Original Post: 11/26/2019 Updated: November 25, 2024
Is there anything more comforting than the aroma of warm cinnamon and apples filling your kitchen? This simple, three-ingredient homemade cinnamon applesauce is a must-try!
Made with sweet and crisp apples, fragrant cinnamon sticks, and a splash of apple cider, it’s a recipe that perfectly captures the flavors of fall.
Whether you’re looking to use up extra apples from apple picking or create a heartfelt hostess gift for the holidays, this easy homemade applesauce is as versatile as it is delicious. Let’s get cooking and turn those crisp apples into a jar of joy!
What You Will Need to Make Cinnamon Applesauce
Apples
A sweeter apple like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji works best in this recipe. Their natural sweetness means you probably won’t need to add any sugar to balance the flavor. I prefer a Honeycrisp apple because they still have a little tang.
The US Apple Organization and the Washington Apple Commission have good resources about the different varieties of commercially available apples and which types work well for various preparations. For instance, did you know that Macintosh apples cook down and give off a lot of liquid? No wonder my apple pies are always soggy!
Apple Cider
The apples need a bit of liquid when cooking and depending on how juicy they are you may need to adjust the amount up or down. Apple cider is better than apple juice because it is unfiltered and has a richer flavor. It also is usually made without adding extra sugar.
However, if you only have apple juice on hand, by all means, use that. Look for 100% apple juice. It is more flavorful and doesn’t have added sugar.
Cinnamon Sticks
Cinnamon sticks are a natural way to infuse this homemade applesauce with warm, sweet, and subtly woody notes that capture the flavor of fall.
Unlike ground cinnamon, sticks provide a delicate flavor that enhances the apples without overpowering them, making your applesauce feel cozy and perfectly balanced. Plus, they add a touch of sweetness to every bite.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
Step 1: Wash and Prep the Apples
Wash, peel, and core the apples. Even though you’ll peel the skin off, it is still important to wash the apples well to get rid of any bacteria on the skin so you don’t contaminate the fruit as you peel them.
Once peeled and cored, cut the apple into medium-sized pieces.
Step 2: Cook the Apples
Place the apples in a medium to large pot. Pour apple cider over the apples. Start with ½ cup and add a little extra if you feel it may need a little more liquid to cook. (If your apples were on the drier side, or a little old, you might need an extra ¼ cup).
Nestle the cinnamon sticks into the apples, getting them close to the bottom. Turn the burner on low and heat until the liquid at the bottom is steaming. Then turn the heat down to simmer and cover the apples. Stir them every 5 – 10 minutes to move the less cooked to the bottom of the pan and make sure there is enough liquid for the apples to cook.
Step 3: Allow to Cool
Once the apples are tender and break apart easily with the back of a fork or spoon, pull the pan off the heat and let it cool.
Step 4 – Bend the Applesauce and Pack into Jars
If you like chunky applesauce, mashing the apples with the back of a spoon or fork may be enough. But if you prefer a smoother sauce, remove the cinnamon sticks and puree the apples using an immersion blender or food processor.
Then, pack it up into decorative jars or containers.
Serving Suggestions
Serve it on the side of pork loin, roast chicken, or turkey.
It is also delicious alongside a hot bowl of oatmeal for breakfast or with pancakes and sausage.
FAQs
You don’t need to peel the apples, but if leave the peel on, you will need to use a blender to puree the sauce when it is done. The peel will add some fiber and may add a little red color to your sauce.
Yes, you can freeze this applesauce. When it thaws it may be a little more liquidy than when it is fresh, but mix it up well before eating and you may not notice that.
Yes, canning or preserving applesauce is definitely an option. It will last longer and you won’t need to refrigerate it. I recommend following the National Center for Home Food Preservation at the University of Georgia. It gives step-by-step instructions to make sure you are heating it to the correct temperature and holding
Storage Tips
Store this applesauce in a tightly sealed jar or container for 1 week in the refrigerator.
If you want to freeze it, place it in an airtight container or resealable bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Other Recipes you will love
Love apples and cinnamon? You’ll love my new Spiced Apple Cake recipe!
For a more savory dish, try my Fall Grain Bowl with Roast Chicken, Apples and Butternut Squash
Cinnamon Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples about 8 apples
- 1/2 cup apple cider
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Peel, cut and core apples. Place in a 4 qt. sauce pan.
- Add apple cider and cinnamon sticks. (Push cinnamon sticks down into the apples to cover them.)
- Cover and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Remove from heat, stir and cover. Let sit for at least 15 minutes.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks and mash the apples with a fork until just chunky. If you like smooth applesauce, place the mixture in a food processor and blend until smooth.
- Allow to cool completely and place in a large jar or airtight container.
