Cozy Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe For Fall

Nothing beats the smell of apples and cinnamon simmering on the stove, filling the house with warmth and nostalgia.

Growing up, I loved helping my mom make applesauce in the fall—peeling apples, sneaking bites, and stirring the pot as it bubbled away.

This homemade cinnamon applesauce recipe is my go-to now, and it’s so simple yet incredibly satisfying.

It’s the kind of recipe that feels like a hug in a bowl, perfect for crisp autumn afternoons or whenever you need a little comfort.

With just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort, you’ll have a batch of sweet, spiced applesauce that’s miles better than anything store-bought.

Let’s walk through how to make it, with all the tips and tricks I’ve learned along the way to make it your own.

Read Also: Apple Crisp Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe | Cozy, Healthy & Delicious

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

This recipe is a total winner because it’s quick, versatile, and bursting with cozy flavors.

The combination of sweet apples, warm cinnamon, and a hint of lemon juice creates a perfectly balanced applesauce that’s great on its own, as a side, or even as a baking ingredient.

It’s naturally sweet, so you can control the sugar (or skip it entirely), and it’s a fantastic way to use up those extra apples from a fall orchard trip.

Plus, it’s kid-friendly, healthy, and fills your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Simple Ingredients: Only a few pantry staples needed, making it budget-friendly.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust the sugar to your taste or use natural sweeteners like honey.
Quick to Make: Ready in about 30 minutes with minimal hands-on time.
Versatile Use: Enjoy it as a snack, side dish, or ingredient in baked goods like this Easy Banana Bread.
Perfect for Fall: The cinnamon and apple combo screams autumn coziness.

Read Also: Crab Apple Jelly Recipe

Ingredients

You’ll need just a few basic ingredients to whip up this homemade cinnamon applesauce.

The key is choosing good-quality apples for the best flavor and texture.

6 medium apples (about 2.7 kg / 6 lbs), such as Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup (120 ml) water
1/4 cup (50 g) granulated sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
1 tsp (2 g) ground cinnamon
1 tbsp (15 ml) lemon juice
Pinch of salt

Read Also: Healthy Apple Pie Recipe

Kitchen Equipment Needed

This recipe is super straightforward, so you won’t need any fancy gadgets. Just a few basic kitchen tools will do the trick.

Large saucepan or Dutch oven (4-quart or larger)
Peeler for removing apple skins
Sharp knife and cutting board for chopping apples
Wooden spoon or silicone spatula for stirring
Potato masher for a chunky texture (optional)
Immersion blender or regular blender for smooth applesauce
Measuring cups and spoons
Airtight containers for storage

Read Also: Pumpkin Spice Latte Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce | Perfect Fall Dessert or Side Dish

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Cinnamon Applesauce at Home

Making this applesauce is so easy, even if you’re new to cooking. Follow these detailed steps to get it just right.

1. Prepare the Apples

Rinse the apples under cold water to remove any dirt or wax.
Use a peeler to remove the skins from each apple, working carefully to avoid removing too much flesh.
Cut each apple in half, then into quarters, and remove the core with a sharp knife.
Chop the apple quarters into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) chunks for even cooking.
Place the chopped apples in a large bowl and toss with lemon juice to prevent browning.

2. Cook the Apples

Add the chopped apples to a large saucepan or Dutch oven.
Pour in 1/2 cup (120 ml) of water to help the apples steam and soften.
Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the apples to enhance the flavor.
Cover the saucepan and cook over medium heat for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally with a wooden spoon.
Check the apples; they should be soft and easily pierced with a fork. If not, cook for an additional 5 minutes.

3. Add Sweetness and Spice

Once the apples are soft, stir in 1/4 cup (50 g) of granulated sugar (if using) and 1 tsp (2 g) of ground cinnamon.
Stir thoroughly to ensure the sugar and cinnamon are evenly distributed.
Taste the mixture and adjust the sweetness by adding more sugar in 1 tbsp (12 g) increments if desired.
Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on low heat to let the flavors meld, stirring gently.

4. Mash or Blend the Applesauce

For chunky applesauce, use a potato masher to mash the cooked apples directly in the saucepan until you reach your desired consistency.
For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree the apples in the saucepan, blending until silky.
If using a regular blender, let the apples cool slightly, then blend in batches, being careful not to overfill the blender jar.
Once blended or mashed, give the applesauce a final stir to ensure even texture.

