6-Ingredient Old-Fashioned Applesauce

From a sweet side with dinner to a classic lunchbox snack, applesauce is a versatile, understated masterpiece. Dip into nostalgia with this quick and easy recipe and savour every spoonful.

Prep Time
10 minutes
20 minutes cooling time
Cook Time
10 to 15 minutes
Image
Two glass jars of homemade applesauce on a wooden cutting board on a white surface, shown with a mesh bag of apples, cinnamon sticks, and a bowl of Golden Yellow Sugar.

Apple corer OR paring knife

Chef’s knife

Cutting board

Heavy-bottomed saucepan (large)

Scale 

Liquid measuring cup

Measuring spoons

Heatproof spatula OR wooden spoon

Fork OR potato masher

Food processor fitted with the metal blade OR blender

Servings
5 cups (1250 ml); 5 to 10 servings
  • 6 to 8 pcs (10 cups / ~1135 g) medium Granny Smith apples, washed and peeled (Chef’s Tips)
  • ¾ cup (188 ml) water
  • ¼ cup (54 g) Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, packed
  • ¼ cup (50 g) Redpath® Special Fine Granulated Sugar
  • 2 tbsp (30 ml) lemon juice, preferably freshly squeezed
  • ½ tsp (3 g) salt
  • ½ tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon (optional)
Instructions

Step 1

Core the peeled apples and, with a chef’s knife, chop them into 1-inch chunks. Transfer chopped apples into a large, heavy-bottomed saucepan.

Step 2

Add water, the Redpath® Golden Yellow Sugar, the Redpath® Special Fine Granulated Sugar, lemon juice, salt, and cinnamon, if using. Place over medium-high heat and bring to a boil, stirring to dissolve the sugars. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer; 10 to 15 minutes or until the apples are tender.

Step 3

Remove from heat and let cool slightly for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Step 4

For chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a fork or potato masher until desired consistency is achieved.

Step 5

For smooth applesauce, place cooked apples and any liquid from the pot into a food processor or blender; this may need to be done in batches. Puree apple chunks until smooth.

Step 6

Serve immediately or allow to cool to room temperature and place into an airtight container and chill in the fridge; at least 30 minutes. Serve cold.

Step 7

Store leftovers in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 1 week.

Image
A small saucepan of applesauce with a wooden spoon dipped in, shown on a tea towel with whole and sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, a bowl of cinnamon, and a bowl of Golden Yellow Sugar.