Best Applesauce
Add Preferred SourceCinnamon Applesauce is the kind of recipe that fits right into your busy schedule. It’s made with simple ingredients and packed with cozy flavor, making it perfect for everything from snacks to baking. Plus, you can tweak it to suit your preferences—smooth or chunky, sweet or unsweetened—so it works for everyone at your table.
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I love how versatile this Cinnamon Applesauce is, whether I’m prepping ahead for a family dinner or storing extras in the freezer for busy days. It’s quick to make, easy to save, and works for so many meals, from a side dish to a baking ingredient or even a simple snack.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You’ll need all the ingredients shown in the photograph below.
How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce with Step-By-Step Instructions
Scroll down for the full recipe card containing a full printable recipe and measurements in both US customary and metric units.
Making Cinnamon Applesauce is a breeze when you follow my simple steps.
Prepare the apples
Peel, core, and chop your apples into small, evenly sized pieces. This ensures they cook evenly and makes mashing or blending easier.
Cook the mixture
Place the apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger in a large saucepan. Stir well to coat the apples in the spices, then cover the pan.
Cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples become tender and start to break down.
Mash or blend to your desired texture
Allow the apples to cool slightly. For a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or traditional blender.
If you prefer a chunkier texture, mash the apples with a potato masher or fork.
Serve or store
Enjoy your applesauce warm right away, or transfer it to a jar or airtight container for storage.
Recipe Notes and Expert Tips
I’ve gathered a few expert tips to make sure your Cinnamon Applesauce turns out perfectly every time:
- Choosing the right apples: Use naturally sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor, or add Granny Smith apples for a tangy twist.
- Control the sweetness: Skip the sugar for an unsweetened version, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Thicker applesauce: Simmer uncovered during the last few minutes to let the liquid reduce.
- Spice it up: Adjust the cinnamon to taste, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Blending safely: Let the apples cool slightly before blending to prevent hot splashes.
- Vanilla twist: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract after cooking for added richness.
- Make extra to freeze: This recipe freezes beautifully, so double the batch to save some for later.
How to Store Leftover Cinnamon Applesauce
Cinnamon Applesauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to a week. Use an airtight container to keep it fresh.
For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving room for expansion.
Applesauce can be frozen for up to three months. To thaw, simply place it in the refrigerator overnight and stir well before serving.
What to Serve With Cinnamon Applesauce
Cinnamon Applesauce is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory meals.
Serve it with roasted pork, chicken, or turkey for a comforting side dish. It also works as a delicious topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, and can be enjoyed on its own as a healthy snack.
More Easy Cinnamon Recipes for You to Try at Home
If you’re looking for more easy recipes, then take a look at some of my favorites.
Ingredients
- 4 apples peeled, cored and chopped
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine the apples, water, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger. Stir to evenly coat the apples with the spices. Cover the pan and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should soften and start to break down.4 apples, ¾ cup water, ¼ cup white sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground ginger, ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg, ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Once the apples are soft, remove the saucepan from the heat and let the mixture cool slightly. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or traditional blender. For a chunkier texture, mash the apples with a potato masher or fork until they reach your desired consistency.
- Transfer the applesauce to a jar or airtight container for storage, or serve it immediately while warm.
Notes
- Choosing the right apples: Use naturally sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for the best flavor, or add Granny Smith apples for a tangy twist.
- Control the sweetness: Skip the sugar for an unsweetened version, or use a natural sweetener like honey or maple syrup.
- Thicker applesauce: Simmer uncovered during the last few minutes to let the liquid reduce.
- Spice it up: Adjust the cinnamon to taste, or add a pinch of cloves or allspice for extra warmth.
- Blending safely: Let the apples cool slightly before blending to prevent hot splashes.
- Vanilla twist: Stir in a splash of vanilla extract after cooking for added richness.
- Make extra to freeze: This recipe freezes beautifully, so double the batch to save some for later.
Nutrition
About the Author
Hey there! I’m Mandy
Mandy Applegate is a home cook, food blogger, and writer who believes the best meals are the ones shared with the people you love.
She’s all about easy recipes that taste amazing, the kind that make ordinary days feel a little more special and remind you why cooking at home matters.
She has been published on NBC, the Daily News, the Boston Herald, and the Chicago Sun-Times, amongst many others.
