How to Make No Sugar Added Applesauce on the Stovetop (And the Best Apples to Use!)
Learn how to make easy, no sugar added applesauce on the stovetop using the best apple varieties. Perfect for healthy snacking and canning!
Applesauce is one of those classic, comforting foods that many of us remember from childhood, but did you know it’s incredibly easy to make your own at home? With just a few ingredients and no added sugar, you can whip up a batch of no sugar added applesauce that is both healthy and delicious. Plus, it’s perfect for anyone looking to avoid processed sugars while still enjoying a naturally sweet treat.
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In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make no sugar added applesauce on the stovetop, including tips for choosing the best apples, doubling the recipe for a larger batch, and how to store it for long-term use.
The Best Apples for Applesauce
One of the keys to making great applesauce is selecting the right apples. You can use just one variety, but combining different types of apples often results in the most flavorful and well-balanced sauce. Here are a few apple varieties that are ideal for making applesauce:
- Fuji Apples: These are sweet and firm, which means they add natural sweetness to your applesauce without needing sugar.
- Gala Apples: Another sweet variety, Gala apples have a softer texture, making them perfect for applesauce.
- Honeycrisp Apples: Known for their sweetness and crispness, Honeycrisp apples also break down well when cooked.
- Granny Smith Apples: If you prefer a bit of tartness, Granny Smith apples add a lovely tang to balance the sweetness from other apples.
- Golden Delicious: These apples have a sweet, mellow flavor and cook down smoothly.
- McIntosh Apples: McIntosh apples are soft and tart, ideal for a sauce with a slightly tangy edge.
When making applesauce, I recommend mixing a few varieties, like Fuji, Granny Smith, and Gala, for a blend of sweetness and tartness that gives your sauce a fuller, richer flavor.
Doubling the Recipe for a Bigger Batch
Making a larger batch of applesauce is a great way to have plenty on hand for snacking, adding to recipes, or even canning for later use. Below is a doubled version of my no sugar added applesauce recipe. This will yield around 6-7 cups, or about 3-4 pint-sized jars of applesauce, depending on the size of the apples.
No Sugar Added Applesauce Recipe (Doubled)
Ingredients:
- 12-16 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
- 1 cup water (add more if needed)
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, to preserve color)
- A pinch of salt (optional, enhances the flavors)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping all of the apples into small, even pieces. If you want a chunkier applesauce, chop the apples slightly larger. For a smoother sauce, chop them finer.
- Cook the Apples: Place all of your chopped apples into a large pot and add the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot. Let the apples cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll notice the apples begin to soften and break down.
- Mash or Blend: Once the apples are soft, you can mash them with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or blend them with an immersion blender for a smooth applesauce. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the apples cool slightly and blend them in a regular blender in batches. I love my immersion blender!
- Add Cinnamon and Lemon Juice: Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice, if using. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor, while the lemon juice helps maintain the apples’ bright color and adds a hint of tartness.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your applesauce to see if you like the flavor. If it’s too tart, consider adding a small amount of natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though this will no longer be sugar-free. You can also adjust the cinnamon to your preference.
- Store Your Applesauce: Let the applesauce cool before transferring it into jars or containers. This recipe should make enough to fill 3-4 pint-sized jars. If you’re not canning, store the applesauce in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Tips for Storing Applesauce:
- Refrigeration: Keep applesauce in the fridge in airtight containers for up to 7 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze applesauce in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 6 months. Be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container for expansion.
- Canning: If you want to preserve applesauce for even longer, you can can it using a water bath canning method. Be sure to follow proper canning procedures to ensure food safety.
Why Make Your Own Applesauce?
Making your own applesauce allows you to control the ingredients and create a healthier, more natural version than what you’ll find in most store-bought jars. It’s free of added sugars and preservatives and can be customized to your taste preferences.
Whether you enjoy it on its own, as a side dish with pork chops, or swirled into oatmeal, homemade applesauce is a versatile staple to have on hand. Plus, by doubling the recipe, you’ll have plenty to share with family or stock your pantry!
No Sugar Added Applesauce
Ingredients
12-16 medium apples (a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
1 cup water (add more if needed)
2 teaspoons cinnamon (optional)
2 teaspoons lemon juice (optional, to preserve color)
A pinch of salt (optional, enhances the flavors)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping all of the apples into small, even pieces. If you want a chunkier applesauce, chop the apples slightly larger. For a smoother sauce, chop them finer.
- Cook the Apples: Place all of your chopped apples into a large pot and add the water. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then cover the pot. Let the apples cook for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. You’ll notice the apples begin to soften and break down.
- Mash or Blend: Once the apples are soft, you can mash them with a potato masher for a chunkier texture or blend them with an immersion blender for a smooth applesauce. If you don’t have an immersion blender, let the apples cool slightly and blend them in a regular blender in batches.
- Add Cinnamon and Lemon Juice: Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice, if using. The cinnamon adds warmth and depth to the flavor, while the lemon juice helps maintain the apples’ bright color and adds a hint of tartness.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste your applesauce to see if you like the flavor. If it’s too tart, consider adding a small amount of natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup, though this will no longer be sugar-free. You can also adjust the cinnamon to your preference.
- Store Your Applesauce: Let the applesauce cool before transferring it into jars or containers. This recipe should make enough to fill 3-4 pint-sized jars. If you’re not canning, store the applesauce in the refrigerator, where it will last for up to a week, or freeze it for longer storage.
Want more fall recipes like this No Sugar Added Applesauce?
- How to Make Pumpkin Sourdough Bread from Scratch: A Cozy Fall Recipe
- How to Make Homemade Pumpkin Puree
- Let’s Bake Together – Apple Cake
Homemade applesauce is one of the easiest ways to make use of an abundance of apples, especially during the fall season. By using a blend of different apple varieties and omitting the sugar, you can enjoy a delicious, naturally sweet treat. Double the recipe, store it for later, and enjoy this cozy, homemade applesauce all year round.
