This cinnamon applesauce comes out every fall. Fall is such a special time of year when I finally feel like cooking again after a long, hot summer. All the fresh fruits and vegetables that start showing up in abundance on every corner practically call my name.
I usually try to score a few apples from friends whose trees have had a bumper crop, and that’s always the perfect excuse to make a batch of easy homemade applesauce.
My family eats applesauce like it’s their job, and this cinnamon version is always a favorite. The recipe came from my grandma, who always found a way to make applesauce or apple butter if someone she knew had a tree. Applesauce was always my favorite.
Brown Sugar Because It’s What She Used
This is a sweetened applesauce, and I use brown sugar because that’s what my grandma used. People often ask if it should be light or dark brown sugar, and I’ll tell you exactly what she told me: “We use what we have.”
So use what you have. If you only have white granulated sugar, that works too. The only difference is the color. Brown sugar makes the applesauce darker, while white sugar keeps it looking closer to store-bought. And of course, you can leave the sugar out altogether. The tart apples with the spices are equally delicious.
Easy Homemade Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients:
- Apples
- ½ cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Brown sugar (or the sugar of your choice)
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Vanilla
- Cardamom (optional, but I’m Scandinavian so it’s going in!)
Step 1 – Put a large pan on the stove with ½ cup water and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
Step 2 – Peel and core the apples. Cut them into chunks and place them in the pan.
Step 3 – Cook the apples. Do not add spices or sugar yet. Turn the burner to medium-low and let the apples simmer for about 20 minutes until soft. Stir occasionally.
Step 4 – Mash the apples to your desired consistency. My family likes chunky applesauce, but you can press them through a sieve or use a hand blender if you prefer smooth.
Step 5 – Add the sugar a little at a time. For a smaller batch, I used ½ cup total. Adjust based on the sweetness of your apples.
Step 6 – Add the spices. Start sparingly if you’re not used to cinnamon applesauce. I used 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ½ tablespoon nutmeg, and just a touch of cardamom. Mix everything together.
Step 7 – Let cool. Store in the refrigerator, freeze (make sure it’s fully cooled before freezing to avoid ice crystals), or preserve by water bath canning. I usually keep mine in the fridge because my family eats it quickly.
The smell of this applesauce will fill your home, and in my case, it even brought my daughter out of her room halfway through cooking. You really can’t beat easy homemade applesauce seasoned exactly the way you like it. It’s quick, healthy, and so comforting.
Don’t forget to check out my other recipes like Cinnamon Roll Frosting with No Cream Cheese or my 4 Ingredient Meatballs and Gravy.
Let’s Stay Connected!
Don’t forget to share this post, follow me on Instagram for all the latest updates, and—of course—subscribe to my YouTube channel, where I do projects like this all the time.
Follow me on your favorite platform so you never miss a makeover!
- Instagram for behind-the-scenes and sneak peeks
- Facebook for live updates and community fun
- YouTube to watch the full DIY process in real time
No matter where you scroll, I’m sharing tips, tricks, and creative projects to inspire your next flip. So pick your place and hit that follow button—I’d love to have you along for the ride!
