10+ Apple Sauce Recipes to Make Your Snacks Delicious and Easy

Applesauce is a simple, tasty treat you can whip up at home with fresh apples and a handful of easy ingredients.

It’s versatile—enjoy it straight, mix it into recipes, or serve it as a side.

You really only need a few steps to make applesauce, so it’s great for beginners or anyone who just wants something quick.

Let’s check out some ways to make homemade applesauce that actually fit your taste and mood.

Ingredients

• Apples
• Water
• Sugar (optional)
• Cinnamon (optional)
• Lemon juice (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples.
2. Put apples in a pot with about 1/2 cup (120 ml) water.
3. Add sugar, cinnamon, or lemon juice if you like.
4. Cook over medium heat until the apples turn soft, about 15-20 minutes.
5. Mash or blend to the texture you want.
6. Let it cool before serving or storing.

1) Classic Cinnamon Applesauce

Cook apples with cinnamon and a bit of sugar, and you’ll get a classic applesauce with that cozy, familiar flavor.

Start by peeling and chopping your apples.

Cook them gently until they’re soft.

The apples break down into a smooth, comforting texture.

A splash of lemon juice brightens things up.

No need for fancy extras—just apples and a couple of spices.

Ingredients

• 6-8 apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

Cooking Instructions

1. Combine apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a large saucepan.
2. Cook over medium heat, covered, for 15-20 minutes until apples are soft.
3. Stir in lemon juice.
4. Mash or blend to your preferred texture.
5. Let cool or serve warm.

For more ideas, you might like this homemade cinnamon applesauce.

2) Chunky Homemade Applesauce

Chunky applesauce is all about texture.

Peel, core, and chop your apples into medium pieces so you get those nice bites in every spoonful.

Cook the apples with a bit of water, sugar, and cinnamon.

Let everything simmer over low heat until the apples are soft but still holding their shape.

Stir often, so nothing sticks.

Enjoy it warm or cold—it’s great either way.

Ingredients

• 6 to 8 apples
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel, core, and chop the apples into medium pieces.
2. Place apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon in a medium pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Simmer covered for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before serving.

You can find more tips in this easy homemade chunky applesauce recipe.

3) Unsweetened Simple Applesauce

If you’re after something healthy and natural, unsweetened applesauce is the way to go.

It’s super easy—just cook apples in water or apple juice.

You can toss in some cinnamon, or skip it.

This sauce works as a side or as a base for other recipes.

Stovetop cooking takes about 20 minutes, and the soft texture is perfect for all ages.

Store it in the fridge for a few days, or freeze it in small batches.

Ingredients

• 4-5 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
• 4 ounces apple juice or water
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place apples and apple juice or water in a saucepan.
2. Cover and cook over medium heat for 20 minutes.
3. Stir occasionally until apples are soft.
4. Mash or blend to your desired texture.
5. Let cool before serving or storing.

Get more details from this unsweetened applesauce recipe.

4) Spiced Apple and Clove Sauce

Spiced apple and clove sauce has a warm, cozy flavor thanks to cloves and cinnamon.

It’s easy—just cook tart apples with whole cloves and a little sugar.

Apple cider vinegar gives it a tangy kick.

Let everything simmer until the apples soften.

Mash or blend the sauce, and don’t forget to pull out the cloves.

Cloves add a gentle spice, but go easy—they’re strong.

Ingredients

• 12 tart apples, peeled and chopped
• 2 cups boiling water
• 6 whole cloves
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 cup sugar
• 2 tablespoons butter or margarine

Cooking Instructions

1. Place apples and cloves in a large pot.
2. Pour boiling water over apples and bring to a simmer.
3. Stir in sugar and apple cider vinegar.
4. Cook on low for 20-25 minutes until apples are soft.
5. Remove cloves and mash or blend sauce.
6. Stir in butter until melted and mixed well.
7. Serve warm or cold.

5) Slow Cooker Applesauce with Brown Sugar

Using a slow cooker for applesauce is just plain easy.

Toss in your apples and let them cook until they’re soft and sweet.

Brown sugar adds a mellow sweetness that isn’t overpowering.

You can add cinnamon and lemon juice for extra flavor.

The slow cooking really lets everything blend together.

It takes about four hours on high, so you can start it and forget about it for a bit.

Great for using up a bunch of apples and making a big batch.

Ingredients

• 10 large apples
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1/3 cup apple juice or water

Cooking Instructions

1. Peel, core, and cut your apples into chunks.
2. Place all ingredients in the slow cooker.
3. Stir to mix everything evenly.
4. Cook on high for 4 hours (about 204°C).
5. Stir halfway through cooking to avoid sticking.
6. Mash or blend the applesauce to your desired texture.

