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Making unsweetened applesauce at home is incredibly easy and tastes far better than store-bought! You can customize it to be chunky or smooth, just the way you like it.
Reasons to love this Unsweetened Applesauce
- Ready in 30 minutes or less
- Contains no added sugar – perfect for babies and toddlers
- Highly customizable – depending on the apples used, you can create a blend of tart and sweet flavors
- Less expensive than store-bought
- Can enjoy it on its own or mix it into baked goods, like spinach pancakes, pumpkin oatmeal bars, apple oatmeal muffins, and other recipes for a healthy, delicious boost!
Table of Contents
- Reasons to love this Unsweetened Applesauce
- Apple Puree vs. Applesauce
- Best Variety of Apples to Use
- Ingredients
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- How to Make Chunky Applesauce
- How to Make Unsweetened Apple Puree
- Serving Suggestions for Babies and Toddlers
- How to Store Unsweetened Applesauce
- More Apple Recipes
- Homemade unsweetened applesauce Recipe
Apple Puree vs. Applesauce
Apple puree is smooth and creamy, ideal for baby food and baking. It’s made by blending cooked apples until perfectly smooth. Applesauce, on the other hand, can be smooth or chunky, with small apple bits. It’s often used as a snack or recipe ingredient and may have added sugars or spices.
Best Variety of Apples to Use
To make delicious unsweetened applesauce, you need to start with good apples!
With so many varieties available, this may be the hardest part of the recipe. But it’s quite simple!
- Use apples that are ripe during the peak of ripeness (around late July to early November depending on the variety). Avoid those that are bruised or soft.
- Use ones that you and your family enjoy snacking on the most.
- Or if you are up for it, experiment with different varieties. It will be a fun way to switch up flavors.
Here are some options to help with your decision-making. Many people appreciate the combination of sweet and tart varieties.
I almost always use fuji because that’s what we enjoy the most and always have on hand.
- Braeburn – tart
- Golden delicious – sweet
- Honeycrisp – sweet
- Fuji – sweet
- Cameo – sweet, slightly tart
- Jonagold – sweet, slightly tart
- Gala – Mildly sweet
- Granny Smith – very tart
- Pink lady -tart, slightly sweet
- McIntosh – soft, creamy
Ingredients
- Apples – While most recipes instruct you to remove the peel, I encourage you to keep it on. It’s where most of the fiber and nutrients are. Core and roughly cut into chunks.
- Lemon – Helps the apple keep its color and prevents sauce from turning brown.
- Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Core and chop the apples. Place the apples, fresh lemon juice, and water into a large pot. Bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce to medium heat, and cook, covered. Stir occasionally.
Step 2: Once the apples are soft and easily smooshable, remove from heat. Add cooked apples to food processor or blender and blend to desired consistency.
How to Make Chunky Applesauce
You will need a blender or food processor to break down the peel appropriately. Wait until apples are cooled then transfer to blender. Give quick pulses.
You may still find some chunks with the peel. You can discard or enjoy them yourself! I am team no food waste ;).
Note: If you are especially nervous about serving the skin, you can peel before cooking. Always do what’s most comfortable for you.
How to Make Unsweetened Apple Puree
Follow the instructions above, but instead of pulsing, blend until completely smooth. If you are just starting your weaning journey, you may prefer this smooth applesauce over the chunky.
However, I highly encourage you to introduce your baby to the chunky applesauce (or any other texture for that matter) by 9 months at the latest.
What you can also do is blend until chunky, remove half from the blender and then blend the rest until smooth. That way you have two texture variations to alternate between.
Serving Suggestions for Babies and Toddlers
This unsweetened applesauce can be enjoyed warm or cold. You can serve it on its own or add to:
The Ultimate Guide to Apples for Baby
How to Store Unsweetened Applesauce
Allow to come to room temperature and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months.
I like to store in 1/2 cup portions as that’s how much is needed for most of my baked goods. I can easily grab a jar and thaw in the fridge overnight. These small jars work great!
You can also freeze in ice cube or other freezer trays. Once frozen solid, pop them out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container.
More Apple Recipes
Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
Homemade unsweetened applesauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples, cored and roughly chopped (with peel on or removed)
- 3 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1/3 cup water
- 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a pot. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook over low heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft, about 15-20 minutes.
- Wait until the apples are cooled then transfer to the blender. Give it quick pulses for chunky applesauce. Blend until completely smooth for apple puree.
Such a simple, but delicious recipe that our toddler loves! I often make a double batch and use it throughout the week on its own or by adding it to other dishes for a touch of sweetness. I also like to let the apples carmelize a bit for added depth of flavor. So good!!
Thanks for this recipe! We only seem to have apple sauce with sugar in supermarkets.
Is 2 pounds after apples have been chopped and cored?
Before!
Thank you! Sorry for the belated reply. My baby loves it!
Very appreciative of your recipes – so many good ones! Turkey meatballs, sweet potato patties, spinach pancakes, banana cookies – all a hit!
I love your website, thank you!!
Aww thank you so much for being here!