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Quick Stovetop Homemade Applesauce (Smooth or Chunky)

Close-up of chunky, homemade applesauce served in a small white bowl on a wooden table.
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Make naturally sweet homemade applesauce on the stovetop in under 30 minutes. This easy recipe works for both smooth and chunky textures, making it a perfect quick healthy snack or side dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs apples (mix of sweet and tart like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  1. Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. You do not need perfect uniformity.
  2. Place the chopped apples, water, cinnamon, and cloves (if using) into a large pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
  4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  5. The apples are done when they are very tender and easily mash with a fork.
  6. If you want smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, simply mash the apples directly in the pot with a potato masher until you reach your desired consistency.
  7. Stir in the lemon juice, if using. Taste and add more cinnamon if you prefer a stronger flavor.
  8. Serve warm, or cool completely before storing. This recipe makes a great fruit side dish.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a combination of apples. Tart apples like Granny Smith provide good structure, while sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala balance the flavor without needing added sugar.
  • If you prefer a sweeter result without refined sugar, add 1 tablespoon of maple syrup or brown sugar during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
  • This applesauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to one week or can be frozen for up to three months.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://fooddexterity.com/easy-stovetop-homemade-applesauce/