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Easy Stovetop Homemade Applesauce (No Peel Option)

A close-up of chunky, spiced homemade applesauce piled high in a small white bowl.
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Make naturally sweet, comforting homemade applesauce on the stovetop. This simple recipe requires minimal ingredients and lets you choose between a smooth or chunky texture.

Ingredients

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  • 3 lbs apples (like Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith), peeled, cored, and chopped (or unpeeled for extra fiber)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the apples: Core and chop the apples into 1-inch pieces. You may leave the skins on if you prefer a slightly thicker texture and more fiber.
  2. Combine ingredients: Place the chopped apples, water, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and lemon juice (if using) into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Cook the apples: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. Check for tenderness: The apples are done when they are very soft and easily mash against the side of the pot.
  5. Adjust texture: Remove the pot from the heat. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples lightly with a potato masher or a fork until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Taste and serve: Taste the applesauce. If you used tart apples and prefer more sweetness, you can stir in a small amount of maple syrup or sugar, though this recipe relies on natural apple sweetness. Serve warm or chill completely before storing.

Notes

  • For a slow cooker version, combine all ingredients in a crockpot and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours or on high for 2 to 3 hours. Mash or blend to your preferred texture.
  • Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor balance.
  • Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://kingscook.com/easy-homemade-applesauce-recipe/