6) Apple Lemon Zest Sauce

Lemon zest gives applesauce a fresh, bright flavor.

The lemon juice helps keep the apples from browning and adds a little tang.

Cook the apples gently so the sauce stays smooth.

If you’re in the mood for spice, toss in some cinnamon or nutmeg.

The zest brings a nice aroma and a fresh taste.

Eat it as is, or use it in desserts.

You can sweeten it with sugar or honey if you want.

Keep the heat low to balance the flavors.

Ingredients

• 4 apples, peeled and quartered
• 1/2 lemon, zest and juice
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon sugar (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Place apples, lemon zest, lemon juice, and water in a pot.
2. Cook over low heat for 20-25 minutes until apples are soft.
3. Mash or blend apples to your preferred texture.
4. Stir in sugar and cinnamon if you want.
5. Let cool before serving or storing.

7) Maple-Infused Applesauce

Maple syrup brings a warm, natural sweetness to applesauce—no refined sugar needed.

The flavor pairs so well with apples.

Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg if you’re feeling it.

Making this applesauce is simple and doesn’t take much.

Cook the apples slowly so the sauce turns out smooth and flavorful.

Maple syrup gives it a cozy, comforting touch.

This one’s perfect for a healthy dessert or a snack for kids.

It’s vegan and gluten-free, too.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups peeled, cored, and chopped apples
• 1/4 cup pure maple syrup
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg (optional)

Cooking Instructions:

1. Combine apples, water, and spices in a pot.
2. Cook over medium heat until apples are soft, about 20 minutes.
3. Mash or blend to your preferred texture.
4. Stir in maple syrup.
5. Let cool before serving or storing.

For a detailed maple applesauce recipe, check this page.

8) Crockpot Apple and Pear Sauce

Making apple and pear sauce in a crockpot is as easy as it gets.

Peel and slice your apples and pears, then toss them in the slow cooker.

Add a splash of water or juice and a sprinkle of cinnamon.

Let the fruit cook slowly until it’s soft and mashable.

You can set it in the morning and come back later to warm, fresh sauce.

It’s a healthy snack or a side for meals—your call.

Ingredients

• 3 large apples, peeled and sliced
• 3 large pears, peeled and sliced
• 1/4 cup water or juice
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (or 2 cinnamon sticks)
• Optional: a pinch of nutmeg or cloves

Cooking Instructions

1. Place apples and pears in the crockpot.
2. Add water or juice and sprinkle cinnamon on top.
3. Stir gently to mix the spices.
4. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
5. Mash the fruit or blend until smooth.
6. Serve warm or let cool before storing.

Find more details on this method at Crock Pot Apple and Pear Sauce.

9) Ginger-Infused Applesauce

Fresh ginger in applesauce? Oh, it’s a game-changer. That warm, spicy kick wakes up the sweetness of the apples and gives the whole thing a little edge.

It’s great for breakfast, but honestly, I’ll eat it straight out of the fridge as a snack. The flavor just feels so much more interesting than regular applesauce.

Here’s how I make it: I cook peeled, chopped apples with plenty of grated ginger. Let it simmer until the apples get soft, but I like to leave a few chunks for texture.

Sometimes I’ll toss in a splash of vanilla or a spoonful of brown sugar. Just a little, so it doesn’t get too sweet.

Ingredients

• 3 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 3 inches fresh ginger, finely grated
• 1 cup water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
• 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar (optional)

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss the apples, ginger, and water into a big pot.
2. Bring it up to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Cover the pot and cook for 15-20 minutes, until the apples soften.
4. Give it a stir now and then so nothing sticks.
5. Mix in the vanilla and brown sugar if you want, then stir well.
6. Let it cool before serving or popping it in the fridge.

10) Vegan Apple Cranberry Sauce

This vegan apple cranberry sauce is so easy and honestly kind of a must for holiday meals. It’s just apples and cranberries, sweetened up with maple syrup—nothing fussy.

I cook the apples and cranberries together with a splash of lemon juice and a pinch of cinnamon. The result? Bright, just tart enough, and perfect with almost anything.

You can make it on the stovetop or toss it in the Instant Pot if you’re in a hurry. No gluten, no nuts, and no refined sugar, so it works for just about everyone.

Ingredients

• 3 cups chopped apples
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/4 cup water

Cooking Instructions

1. Toss apples, cranberries, lemon juice, cinnamon, maple syrup, and water into a pot.

2. Turn the heat to medium. Stir often while it cooks for about 20-25 minutes, until the fruit softens up.

3. Want some texture? Mash it a bit. Prefer it smooth? Go ahead and blend.

4. Let it cool down before you serve or stash it away.

Find more details at Easy Homemade Cranberry Applesauce.