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Am. Applesauce W/English Mixed Spice Inspired by a French Tart

I made a batch of this mixture recently: Recipe #266688 and decided to try it in applesauce. Mmmm! Family-approved!

5.0 · 2 reviewsRecipe card by COOKGIRlEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
AppleFruitVeganWinter< 60 Mins
Am. Applesauce W/English Mixed Spice Inspired by a French Tart

Total time

40 min

Servings

1

Calories

122.1

Category

Lunch/Snacks

Experience the cozy, nostalgic flavors of a classic French tart transformed into a healthy, vegan applesauce. Infused with the warm, aromatic notes of traditional English mixed spice—a delightful blend of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, and cloves—this stovetop applesauce is the perfect comfort snack. Whether enjoyed warm straight from the pot or served as a sophisticated topping for vegan yogurt or porridge, this recipe brings a gourmet twist to a simple seasonal fruit staple.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 6 -8 apples
  • 1 sugar
  • 3/4 mixed spice
  • 1 salt
  • 1/2 lemon juice
  • 1 water

Method

  1. Notes: I added one half teaspoon of whole juniper berries to the spice blend. Slow cooker directions are also given below. If using store bought apples, scrub and rinse well to remove the wax coating. I don't usually peel the apples due to laziness. Add sugar only if you feel it is necessary and/or the apples are older.

  2. In a pot large enough to accommodate, place cored and stemmed apples and the remaining ingredients.

  3. Cover and bring to the boil.

  4. Lower heat to simmer and cook until apples are soft enough to puree approximately 20-25 minutes. Set aside to cool slightly. Pour off and reserve about half of the cooking liquid.

  5. Transfer the applesauce to a blender, (or use an immersion blender) and puree to desired consistency-adding the reserve cooking liquid to preferred thickness. Taste. Adjust spices if necessary.

  6. Serve warm or cold.

  7. ~Tasty~ likes her applesauce with a dollop of plain yogurt. Hubby and my servings are delicious served over cottage cheese.

  8. Slow Cooker directions: add all ingredients to the slow cooker in order written above. Cover and cook on LOW for about 6 hours or HIGH about 4 hours or until apples are soft enough to puree.

  9. Yield is estimated depending on the size of the apples.

Cook's notes

  • For the best texture, use a mix of crisp apples like Granny Smith for tartness and Gala or Honeycrisp for natural sweetness.
  • Peel your apples thoroughly if you prefer a silky-smooth applesauce, or leave the peels on for added fiber and a rustic, nutrient-dense finish.
  • Use a potato masher for a chunky, home-style consistency, or process with an immersion blender for a professional, velvet-smooth puree.

Easy swaps

  • If you don't have English mixed spice, a combination of cinnamon, ground ginger, and a tiny pinch of ground cloves works as an excellent substitute.
  • Adjust the sweetness by swapping cane sugar for maple syrup or coconut sugar to keep the recipe refined-sugar-free.
  • Add a splash of apple cider vinegar or a squeeze of lemon juice to balance the sweetness and brighten the flavor profile.

Frequently asked

What is English mixed spice?

English mixed spice is a versatile spice blend typically consisting of cinnamon, nutmeg, mace, cloves, coriander, and ginger. It is a staple in British baking and pairs perfectly with fruit-based desserts.

Can I make this recipe without sugar?

Yes! Because the apples provide natural sugar, you can easily omit the added sweetener or replace it with a touch of pure vanilla extract to enhance the aromatic spice profile.

Is this applesauce vegan?

Absolutely. This recipe is 100% plant-based, relying on fruit and spices for flavor without the need for butter or animal products.

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