Old-Fashioned Applesauce Recipe for an Easy Classic

There’s something so comforting about homemade apple sauce. It’s one of those recipes that just takes you back to simpler times, where food was made with care and the kitchen was always filled with warmth and good smells. Imagine watching your grandmother prepare peeled apples, her hands moving quickly as she whisked up  a large pot of applesauce for your family gatherings. The house smelled like cinnamon, apples, and memories. Now, as a busy mum myself, I can appreciate how easy it is to make this old-fashioned applesauce recipe—and how it can turn a simple snack or side dish into something truly special.

What I love about this easy homemade applesauce recipe is that it’s so versatile. You can enjoy it warm, straight from the stove, or store it in the fridge to use later. It’s a great addition to breakfast, a fantastic topping for pancakes or waffles, or even a healthy snack for your little ones. And, if you make a big batch, you can freeze it to enjoy all year long. Best of all, this recipe only requires some basic ingredients. It’s so simple, yet so satisfying.

Making applesauce from scratch is one of those little joys in life that’s so worth the (very little) effort. Unlike store-bought applesauce, which can be full of additives and sugar, this old-fashioned applesauce recipe allows you to control the sweetness and flavour. It’s a great way to use up extra apples that might be getting a little too soft. And the best part? It’s one of those recipes that fills your home with that nostalgic, homey feeling—no matter what time of year it is.

Before we get into the recipe, let’s talk a little bit more about applesauce. What makes it so tasty? What are the different types of apples to use? And what about all those gut-health benefits you’ve heard about? All of that and more is coming right up, so keep reading!

What Are the Best Apples for Making Applesauce?

When it comes to applesauce, choosing the right apples can make all the difference. For an old-fashioned applesauce recipe, you’ll want apples that break down well and have a nice balance of sweetness and tartness. But then again, grandma’s applesauce is the best because she used the fresh apples she had at hand. Here are a few of my favorites:

Granny Smith: These apples are tart, which adds a nice contrast to the sweetness of the other apples in your sauce.

Fuji: Sweet and juicy, Fuji apples help balance out the tartness and give your applesauce a rich flavor.

Gala: A milder, slightly sweet apple that works well in any applesauce recipe.

Honeycrisp: A sweet-tart combination that makes for a perfect applesauce base.

Golden Delicious: They’re a bit sweeter and softer, which is great if you prefer a more delicate, smooth applesauce.

Mixing a few different varieties of apples together will give your old fashioned applesauce a more complex flavor. But if you’re in a rush, any apples you have on hand will work!

What Makes Applesauce Taste Better?

There are a few things you can do to take your old-fashioned applesauce recipe to the next level. The most important is spices. A pinch of cinnamon, nutmeg, or even a touch of ground cloves can really elevate the great flavor of your applesauce. If you want to get fancy, add a splash of vanilla extract for an extra layer of warmth and sweetness.

The other key to a tastier applesauce is cooking it low and slow. Let the apples soften and break down over time. This allows the natural sugars to caramelize and meld together, creating a deeper, richer flavor.

And don’t forget about sweeteners! While apples are naturally sweet, sometimes a little extra help goes a long way. A spoonful of honey or maple syrup adds a lovely, natural sweetness to your applesauce. But be careful not to overdo it—you want the cooked apples to shine through.

What Does Applesauce Do for Your Gut?

Aside from being a delicious treat, applesauce is actually great for your digestive health. Apples are high in pectin, a type of soluble fiber that can help regulate digestion. Pectin acts as a prebiotic, which helps promote the growth of good bacteria in your gut. It’s one of my favorite things to eat when I’m in a Crohn’s flare and it helps me immensely! 

Even if you don’t suffer from IBD, it’s a gentle food for those with sensitive tummies. So, not only is applesauce a tasty snack, but it can also support healthy digestion, making it a great option for you and your little ones.

Old-Fashioned Applesauce Recipe Ingredients

Apples. Use the varieties suggested above if you need to buy them, or opt for anything you have at hand. 

Water. A little goes a long way.

Sugar. A little bit of sugar is one of the best ways to enhance the natural sweetness of this recipe. 

Lemon. Zest and juice to balance out the sweetness of this delicious side dish. 

How to Make the Recipe

Prep the apples: Peel, core, and chop your apples into small chunks. Don’t worry about being too perfect—they’ll break down as they cook. I keep the skin on for extra nutrients and flavor, but feel free to peel them if you prefer a smoother texture. 

Cook the apples: Place your apples in a large saucepan or Dutch oven. Add the water (or apple juice), sugar, lemon zest and lemon juice. Bring everything to a simmer over medium-low heat.

Simmer and stir: Cover the pot and let the apples cook for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon. The apples will begin to soften and release their juices. Check the apples occasionally and add extra liquid if required. 

Mash or puree: Once the apples are soft and mushy, use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For smoother applesauce, blend in a food processor until completely smooth. Taste your applesauce, and add sugar or maple syrup if you like it sweeter.

Serve: Serve warm or let it cool and store it in the fridge. It will keep for up to a week in the fridge or you can freeze it for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Old-Fashioned Applesauce Recipe

This old-fashioned applesauce recipe is just so easy and satisfying! It’s the perfect snack for you or your little ones, and it’s something you can feel good about making. You’ll love the fresh, natural sweetness of the apples and the cozy, comforting spices that fill your kitchen as it simmers. 

I also love how versatile it is. Enjoy it as a side dish, a topping for vanilla ice cream or oatmeal, or even by itself as a healthy dessert option.

Tips and Tricks

Chunky or smooth? If you like a chunky texture, stop mashing when it’s still a bit textured. For smoother applesauce, use a food processor or immersion blender.

Add-ins: Feel free to get creative! Throw in a pinch of cinnamon, a handful of raisins or dried cranberries while it’s simmering for a little extra sweetness and texture.

Storage: This easy recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days, or frozen for up to 6 months.

Mix and match: Use whatever your apple trees have to give this apple season. Tart apples are best, but use whatever type of apples are around. This old-fashioned applesauce recipe doesn’t discriminate. 

Easy Substitutes

Sugar: If you prefer to avoid white sugar, use brown sugar, honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar.

Water: You can swap the water for apple juice or a little extra fresh lemon juice for added tartness.

Lemon: If you’re out of lemons, try using lime or orange juice instead. It will change the flavor profile, but will taste delicious nonetheless.