Skip to content
recipesvibrant

Ashkenazi Charoset

Entered for safe-keeping for ZWT. From Oukosher.org, by Women's Branch of the Orthodox Union. This is a traditional condiment served at Passover Seder, usually served either on matza or romaine lettuce leaves with a little horseradish paste.

5.0 · 1 reviewsRecipe card by KateLEditorial by recipesvibrant · Updated October 13, 2026
SaucesAppleFruitNutsEuropeanVegan
Ashkenazi Charoset

Total time

5 min

Servings

16

Calories

64

Category

Chutneys

Bring the taste of tradition to your Seder table with this classic Ashkenazi Charoset. A beloved Passover staple, this vibrant, vegan fruit and nut paste balances the sweetness of apples with the earthy crunch of walnuts and a warm hint of cinnamon. Perfectly textured and naturally healthy, this 5-minute recipe is a crowd-pleaser that honors time-honored European Jewish culinary roots.

Ingredients

Makes 16 servings

  • 2 apples
  • 1 cinnamon
  • 1 red wine

Method

  1. Chop nuts and apples in food processor or blender (or with hand chopper). Put in bowl and stir in cinnamon and enough wine to make a soft mixture.

Cook's notes

  • Use a food processor to pulse the mixture rather than blending it; you want a rustic, textured consistency rather than a smooth puree.
  • If the mixture is too dry, add a splash of sweet kosher wine or grape juice to help bind the ingredients.
  • Toast your walnuts lightly in a dry pan for 2–3 minutes before processing to deepen the flavor profile.

Easy swaps

  • For a nut-free version, swap the walnuts for toasted sunflower seeds or pumpkin seeds.
  • If you prefer a different apple variety, Granny Smith offers a nice tartness, while Gala or Fuji provides a sweeter base.
  • If you don't have sweet red wine, you can use pomegranate juice or a high-quality balsamic vinegar for a complex tang.

Frequently asked

Is this Ashkenazi Charoset recipe vegan?

Yes, this recipe is naturally vegan as it relies on fruit, nuts, cinnamon, and wine or juice.

Can I make this Charoset ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to macerate, resulting in a more delicious and cohesive texture.

Which apples are best for Charoset?

A mix of sweet and tart apples, such as McIntosh or Granny Smith, works best to achieve the perfect balance of flavor.

You might also like

More Chutneys →