Go Back
–+ servings
Print

Simple & Amazing Homemade Applesauce

The easiest applesauce recipe! Made with only apples, water or apple juice, a little sugar, and some spices. We make this every fall!
Course Snack
Cuisine American
Keyword Applesauce Recipe, Easy Applesauce, Instant Pot Applesauce, Homemade Applesauce
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 27 minutes
Total Time 37 minutes
Servings 3 pints
Calories 120kcal
Author Stephanie Simmons

Ingredients

  • 16 apples
  • 1 cup water, apple juice, or apple cider
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar more to taste
  • 1 and 1/4 tsp cinnamon
  • 1/2 tsp nutmeg
  • 1/4 tsp ground cloves

Instructions

  • If using a food mill: No need to peel your apples. Just core and cut into quarters. 
    If not using a food mill: Peel your apples, core and quarter them. 
  • Stovetop Instructions: In a large pot or dutch oven, heat apples and your liquid to boiling over medium heat, stirring often. Reduce the heat and simmer uncovered for 7-12 minutes, or until apples have softened. While the apples are simmering, stir occasionally to break up the apples. When the apples are tender, remove from heat.
    If you left peels on, pour the mixture into a food mill that's over a large mixing bowl. Crank food mill until all the apple mixture has been processed into the mixing bowl and all that’s left in the food mill is apple skin.
    If you peeled your apples, carefully add them to a blender once you’ve removed them from the stovetop. Blend until desired consistency is reached (smooth, slightly chunky, etc).
    Return applesauce to pot and add sugar & spices. Let simmer 5-15 more minutes if you want to thicken it a bit. 
  • Instant Pot Instructions: Peel, core and quarter your apples if you don’t have a food mill, or skip the peeling if you have a food mill. Add apples to the Instant Pot.  Add your liquid. Cook on manual for 5 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally or you WILL end up with a saucy mess everywhere. Stir to break up any pieces that remain. Run it through the food mill if you left the peels on. (If you didn't leave the peels on, the IP breaks down the apples so well that you can likely skip the blender step). Add back to the Instant Pot on saute, add the spices & sugar, and cook for a few minutes, stirring, to thicken. 
  • Store: If you know how to can, this applesauce can be canned. You can also freeze it in any freezer safe tupper ware or glass containers. It can also be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. 

Notes

Note: I have the 6 quart Instant Pot - if you have a smaller size you will need to cut the recipe down to fit into a smaller pot. 
NOTE: I wrote the nutrition info using apple juice rather than water. 

Nutrition

Calories: 120kcal