Homemade Applesauce

Simmer peeled apples with water, lemon juice, and cinnamon until tender, then mash for a naturally sweet applesauce. Refrigerate leftovers for up to 5 days.

Prep: 15 min · Cook: 25 min · Yield: 8 · Method: Stovetop

Ingredients

• 3 pounds apples
• 0.5 cup water
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Cooking instructions

1. Peel, core, and cut the apples into 1-inch chunks. (about 15 min)
2. Add the apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to a large saucepan. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. (about 5 min) — Simmer
3. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the apples are very tender and break apart easily when pressed with a spoon, stirring occasionally. (about 20 min) — Low heat
4. Mash the apples in the saucepan with a potato masher for chunky applesauce, or mash more thoroughly for a smoother texture. Taste and adjust the cinnamon if desired. (about 3 min)
5. Cool slightly, then transfer to a clean airtight container. Refrigerate within 2 hours and store for up to 5 days. (about 5 min)