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Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Homemade Applesauce (No Peel Option)

Close-up of rich, brown homemade applesauce served in a small white ramekin on a wooden board.
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Make the best homemade applesauce on the stovetop in just 30 minutes. This easy recipe uses natural sweetness and allows you to choose between a chunky or smooth texture. It is a perfect healthy apple snack or versatile side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 lbs apples (like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional, for added sweetness)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples thoroughly. You may peel them if you prefer a smoother texture, but peeling is optional for this quick method. Core the apples and cut them into 1-inch chunks.
  2. Place the apple chunks, water, and lemon juice into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. The apples are done when they are very tender and easily mashable with a fork.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. If using, stir in the brown sugar and ground cinnamon until fully combined.
  6. Decide on your texture: For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, simply mash the apples directly in the pot with a potato masher or a sturdy fork until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Serve the homemade applesauce warm, or transfer it to an airtight container and chill before serving as a healthy apple snack or side dish.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, combine sweet apples (like Fuji) with tart apples (like Granny Smith).
  • If you skip the added sugar, the natural sweetness of the apples will shine through, making this a great low-calorie option.
  • This recipe is excellent for canning; process the hot applesauce in a water bath canner for 15 minutes for shelf stability.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookingbyfelix.com/easy-30-minute-applesauce-recipe/