This is my favorite applesauce recipe, I give it out whenever people ask me how to make homemade applesauce. It’s a simple recipe, easy, delicious and healthy too. On top of that? Kids love it –at least mine (and their friends) gobble it down every time we make it.
Another benefit of making applesauce from scratch? It’s an easy and nourishing recipe for children. Mine really get involved in peeling and chopping the apples; we’ve been making apple sauce together to mark the change of seasons (summer moving to fall) since they were toddlers.
Today, September 23, 2011 is the Autumnal Equinox, the first day of fall.
For me, the first day of autumn is about giving thanks for the bounty of the harvest (which is overflowing in my backyard garden at this very moment). It is also about acknowledging the change of seasons and the need to gather together our harvests (think of the squirrel stashing away nuts) and put them away for the colder, less abundant season to come –winter.
I posted this recipe when I first started my website 5 years ago, and I’m re-posting it today for those looking for a family friendly activity to partake in this weekend, honoring the start of autumn.
How to Make Applesauce
Ingredients
- 12 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Instructions
- Place apples and cinnamon in a baking dish with lid
- Bake covered at 350°F for 60-90 minutes until apples are soft
- Allow to cool slightly
- Crush apples with a potato masher, until sauce is desired consistency
- Serve
We will have this simple applesauce recipe when we break our fast at Yom Kippur.
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Maya duran says
Can you somehow store it if made in big batches?
Elana says
Maya, I haven’t tried that. I make huge batches and my boys eat all of it in a couple of days!
Sue Holzschuher says
Can you substitute cinnamon for cinnamon sticks. If so how much should I use.
Elana says
Sue, I’m guessing so but haven’t tried so not sure :-)
Nancy says
I core and chop a couple of different types of apples (or you can put them in a food processor) I add a sprinkle of 5 spice and a splash of maple syrup or honey. You can either throw it into the microwave or cook until mushy. I leave the peel on because it adds so much flavor and nutrients.
Elana says
Thanks Nancy!
Estelle Marcus says
Went apple picking and had so many apples. Just made your delicious recipe. Oh my goodness, it is deeelicious. thanks for all of your wonderful recipes.
Elana says
Estelle, you’re welcome! I’m so happy to hear this was delicious :-)
Tam says
I’m not a huge fan of applesauce until this recipe. It’s great by itself or on top of some whole milk Greek yogurt. I’m also thinking about using it as an apple pie filling in an apple pie egg roll recipe I saw at Spoon Fork Bacon. Delicious!
Trish says
I just cut the apples into small pieces and cook with spices, sugar, and lemon juice. I do not mush, so it is more like apple pie.
Anastasia@healthymamainfo.com says
Very simple… and healthy! Thanks!