Want to learn How to make applesauce from whole apples? It’s easy, delicious and the perfect side dish to make at home.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Making homemade applesauce is much easier than you may think! We’ll use whole apples to make a fabulous chunky sauce in this version, but it can be made smooth too. This makes the best applesauce (I’ve been making it for years) and I’m excited to share it with you!
Here’s a few good reasons to try this great recipe:
- This recipe is easy and makes incredibly delicious applesauce. Plus, you control the sugar.
- Make this applesauce chunky or smooth. Both are wonderful and add a special touch to homemade meals.
- This is a great side dish for holidays, celebrations or Sunday dinner.
- You’re house will smell terrific when you make it.
- Makes a nice snack with a dollop of yogurt or whipped cream.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the full recipe and list of ingredients and instructions, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Apples: Golden delicious are the best because they’re sweet and break down easily with cooking, as opposed to tart apples. Experiment with other organic apple varieties too.
- Apple Cider: Optional (use water instead), but very tasty in the applesauce.
- Brown Sugar: For added sweetness.
- Butter: To saute the apples in the first step.
- Pure Vanilla Extract: For that extra special flavor.
- Salt and Cinnamon: Also to bring out the best flavor.
Step-By Step Instructions
- Start by peeling the apples, then cut them in quarters near the core so you have three or four pieces.
- Cut the pieces in half, then into small cubes. The cuts don’t need to be perfect.
3. Continue until all the apples have been chopped into cubes. Add them to a large skillet with melted butter, then saute for a few minutes until they release their juices.
4. Add the apple cider (or water) plus the seasonings and sugar, let the mixture simmer until the apples are soft and tender but there’s still some liquid in the bottom of the skillet.
5. Next, use a potato masher to make a chunky consistency. Add a little bit more cider or a quarter cup of water to the skillet and continue to cook on medium heat until mostly evaporated. Remove from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. That’s it!
Tips and Possible Variations
- The type of apples matter in this homemade applesauce recipe. Don’t use tart fresh apples like Granny Smith, as they tend to keep their shape and don’t break down easily with cooking.
- Golden delicious apples are the best for this chunky applesauce recipe, they fall apart a bit with cooking which is the consistency we want.
- Make smooth applesauce by running the cooked apples through a food mill, food processor or use an immersion blender for an apple butter type of consistency.
- If your apples are on the sweet side, add a squirt of fresh lemon juice or use a little less brown sugar, and taste for desired sweetness as you go.
- You can use all water instead of apple cider or juice in this easy recipe.
- Add a cinnamon stick when cooking if you’d like to amp up the flavor a bit.
- Use maple syrup instead of some of the brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Substitute coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if you’d like.
Serving Ideas
- This is a wonderful, homey side dish to serve in a nice bowl at breakfast or brunch. Make this gorgeous veggie fritatta, some sliced fruit, crispy bacon or sausage, buttered toast, hot coffee and enjoy!
- It’s practically mandatory to have hot applesauce with pork chops. Why not make these juicy, flavorful chops to serve alongside? (Room temperature or cold homemade applesauce is very good too).
- Make some applesauce for a snack with a dollop of vanilla yogurt. Or whipped cream.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! This is an easy recipe to scale up or down. Taste for desired sweetness and cook the apples until tender, and instead of a skillet, use a large pot.
Apple recipes like this are easy to make ahead and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
More Recipes to Try
- Best Cider Apples: Wonderful dessert apples, baked to perfection.
- Apple Butter Cookies: Soft and so, so good.
- How to Make Banana Bread without Butter: A tasty & moist classic recipe.
- Waffles with Apples: A fantastic recipe, great for weekends.
- Bake Apples with Oatmeal Crumble (story): Wonderful with whipped cream.
- Fall Favorite Desserts: A list of great fall desserts.
- How to Make Apple Pie with Graham Cracker Crust: A truly wonderful pie.
- White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups: A fun homemade treat.
- Mini Caramel Apple Pies: Tasty and so cute.
If you’ve tried How to Make Applesauce from Whole Apples, or any other recipe on Studio Delicious, please rate the recipe 5 stars and tell me how you liked it in comments below!
Looking for more tips and fresh, homemade recipes? Join my email list, tag and follow me on Instagram using #studiodeliciouseats, follow my boards on Pinterest, and see what I’m up to on Facebook and Twitter!
How to Make Applesauce From Whole Apples
Ingredients
- 8 Golden Delicious apples, peeled and chopped into 1" (inch) pieces see tips
- 2 tablespoons Butter, unsalted
- 1 cup Brown sugar see note
- 2 cups Apple Cider or apple juice see note
- 1 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon Pure Vanilla Extract
- ½ teaspoon Nutmeg, optional
Instructions
- Wash, peel and chop the apples into 1" pieces.
- To a heavy, deep skillet or dutch oven, add the butter and let it melt. Add the chopped apples and a pinch of salt. Toss to combine and then let the mixture cook on medium heat until you can hear them sizzle and pop.
- Add the brown sugar, apple cider (or juice) the water, the cinnamon and the nutmeg if using. Stir to combine.
- Let the mixture simmer on medium heat for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Roughly mash with a potato masher to break down some of the large chunks. You want a chunky mash. Add another half cup of water if the liquid has evaporated out. Taste and decide if you want it sweeter, if so, add another tablespoon or two of brown sugar. Continue to simmer another 10 minutes or so until most of the liquid has absorbed and the apples are completely tender. Remove from the heat and add the vanilla extract. Stir to combine. Makes about 4 cups.
Notes
- Golden delicious apples are the best for this recipe, they fall apart a bit with cooking which is the consistency you want.
- If your apples are on the sweet side, use a quarter cup less brown sugar.
- You can use all water instead of apple cider or juice in this recipe.
- Use maple syrup instead of some of the brown sugar for a deeper flavor.
- Use coconut sugar instead of brown sugar if you’d like.
Nutrition
- Super important to read the whole recipe before you begin
- Pay attention to the ingredient list and photos for the recipe
- If possible, prep your ingredients a little before you start
- Always use a sharp knife for safety
- Use the size of pan called for in the recipe
- For savory recipes, taste and season as you go
- Buy fresh, organic ingredients, locally sourced whenever possible
This post was updated with new text, October, 2024.
Please rate this recipe and thanks for leaving a comment!