Homemade Apple Puree or Chunky Applesauce

fall homemade apple sauce in a canning jar with cinnamon and fresh apples

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5 from 13 votes

Homemade Apple Puree or Chunky Applesauce

This homemade apple puree recipe is a perfect way to enjoy apples. An apple a day keeps the doctor away, right? Celebrate the crisp autumn atmosphere with a batch of sweet, fresh apple puree or chunky applesauce made in your very own kitchen. Use handpicked, local apples for an extra exceptional flavor and an even more heavenly scent to fill your home. You'll never want to buy jarred applesauce again after this!

Prep Time15

Cook Time8

Total Time8 15

Course: Side

Cuisine: American

Diet: Low Lactose, Vegan, Vegetarian

Servings: cups

Calories: 318kcal

Author: Michelle Cehn

Equipment

Potato Masher or Immersion Blender (optional)

Ingredients

8 medium-sized apples choose as many varieties as you can and most of them should be tart
¼-½ cup sugar or sweetener of choice to your taste
½ cup water
1 teaspoon ground sweet cinnamon optional
Pinch nutmeg or apple pie spice optional

Instructions

Wash and peel the apples. Cut apples into large chunks. Place in the crockpot.
Add the sugar, water, and spices. Mix well. Cover the slow cooker and turn the heat lever to low.
Cook for 8 hours or overnight.
When the applesauce is done, take off the cover carefully and stir well.
Drain off any excess liquid if you like a chunkier sauce. (Tip: Save the liquid to use in smoothies.) For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or a potato masher to blend to the desired consistency. Pop it in a high-speed blender of a creamy apple puree that's perfect for babies!
Serve warm and enjoy immediately or let the applesauce come to room temperature and then store in a covered container in the fridge.

Notes

Sugar-Free Version - You can leave out the sugar entirely if you wish or add few tablespoons of agave or maple syrup to the mixture. If you’re not adding in any sweetener at all, use a variety of sweet apples, rather than tart in this recipe.
No Slow Cooker? - You can also make this recipe using a large saucepan on the stovetop. Add an extra ¼ - ½ cup of water with the rest of the ingredients into the pan. Cook, uncovered, on medium heat for about 20 minutes. Stir occasionally. When the applesauce is done, follow step 7 to get the consistency the way you like it.
Instant Pot Option - A third option to make the applesauce in the Instant Pot. Prepare the fruit and other ingredients in the same way as above, but place into the liner of your pressure cooker. Cover, place in the sealed position, and cook on the manual setting for 5 minutes. Once done, let the applesauce naturally release for 10 minutes. Release the rest of the pressure, stir well, and enjoy!
Storing Leftovers - Pop into an airtight container or a clean glass jar and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay fresh for about 7–10 days. If you want to make it last longer, you can freeze it in small portions (like in freezer bags or even an ice cube tray), and it’ll keep well for up to 2–3 months.

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