Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce (Sugar Free)

Sugar-free unsweetened apple sauce with cinnamon in a bowl with Granny Smith apples and cinnamon sticks.

5 from 3 votes

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce (Sugar Free)

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce is delicious, versatile, and so easy to make. It only takes a couple simple steps and is so much tastier than store-bought! Adjust this recipe to taste with your favorite spices, sweeteners, and apple varieties.

Prep Time10

Cook Time20

Total Time30

Course: Breakfast, Snack

Cuisine: American

Diet: Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings:

Calories: 97kcal

Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

Ingredients

4 medium crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp peeled, cored, and diced in ½-inch pieces
½ cup water
1½ tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

Prepare and cook apples - Peel, core, and dice the apples into small ½-inch pieces. Place the diced apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in a large pot or dutch oven over medium heat and stir. Place the lid on and bring the apples to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Occasionally stir until the apples are tender and soft, about 15-20 minutes.
4 medium crisp apples such as Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, ½ cup water, 1½ tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon cinnamon
Mash or puree apples - For chunky applesauce, use a fork or potato masher in the pot and mash until you reach the desired consistency.
For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender in the pot or transfer the apples to a blender or a food processor and blend until smooth. Work in batches using a food processor or blender if necessary and transfer the purée back to the pot and allow to cool with the lid off.
Serve or store - Serve warm or cooled, then store.

Video

Notes

Cooking Tips

The type of apple will affect the sweetness of the applesauce. If you want a tarter sauce, pick a tart apple like granny smith. If you want a sweeter applesauce, pick a sweeter apple like a honeycrisp.
Make extra so you have enough healthy applesauce for the whole week or even freeze it for 3 months then thaw it as you use it. Just be sure to store it in a freezer safe an air-tight container
If you use an immersion blender, be careful that your dutch oven has an enamel base or it will scratch.
If using a blender or food processor, work in batches and allow the apples to cool slightly to prevent steam from building in the vessels.
If using a blender, you may need to add a splash of water to make it blend evenly. Add the puree back to the pot and cook on low-medium heat to thicken the sauce if necessary.

Storage

Refrigerate applesauce an airtight container for up to 7 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Nutrition