What's your go-to recipe when you have an overload of apples to use up?! I look forward to collecting apples in the fall just so I can make this easy Homemade Chunky Applesauce! It's the most delicious way to use up those apples you picked at the orchard! All you have to do is peel and chop 10 apples, cook them in a pot with some sugar and cinnamon and then it's ready to devour - hot or cold!
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Fall and the holidays mean pie season, which means apple pie is in full force! However, if you want to save some time and make something easier and (in my opinion) just as delicious, this chunky applesauce recipe is the way to go! It's perfect for snacking, serving with dinner or as a dessert. If you do go the pie route and need help perfecting your lattice, check out my Spiced Blueberry Pie recipe for some tips.
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Ingredients
- Apples
- Light brown sugar
- Cinnamon sticks or ground cinnamon
- Water
See recipe card below for quantities.
Equipment
The only special equipment you'll need to make this recipe are a large pot with a lid and something to peel and chop the apples. I use a regular old peeler and knife, but if you have a corer and peeler that will work too! The chunks just may not be as large if you use the built in blade to slice them.
Step by Step Instructions
STEP ONE (Picture 1 above) - Wash, peel and chop the apples into ½ inch cubes.
STEP TWO (Picture 2 above) - Add the diced apples into a large pot with the water, brown sugar and cinnamon.
STEP THREE (Picture 3 above) - Cook the ingredients over medium/low heat while covered for about 15 minutes and then remove the lid and continue cooking until they reach your desired consistency. Be sure to give them a stir every 10 minutes or so.
TIP: Start with a lesser amount of sugar and cinnamon and add more to taste as it cooks down into sauce!
Substitutions & Variations
This homemade applesauce recipe only uses 3 ingredients and has not been tested with any substitutions. If you do replace any ingredients, please let us know how they turned out in the comments below!
If you prefer creamy applesauce, feel free to pulse it in a food processor after it cooks down and softens!
Storage
Let the applesauce cool completely before storing leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Enjoy within 1 week.
You can also freeze the applesauce after it's cooled for up to 6 months!
FAQ
For more flavor and textures, I recommend using a variety of apples. I like grabbing some Ida Red, Jonathan, McIntosh, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp apples from the orchard and using a few of each!
This applesauce makes a delicious snack, side dish and dessert! Serve warm or cold - whichever you prefer.
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📖 Recipe
Homemade Chunky Applesauce
Equipment
- Large pot with lid
- Peeler
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring Cups or Scale
Ingredients
- 10 apples washed, peeled and chopped
- ¼ cup water
- ½-¾ cup* light brown sugar
- 1 cinnamon stick optional (ground cinnamon works too)
Instructions
- Wash, peel, and chop 10 apples into 1" pieces. I like to use a variety of apples so their flavors and textures mix.
- Put the apples and cinnamon stick into a large pot. Sprinkle the water and brown sugar* over the top and stir with a wooden spoon to combine.
- With your burner on medium/low heat, cook the apples for 15 minutes with the lid on. Remove the lid and cook for another 45-75 minutes, stirring frequently.If you prefer your applesauce to be softer/harder, cook for more/less time.
Jean says
Loved this recipe! I didn’t have a cinnamon stick so I used ~1/4tsp of ground cinnamon and a few dashes at the end as it cooled. Received lots of compliments at a family dinner about it and the cinnamon flavor. Will make again!
Krystian says
I love what the cinnamon does in this recipe! The texture is perfect. I like my applesauce on the chunkier side and I was super impressed with this recipe!
Kayla says
A little bit of cinnamon really helps enhance the flavor! I'm glad you also like it chunky!