It’s easy to make homemade cinnamon applesauce! This is a great recipe to make this fall!
Can you believe that I had never made applesauce until last week? My mom made it when we were little, my mother-in-law makes it every year, but I had never tried making it on my own. And the main reason is because I don’t have a food mill. What’s a food mill, you ask? It’s a pretty neat contraption that allows you to easily puree foods. A handle and some discs make it easy to grind the food down and make the puree thinner or thicker according to your preference.
Anyway, I don’t have a food mill. But, I started thinking that I could probably do what I did when I made baby food for my boys: Just use a fine mesh strainer and a large spoon. So I tried it, and it did require a little more elbow grease, but it made the smoothest, most delicious cinnamon applesauce I’ve ever had. It was worth the little bit of extra work. If you don’t own a food mill, don’t let that stop you!
This homemade cinnamon applesauce is so good, you won’t want the store bought version after you taste this recipe.
I used organic Gala apples, and was happy with the taste – they are not too tart. You can use whatever apples you want, but you may have to adjust the amount of sugar to your taste.
Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce.
Ingredients
- 9 apples
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1/2 Tablespoon sugar
Instructions
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Core the apples and slice into large chunks. Place in a large pot with the water and lemon juice.
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Cook over medium heat until soft, about 40 minutes.
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Place a fine mesh strainer over a large bowl and put about 3/4 cup of the cooked apples in the strainer. Using the back of a large metal spoon, mash the apples against the strainer, forcing the puree through into the bowl.
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Periodically scrape the puree off the underside of the strainer into the bowl.
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Remove the peels as the accumulate in the strainer, and add more apples. Repeat the process.
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Once all the apples are pureed, add the cinnamon and sugar and stir.
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Enjoy immediately or store in the refrigerator.
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Makes about two cups.
Recipe Notes
You could also use a food mill if you have one!
See, it couldn’t be easier! If you have a food mill, that will simplify the process even more.
What have you been making with apples lately?
This post is part of my series: 31 Days of Gluten, Dairy, and Egg Free Soups, Salads, Sides & Sweets.
Kelly Roenicke
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I love making homemade applesauce in the fall and winter! I usually just peel the apples, cook them in a little water and sugar, and then mash them up some once soft. I’ll have to try making a smoother version like yours!
That sounds easy, Kristine!
I’ve never made apple sauce and it’s been on my to-do list fooorever! AND this is the first I’ve heard of a food mill, haha! Waaaay behind the times over here! Anyhoo, I love your food mill-less instructions and will have to hop to this!
I love making home-made applesauce! It’s so easy and way better than the store-bought stuff. This version looks delicious, Kelly!
Thanks, Gayle!
Apple sauce is awesome, isn’t it! And apples and cinnamon are just the perfect combo.
I made an apple crisp the other day – it is all about the apples at the moment.
I love apple crisp!
I don’t have a food mill either. I wonder if an immersion blender would work? I love homemade applesauce! Especially on pork chops. Yum!
I bet an immersion blender would work, but you might have a few lumps. It would be faster, though!
Homemade applesauce sounds amazing! I’ve never tried, can you believe it? (Of course I make everything else). This recipe is perfect for this time of year.
I made applesauce for the first time last year – without a food mill, too! I simply cored and peeled all my apples then let them cook in the slow cooker for a couple of hours. After that, I simply used my blender. Perfectly smooth like baby applesauce – and SO easy! Full directions are on my blog, if you want them! I discovered homemade applesauce cans and freezes well, too.
Great idea! Using the blender would make things easier! :)
Homemade applesauce is the best! Totally my favorite way to use up all those extra fall apples. :)