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This homemade unsweetened applesauce recipe is so easy to prepare and a great way to use up apple leftovers. Let me show you how to make homemade applesauce with no sugar.
Applesauce is such a versatile food, which can be used as a basic ingredient for many recipes or simply to serve along with breakfast or any dessert. I love to use it for a baking a carrot cake.
Furthermore, applesauce is an excellent egg replacement in vegan recipes.
Why Homemade Applesauce
- It’s super easy to make in only 20 minutes.
- A great way to use up leftover apples or to can apples growing in your garden.
- Most store-bought applesauce
contain a large amount of sugar. - You can decide if you want it chunky or smooth.
Applesauce Recipe – No Sugar
Most applesauce you can buy in the supermarket contain a large amount of sugar, which isn’t necessary. Apples already contain fruit sugar, and in my opinion, it’s not needed nor good for your body to add extra sugar to every food.
How to make Unsweetened Applesauce
- Core the apples and chop them into chunks.
- Place them with water, lemon juice, and ground cinnamon (optional) in a large pot and bring it to the boil.
- Add the lid and let it simmer for 15-20 minutes until the apples are tender.
- Blend well in your food processor until you have a smooth applesauce. Do you like it chunky? Only pulse a few times.
Peeled or Unpeeled Apples?
My rule is: If they are organic, don’t peel, and if non-organic, peel them. Unpeeled apples make your applesauce darker than if you are using peeled ones, but this is just a visual effect. Most of the nutrients are in the apple peel, which is fact enough to use organic unpeeled apples.
Which Apples to Choose?
There are recommendations for certain type of apples, but to be honest, you can use any kind you like. The sweeter the apple, the sweeter your applesauce will turn out. If you use sour apples like Granny Smith, you are ending up with sour applesauce ➝ so it really comes down to your preferences.
As I love Braeburn apples the most, I always use them for my homemade applesauce.
How to Can Applesauce
You can store freshly made applesauce for one week in your fridge. If you want to store it even longer, I can recommend you my easy method to extend the shelf life for up to one month.
- Wash a few glass jars (as many as you need) with very hot water. Using a funnel, pour the HOT applesauce into the jars and immediately close the lid. Let it cool down and store for 4 weeks in your fridge or a cold cellar.
Do you want to can your fruit and veggies like a pro? Then check out the guide from the National Center for Home Food Preservations (➝ go to the guide).
Unsweetened Applesauce
Ingredients
- 2 lb (900g) organic apples
- ½ cup (120ml) water
- ½ lemon only juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Core the apples and chop them into chunks. No need to peel apples if you use organic ones.
- Place all ingredients in a large pot, close the lid, and let it cook for 15-20 minutes over medium heat until soft.
- Blend it well in a food processor until you have smooth applesauce. Add more water if desired. You can store the applesauce up to a few days in the fridge or preserve it for a longer shelf life.
Preserve the applesauce
- Wash a few glass jars (as many as you need) with very hot water. Using a funnel, pour the HOT applesauce into the jars and immediately close the lid. Let it cool down and store for 4 weeks in your fridge or a cold cellar.
Janice mcgarrell says
Luv this thanks for sharing Hun xx
Aline says
You are welcome Janice!