Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce – Home Cooking Adventure

By Editor On Oct 3, 2025

Fall always makes me reach for apples. I love bringing home a big bag, filling the kitchen with that crisp, sweet smell, and turning them into a simple pot of homemade unsweetened applesauce. No sugar, no extras, just apples, a splash of water, and maybe a little cinnamon.

What’s fun is how different it tastes depending on the apples you use. Honeycrisp or Fuji give a naturally sweet sauce, while Granny Smith adds a little tart bite. I usually mix a few types together so the flavor is layered and bright. A squeeze of lemon keeps the color fresh, and if I’m craving something cozy, I’ll stir in cinnamon while it’s still warm.

I use it as a snack for the girls, spoon it over yogurt, or tuck it into baking instead of oil or sugar. Sometimes I just enjoy it warm straight from the pot. A simple recipe, but it makes the house smell like fall and never lasts long in our fridge.

How to make unsweetened applesauce

Begin with placing the chopped apples in a medium saucepan along with the water and lemon juice. Cover with a lid and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cook for 15–20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft.

For a chunky texture, mash the apples directly in the pot with a potato masher. For a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender, or transfer to a food processor and blend until silky.

Stir in cinnamon to taste. Let the applesauce cool completely, then transfer to a clean, airtight container.

Refrigerate for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze in jars, zip-top bags, or ice cube trays for up to 3 months.

Other apple recipes you may like to try

These Apple Crumble Muffins are soft, fluffy muffins packed with apple chunks and topped with a crunchy crumble. Perfect for breakfast, a snack, or that sweet fall craving.

These Apple Cinnamon Rolls are pillowy rolls swirled with cinnamon-sugar and juicy apples, finished with a drizzle of glaze. They are cozy, gooey, and irresistible fresh from the oven.

Try this Apple Crumble for a simple, comforting dessert that tastes like fall in every spoonful.