Description

This easy and homemade Cinnamon Applesauce recipe combines tender cooked apples with warm cinnamon and a hint of vanilla. Perfect as a wholesome side dish or a healthy snack, it can be made chunky or smooth depending on your preference. Using stovetop simmering, it brings out the natural sweetness of apples with optional added sweetener and a touch of lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

Ingredients

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Applesauce Ingredients

6 medium apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for tartness)
1/2 cup water
2 tablespoons granulated sugar or maple syrup (optional, depending on sweetness of apples)
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
Pinch of salt

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Instructions

Prepare the apples: Peel, core, and chop six medium apples into small pieces to ensure even cooking and soft texture.
Combine ingredients in saucepan: Place the chopped apples into a medium saucepan. Add 1/2 cup water and 1 teaspoon lemon juice. Stir in 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar or maple syrup if using, and a pinch of salt to enhance the flavors.
Simmer the mixture: Set the saucepan over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking, until the apples become very soft and easy to mash.
Mash or blend the apples: Remove the saucepan from heat. For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to achieve desired consistency. For smooth applesauce, blend the mixture using an immersion blender or transfer carefully to a blender and puree until smooth.
Finish with vanilla and cool: Stir in 1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract if desired for added flavor. Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Notes

You can mix sweet and tart apples for a richer flavor profile.
Adjust or omit sweetener depending on the natural sweetness of your apples.
Add a pinch of nutmeg for an extra warm spice note.
This applesauce can be frozen for up to 3 months for longer storage.