Skip to content
recipesvibrant

Applesauce

My late father only knew how to cook two dishes and this was one. The type of apples you use will determine how mushy your apple sauce turns out. Cooking apples will turn into the texture of commercial applesauce while others will keep their shape even after the cooking. Either way it's delicious. The recipe can easily be doubled (or tripled...or quadrupled) to serve a crowd.

5.0 · 156 reviewsRecipe card by Rachel SavageEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
AppleFruitLow ProteinVeganLow CholesterolHealthy
Applesauce

Total time

40 min

Servings

1

Calories

287.6

Category

Sauces

This simple, homemade vegan applesauce is a healthy, kid-friendly staple that is far superior to store-bought versions. Made with just a handful of fresh apples and warming spices, this low-protein and low-cholesterol recipe is perfect as a snack, a topping for oatmeal, or a natural sweetener in vegan baking.

Ingredients

Makes 1 serving

  • 4 apples
  • 1/2 water
  • 1/4 sugar
  • 1/2 cinnamon
  • nutmeg

Method

  1. Put the apples and water in a saucepan.

  2. Cover and bring to the boil.

  3. Boil over low heat, stirring occasionally, 20 minutes.

  4. Stir in sugar and cook until it dissolves.

  5. Add cinnamon or nutmeg.

  6. Serve warm or cold.

Cook's notes

  • Use a blend of apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith for a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness.
  • For a smoother, restaurant-quality texture, use an immersion blender or a high-speed food processor once the apples have softened.
  • Adjust the sweetness by adding a splash of maple syrup or agave if your apples are particularly tart.

Easy swaps

  • Replace cinnamon with ground nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for a deeper, warmer flavor profile.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and prevent browning.
  • For a sugar-free version, simply omit any added sweeteners and rely on the natural sugars of the apples.

Frequently asked

Is homemade applesauce healthier than store-bought?

Yes, homemade applesauce allows you to control the sugar content and eliminates the need for preservatives or artificial additives found in many commercial brands.

Do I need to peel the apples?

Peeling is optional. If you prefer a rustic texture and want to retain more fiber, leave the skins on. If you prefer a perfectly smooth sauce, peel the apples before cooking.

Can I use this applesauce as a vegan egg substitute in baking?

Absolutely! Applesauce is a fantastic egg replacer in many vegan baking recipes, usually at a ratio of 1/4 cup per egg.

You might also like

More Sauces →