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Easy 30-Minute Stovetop Homemade Applesauce (No Peel Option)

Close-up of chunky homemade applesauce topped with cinnamon served in a white bowl.
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Make the best homemade applesauce quickly on the stovetop. This simple recipe focuses on natural sweetness and lets you choose between a chunky or smooth texture for a comforting side dish or healthy apple snack.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 lbs apples (mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Granny Smith)
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup (optional, adjust to taste)

Instructions

  1. Wash the apples thoroughly. If you skip peeling, core the apples and cut them into 1-inch pieces. If you prefer peeled applesauce, peel, core, and chop the apples.
  2. Place the apple pieces, water, and lemon juice (if using) into a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  4. The apples are done when they are very tender and easily mash with a fork.
  5. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the cinnamon and sweetener (if using).
  6. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a standard blender and process until smooth. For chunky applesauce, mash the apples lightly with a potato masher directly in the pot.
  7. Serve the homemade applesauce warm, or chill completely for a refreshing snack.

Notes

  • For the best flavor, use a combination of sweet apples (like Gala) and tart apples (like Granny Smith).
  • This recipe yields a naturally sweet applesauce; taste before adding any sugar or syrup.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://mayaplate.com/easy-30-minute-homemade-applesauce/