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+ servings
A bowl of chunky homemade apple sauce with some in a jar for saving.

Easy Sweet Tart Homemade Applesauce

LindySez
Apples, sugar, and lemon juice combine to make this delicious Easy Sweet Tart Homemade Applesauce. Done the old-fashioned way.
5 from 3 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Additional Time 10 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Course Sauces, Dressings & Condiments
Cuisine American
Servings 1 quart
Calories 106 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 3 pounds apples Pippen, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp or combination. Peeled, if desired, and cored. Cut into 1-inch chunks
  • ½ to 1 cup granulated sugar or another sweetener of your choice, to taste
  • ½ lemon seeds removed
  • Pinch salt
  • ½ to ¾ cup water as needed to come up to halfway

Instructions
 

  • Combine the prepared apples, sugar, lemon (give it a squeeze before adding the whole half lemon), salt, and water into a saucepan. Set on a medium-high flame and bring to a simmer, lower heat, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are tender.
  • Once the apples are tender, remove the lemon half, then use a potato masher to mash to your desired consistency. If you want a smooth puree, a food mill is recommended.
  • Taste and adjust for sweetness and acid. Adjust as necessary.
  • Store up to 10 days in the refrigerator or freeze.

Notes

1. Using a variety of apples keeps both the texture and flavor more interesting.
2. Cook the apples longer if you want a softer texture or plan to puree the sauce.
3. Add cinnamon or pumpkin spice if desired. However, I would add that only when serving so you don't only have that flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 servingSodium: 13mgSugar: 23gFiber: 3gCalories: 106kcalCarbohydrates: 28g
Keyword applesauce, chunky applesauce, easy homemade applesauce, sweet tart applesauce
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