How to Make Applesauce Just Like Grandma’s
Updated: Jul. 11, 2022
Our Test Kitchen pros show you how to make applesauce without fancy equipment or extra stir-ins. With only three ingredients, it's perfect just the way it is.
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When I was a very young, my stepbrothers and I would visit a small orchard across from our favorite swimming hole. I remember gathering up apples that were too big for me to hold with one hand. We’d load them into a wagon and tug the wagon home. A peeling contest would then take place, and whoever was the first to remove the peel in one long strip was declared the winner. The prize? First taste of the most delicious applesauce ever made. It’s a simple dish that reminds me of Grandma’s kitchen.
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Follow along as our Test Kitchen shows you how to make applesauce. The process is super simple—there are only three steps! Doing this for the first time? If you’ve ever made mashed potatoes, you can make applesauce. Let’s go!
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How to Make Applesauce
You’ll need:
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- 4 pounds tart apples (Grab a variety from the market—don’t limit yourself to just one. Not sure which apples are sweet or tart? This apple primer will set you straight.)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cinnamon stick or 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon extract (optional)
- 1/2 to 1 cup sugar (optional)
Tools:
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- 6-quart Dutch oven with a lid
- Potato masher
Step 1: Prep the apples
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Before getting started, give the apples a quick wash. Then, using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife, remove the peel in strips, leaving as much of the apple as possible. Want to try for one long strip? Start near the stem and work around the apple in a circle, turning the fruit in your hand until you reach the bottom. Give it a shot—it’s harder than you think.
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Once the apples are peeled, use a paring knife to slice the fruit away from the core in big chunks.
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Test Kitchen tip: Apple peelers and corers are great, but unless you require peeled, cored apples regularly, save the expense and space, and use a tool you already have.
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Step 2: Get cookin’
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Place the apple chunks in a Dutch oven, add the water and, if using, cinnamon and bring to a boil over medium heat. As soon as the water starts to boil, turn down the heat to keep things at a simmer. Place the lid on the pot.
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Let the apples simmer for 15 to 20 minutes, until they’re soft. (Test them with a fork.)
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Test Kitchen tips: Slow-cook your applesauce instead! Add apples and water to a slow cooker, then cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, until apples are tender. Or, make applesauce in the oven. Place ingredients in a greased baking dish, cover and bake at 350º for 40-45 minutes.
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Step 3: Mash ’em up
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Now that the apples are soft, remove and discard the cinnamon stick and mash fruit with a potato masher. How much you mash them is totally up to you. Personally, I like chunky applesauce, but you might like yours smoother. Because apples vary in sweetness, I recommend tasting the sauce before adding any sugar. If using sugar, start with a small amount, adding to taste and stirring until dissolved.
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Voila! You have applesauce.
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Make it your own
- Give other sweeteners a try. Honey, agave nectar and real maple syrup make great flavor additions.
- Add some nutmeg, cloves, cardamom or fresh gingerroot to spice things up.
- Stir in 1/4 cup of Red Hots to add a pretty color and even more cinnamon flavor.
Now that you've mastered apple prep, try these desserts.
