pot if you don’t have an Instant Pot. To make it in the slow cooker, place all the ingredients in your crock pot and cook on HIGH for four hours, stirring occasionally.

Stovetop Method

Place all ingredients in a medium sauce pan, cover and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15-20 minutes or until apples are soft and easy to mash. Serve it room temperature or store in the referigerator.

Tips for this Recipe

• Use a variety of apples (tart and sweet) for a better flavor
• For extra flavor, add nutmeg, a teaspoon of ground cinnamon, or any other spice you like. 
• Don’t add cinnamon or brown sugar if you are wanting to use as a baking ingredient or as a substitution.
• For a smoother applesauce, use a an immersion blender, regular blender or food processor. Pulse until you reach the desired consistency. Blending the sauce more will result in a smoother texture. But if you like it more chunky, just give the mixture a couple of quick pulses. 
• Make your applesauce last longer by freezing or canning (see tips above)

Substituting With Applesauce

Did you know you can use applesauce in place of different baking ingredients such as oil, butter, and eggs? You can swap out oil and butter at a 1:1 ratio in many baked goods like muffins, sweet/fruit breads (such as zucchini bread, banana bread, or pumpkin bread), cakes, and cookies. You can also use ¼ cup applesauce in place of 1 egg.

How To Make Applesauce