5. Cool and Serve

Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the applesauce cool for 5-10 minutes.
Taste and adjust the cinnamon or sugar if needed.
Serve warm for a cozy treat or transfer to airtight containers to chill in the refrigerator for later.

Read Also: Healthy Pumpkin Pie Recipe

Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe | Quick Snack or Dessert

Tips for The Best Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

These tips will help you nail the perfect applesauce every time, whether you like it chunky, smooth, or somewhere in between.

Choose a mix of apple varieties (like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith) for a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
Taste as you go to adjust the sugar and cinnamon to your preference.
Use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for a brighter flavor.
Cook on medium heat to avoid scorching the apples; stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
For a smoother texture, blend while the apples are still warm but not piping hot.
If you prefer chunky applesauce, mash gently to leave some texture rather than over-mashing.
Store in small portions for easy grab-and-go snacks or recipe additions.

Read Also: Fall Muffin Recipes

Serving Suggestions

The Best Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce for Cozy Fall Days

This Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with both sweet and savory dishes.

Whether you’re serving it as a snack, side, or ingredient, it adds a warm, comforting touch to any meal.

Spoon it over Healthy Waffle for a cozy breakfast.
Serve alongside Pork Chop Supreme for a classic sweet-savory combo.
Use as a topping for Healthy Pancake with a drizzle of maple syrup.
Pair with Healthy Granola and yogurt for a quick parfait.
Incorporate into these Fall Bread for extra moisture and flavor.

Read Also: Maple Glazed Carrots Recipe

Variations of Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

You can tweak this recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. Here are some fun ways to switch it up.

Sugar-Free Version: Skip the sugar and use sweeter apples like Fuji or Gala, or add a splash of apple juice.
Spiced Applesauce: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for extra warmth.
Vanilla Applesauce: Stir in 1 tsp (5 ml) of vanilla extract after cooking for a sweet, creamy note.
Chunky Apple-Pear Sauce: Replace half the apples with peeled, chopped pears for a different flavor profile.
Maple Applesauce: Swap sugar for 2 tbsp (30 ml) of maple syrup for a richer taste.
Ginger Applesauce: Add 1/2 tsp (1 g) of grated fresh ginger for a zesty kick.

Read Also: Mulled Apple Cider Recipe

Storage and Reheating

This applesauce keeps beautifully, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it all week. Here’s how to store and reheat it.

Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 7-10 days.
Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months; leave 1/2 inch (1 cm) headspace for expansion.
Thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Microwave in a microwave-safe bowl in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until heated.
Stir well before serving to redistribute any settled spices or liquid.

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Nutritional Facts

Here’s the approximate nutritional breakdown per 1/2 cup (125 g) serving of homemade cinnamon applesauce (based on a recipe made with 1/4 cup sugar):

Calories: 90 kcal
Total Fat: 0.2 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg
Sodium: 20 mg
Total Carbohydrates: 23 g
Dietary Fiber: 3 g
Sugars: 18 g
Protein: 0.4 g
Vitamin C: 10% of Daily Value
Potassium: 5% of Daily Value

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This applesauce isn’t just delicious—it’s packed with wholesome ingredients that are good for you.

The star players, apples and cinnamon, bring some solid health perks to the table.

Apples: Rich in fiber, particularly pectin, which supports digestion and heart health.
Cinnamon: Contains antioxidants and may help regulate blood sugar levels.
Lemon Juice: Provides vitamin C, boosting immunity and aiding iron absorption.
Salt: Used sparingly, it enhances flavors without adding significant sodium.

Read Also: Healthy Banana Bread Recipe

FAQs About Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

1. Can I make this applesauce without peeling the apples?

Yes, you can leave the skins on for a more rustic texture and added fiber. Just wash the apples thoroughly and blend well for a smoother consistency. The skins may add a slightly chewier texture, so it’s a matter of preference.

2. What apples are best for applesauce?

Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith are great choices because they balance sweetness and tartness. A mix of varieties often gives the best flavor. Softer apples like McIntosh also work well but may cook down faster.

3. Can I use a slow cooker for this recipe?

Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker, set to low for 4-6 hours, then mash or blend. It’s a hands-off option that works beautifully.

4. How can I make this recipe sugar-free?

Skip the sugar and use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. You can also add a splash of apple juice or a drizzle of honey for sweetness without refined sugar.

5. Can I can this applesauce for long-term storage?

Yes, this applesauce is suitable for canning. Use a water bath canning method, ensuring proper sterilization and processing times (typically 15-20 minutes for pint jars). Follow USDA guidelines for safe canning.

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