Apple Spice WafflesThese apple waffles are cozy and comforting anytime—morning or evening. The smell of toasty waffles with apples is sure to warm you up on even the most blustery of winter days. —Jane Sims, De Leon, Texas
Apple Gingerbread Skillet CakeThis gingerbread recipe came from my grandmother, and we always ate it with warm applesauce. I adapted it into a one-pan dessert by layering the apples around the bottom of a cast-iron skillet and topping them with the gingerbread batter. The skillet creates a wonderfully thick crust on the gingerbread. —Mary M. Leverette, Columbia, South Carolina
Slow-Cooked Pumpkin Apple CobblerThis spiced cobbler with apples and cranberries is sure to please all of your holiday guests. It is perfect for fall but can be made year-round since it uses fresh or frozen cranberries. —Joan Hallford, North Richland Hills, Texas
Banana ApplesauceThe recipe has evolved for the many years we have made it. This version has been a favorite at our Christmas dinners.—Judy Batson, Tampa, Florida
Sausage and Pancake CasseroleTrial and error made this pancake casserole recipe one that my family asks for time and time again. It's so easy and very good. —Ethel Sanders, Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
Sage-Apple Cider BreadWho knew sage and apple cider would create such a fantastic bread? This versatile loaf that has just a hint of sweetness makes wonderful sandwiches or stuffing. —Christine Wendland, Browns Mills, New Jersey
Baked Apple SlicesNothing beats these tender baked apple slices over ice cream for satisfying harvest flavor. This old-fashioned treat gives a new twist to traditional baked apples. They are also excellent served over waffles or with ham. I make sure to save room for dessert! —Linda Gaido, New Brighton, Pennsylvania
Apple and Walnut Stuffed Pork Tenderloin with Red Currant SauceMy roasted pork tenderloin is stuffed with two of our favorite ingredients: walnuts and apples. This comforting entree is my family's most requested pork dish. —Gloria Bradley, Naperville, Illinois
Apple Pie Ricotta WafflesI had apples and ricotta cheese to use up, so instead of making a pie I decided to do something different. The result was these fluffy, tender waffles with just a hint of sweetness. —Teri Rasey, Cadillac, Michigan
Apple Spice Cake with Brown Sugar FrostingI am a healthy eater most of the time, but this apple spice cake is worth the splurge! Every year I treasure the opportunity to make my own birthday cake, and I choose this. You can add a cup of raisins to the batter before baking if you'd like. —Jennifer Owen, Louisville, Kentucky
Apple, Butternut and Sausage DressingI'd heard about using squash in dressing, so I combined four things I love into one dish: apples, butternut squash, bacon and maple sausage! Now, it's one of the most requested dishes during the holidays. —Brenda Crouch, Ansley, Nebraska
Apple Cranberry Upside-Down CakesCornmeal gives this upside-down cake a unique texture. Apples, cranberries and pecan make a delicious alternative to the typical pineapple and cherries. —Margee Berry, Trout Lake, Washington
Cranberry Apple CrispApple cranberry crisp is a wonderful dessert for fall, when both cranberries and apples are in season. The fruits are quite compatible in flavor and color, and they help make any table look festive and inviting. —Martha Sue Stroud, Clarksville, Texas
Air-Fryer Apple FrittersThese air-fryer apple fritters are healthier than old-fashioned fritters, yet they are still just as delicious. They're a quick and easy dessert that includes a scrumptious brown butter glaze! —Alyssa Castriotta, North Scituate, Rhode Island
Autumn Pork RoastAlthough this main meal captures the fabulous flavor of fall, don't hesitate to serve it throughout the year. Your family will flock to the table when they smell this delicious roast. It's a hearty dish that makes everyday dinners more special.—Kathy Barbarek, Joliet, Illinois
German Apple PancakeIf you're looking for a pretty dish to make when having guests for brunch, try this. Everyone I've served it to has enjoyed it—except for one time, that is, when my husband tried to make it following my recipe, which I'd written down incorrectly! If you don't leave out the flour as I did, it'll turn out terrific! —Judi Van Beek, Lynden, Washington
Grilled Apple Tossed SaladThe grilled apples in this salad combine so well with the blue cheese, walnuts and balsamic dressing. I like to serve it on pink Depression glass dessert plates from my great-grandmother. —Paul Soska, Toledo, Ohio
