Easy Homemade Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce Recipe

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If you’re looking to fully embrace the essence of fall, there’s nothing quite like indulging in a delicious bowl of homemade applesauce. And what better way to celebrate this cozy season than by visiting your local apple orchard and handpicking some fresh, juicy apples?  

With just a few simple ingredients, you can transform those freshly picked treasures into a warm, comforting fall recipe that will fill your kitchen with an irresistible aroma. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, sweetened or spiced with cinnamon and nutmeg – making your own applesauce allows for endless possibilities tailored perfectly to your taste buds.

Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack or a tasty side dish, applesauce is a versatile and delicious option that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients, including fresh apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. By following a few simple steps, you can create a tasty and healthy homemade applesauce that’s perfect for any occasion. 

Choosing the Right Apples

When it comes to making homemade chunky cinnamon applesauce, choosing the right apples is crucial. The type of apple you use will determine the flavor, texture, and sweetness of your applesauce. In this section, I will share my knowledge on the best types of apples to use for making chunky cinnamon applesauce.

Sweet Apples – If you prefer your applesauce on the sweeter side, then you should choose sweet apples. Some of the best sweet apples for making applesauce are Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Fuji. These apples have a high sugar content and are naturally sweet, so you won’t need a lot of added sugar to your recipe.

Tart Apples – If you prefer your applesauce to have a tangy flavor, then you should choose tart apples. Granny Smith apples and McIntosh are some of the best tart apples for making applesauce. These apples have a lower sugar content and a higher acid content, which gives them a tart flavor.

Mixing Apples – If you want to experiment with different flavors and textures, you can mix any kind of apple. For example, you can mix sweet and tart apples to create a unique flavor. You can also mix different varieties of apples to create a more complex flavor profile.

Ingredients

• apples
• water
• granulated sugar
• ground cinnamon 
• ground nutmeg 
• ground ginger

How to Make Homemade Applesauce Recipe

Begin by peeling the apples. Then, using a sharp knife, carefully dice them into small cubes. Keep in mind that the smaller the cubes, the quicker they will cook.

Transfer the diced apples to a large saucepan. Next, combine the water, 3/4 cup sugar, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and ground ginger in the saucepan with the diced apples. Thoroughly mix the ingredients together.

Cover the saucepan with a lid and place it on the stove over medium heat. Let the apple mixture simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the apples can be easily mashed with a fork.

Once the cooking time is done and the apples are soft enough, use a fork or a masher to mash them to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother texture, you can use a food processor or immersion blender instead.

After mashing, give the applesauce a thorough mixing to ensure everything is well combined.

You can now either serve the freshly made applesauce right away or opt to let it cool in the refrigerator before serving it chilled.

Adding Sweetness to your Applesauce

When it comes to making Easy Homemade Chunky Cinnamon Apple sauce, adding sweetness is an essential step. There are several ways to sweeten your applesauce, and each method has its unique taste and texture.

White Sugar is the most common sweetener used in making applesauce.

Maple Syrup is a natural and healthy sweetener that adds a unique flavor to applesauce. It is a great alternative to white sugar and can be used in equal amounts. 

Brown Sugar is another popular sweetener used in making applesauce. It has a rich caramel flavor and adds a depth of flavor to the applesauce. It is important to note that brown sugar is denser than white sugar, so you may need to adjust the amount used.

Adjusting Applesauce Consistency

When making Easy Homemade Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce, achieving the desired consistency is essential. The consistency of the applesauce depends on personal preference, but there are a few methods to achieve the desired texture.

Chunky Applesauce – For those who prefer chunky applesauce, simply mashing the cooked apples with a fork or potato masher will do the trick. The applesauce will have small chunks of apples throughout, giving it a hearty texture.

Smooth Applesauce – If you prefer smooth applesauce, using an immersion blender or food processor will give you the desired consistency. After cooking the apples, use the immersion blender or food processor to blend the apples until smooth.

How to Store Applesauce

If you plan on using your applesauce within a week or two, storing it in the refrigerator is a great option. Transfer the applesauce to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. Homemade applesauce can last for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

If you have made a large batch of applesauce and want to store it for later use, freezing it is a great option. Simply transfer the applesauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving about an inch of space at the top to allow for expansion. You can use a freezer bag or an airtight container. Be sure to label the container with the date and amount of applesauce. Frozen applesauce can last for up to 6 months in the freezer.

If you have leftover applesauce after a meal, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply transfer the applesauce to an airtight container and store it in the fridge. If you don’t plan on using it within a week, you can freeze it for later use.

If you have store-bought applesauce, once opened, store-bought applesauce can last for up to 10 days in the refrigerator. If you don’t plan on using it within that time frame, you can freeze it for later use.

Serving Suggestions

When it comes to serving easy homemade chunky cinnamon applesauce, the possibilities are endless. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

As a Side Dish

Chunky cinnamon applesauce pairs perfectly with savory dishes like pork chops or roasted chicken. The sweetness of the applesauce balances out the saltiness of the meat, creating a delicious flavor combination. Simply spoon the applesauce onto your plate and enjoy!

As an Apple Recipe Ingredient

Chunky cinnamon applesauce can also be used as an ingredient in other apple recipes. For example, it makes a great apple pie filling or topping for apple crisp. You can also use it as a substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes to add moisture and flavor.

As a Dessert

Of course, chunky cinnamon applesauce can also be enjoyed as a dessert on its own. Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream for a delicious and comforting treat.

No matter how you choose to serve it, easy homemade chunky cinnamon applesauce is sure to be a hit. Its sweet and spicy flavor makes it a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some ways to spice up plain applesauce?

If you’re looking to add some extra flavor to your plain applesauce, there are many ways to do so. Here are some ideas:

• Add a pinch of ground cinnamon, nutmeg, or allspice for a warm, cozy flavor.
• Mix in a spoonful of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.
• Stir in a dollop of almond or peanut butter for a nutty taste.
• Add a splash of vanilla extract for a hint of sweetness and warmth.
• Mix in some chopped nuts or dried fruit for added texture and flavor.

What are some creative ways to use chunky applesauce in cooking?

Chunky applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in many different recipes. Here are some creative ways to use it:

• Use it as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt.
• Mix it into pancake or waffle batter for a delicious breakfast treat.
• Use it as a filling for a pie or tart.
• Spread it on toast or a bagel for a tasty snack.
• Use it as a glaze for roasted meats or vegetables.