Pressure-Cooker Pork with Apples and Dried PlumsThe classic flavors of herbes de Provence, apples and dried plums make this easy cooked pork taste like a hearty meal at a French country cafe. For a traditional pairing, serve the pork with braised lentils. —Suzanne Banfield, Basking Ridge, New Jersey
Apple Cider-Glazed HamWhen I wanted to try something new with our holiday ham, I created this cider glaze. It's slightly sweet but still has the spicy flavor my family craves. —Rebecca LaWare, Hilton, New York
Apple Salsa with Cinnamon ChipsBoth my husband and I were raised on farms, and we prefer home cooking to eating out. That works out fine since I love trying new recipes! I've served this apple salsa as an appetizer and a snack. Plus, it's sweet enough to be a dessert. It's easy to transport besides. —Carolyn Brinkmeyer, Golden, Colorado
Oatmeal Caramel Apple CookiesThis recipe for caramel apple cookies is a fun twist on traditional oatmeal raisin. These treats are hard to resist! —Rachel Lewis, Danville, Virginia
Apple Pie Cupcakes with Cinnamon ButtercreamThese apple pie cupcakes are always a hit! They are so easy to make and the flavor just screams fall. Of course, they're equally delicious any other time of year. —Jennifer Stowell, Deep River, Iowa
Acorn Squash with Cranberry StuffingIf you have squash or cranberry lovers at the table, here’s your new go-to recipe. It’s colorful, the blend of flavors is delicious and it’s a fitting addition to a Thanksgiving menu. —Dorothy Pritchett, Wills Point, Texas
Upside-Down Apple PieThis pie has won eight ribbons at area fairs. People say it looks and tastes like a giant apple-cinnamon bun. I take time off from work around the holidays to fill pie requests from family and friends. The recipe has become everyone's favorite. —Susan Frisch, Germansville, Pennsylvania
Don't forget to check out this easy fried apple pie recipe.
Apple Cider DoughnutsApple doughnuts remind me of family trips to South Dakota. We’d stop at Wall Drug for a dozen or so before camping in the Badlands. Maple glaze was and still is my favorite. Share a batch with friends and family who appreciate a hot, fresh apple cider doughnut. —Melissa Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
Apple Chicken QuesadillasMy sister came up with an easy recipe that can be served as a main course or an appetizer. People are surprised by the combination of chicken, apples, tomatoes and corn inside the crispy tortillas, but they love it. —Stacia Slagle of Maysville, Missouri
Glazed Apple-Maple BlondiesMy 6-year-old son and I conjured up this recipe to use the last of the apples we picked from the local apple orchard. Each bar goes beautifully with a dollop of sweetened whipped cream. —Heather Bates, Athens, Maine
Apple PieI remember coming home sullen one day because we'd lost a softball game. Grandma, in her wisdom, suggested that maybe a slice of hot apple pie would make me feel better. She was right. —Maggie Greene, Granite Falls, Washington. Next, try this apple pie with cheese.
Butternut Squash Apple BakeEven those who aren't fans of squash enjoy this side dish. Sweet slices of butternut squash are topped with apples covered in a cinnamon-sugar glaze for a quick and easy dinner accompaniment. —Ellie Klopping, Toledo, Ohio
German Red CabbageSunday afternoons were a time for family gatherings when I was a kid. While the uncles played cards, the aunts made treats such as this traditional German red cabbage recipe. —Jeannette Heim, Dunlap, Tennessee
Apple-Feta Tossed SaladA friend of mine shared this recipe with me after I raved about the delightful salad at dinner. I have served it for years now, and no matter where i take it, I have to bring along copies of the recipe to hand out.
-Marlene Clark
Apple Valley, California
Potluck German Apple CakeMy mother made this German apple cake for my brothers and me when we were kids. It's an excellent choice for a Christmas potluck or actually any time of year. —Edie DeSpain, Logan, Utah
Candy Bar Apple SaladThis creamy, sweet salad with crisp apple crunch is a real people-pleaser. It makes a lot, which is good, because it will go fast! —Cyndi Fynaardt, Oskaloosa, Iowa
Apple Pear Coffee CakeA friend gave me this apple pear coffee cake recipe to make for a breakfast I was hosting. The pan was empty before the breakfast was over! It's one of my most-requested recipes, probably because it's a bit different. —Joanne Hoschette, Paxton, Massachusetts
Apple Cranberry Slab PieMy husband loves pie, so I made one with apples, raspberries and cranberries. It’s so good, I bend the rules and let the grandkids have it for breakfast. —Brenda Smith, Curran, Michigan
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Originally Published: July 27, 2018
