Lightly spiced and loaded with fall flavors, this stovetop applesauce comes together in minutes on the stovetop and is a great use for extra apples.
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When fall gives you tons of apples…make multiple batches of stovetop applesauce!
Apple processing is still in full swing over here and the situation is starting to get kind of dire. So many apples still yet to use and not enough time to make ALL the apple things.
So what better way to make the most of these little fall gems than to use up a whole bunch in a batch of not only the easiest, but the most flavorful applesauce?? The kind that will make you wonder why you ever used to reach for the jarred stuff.
We’re putting one trusty pan to work today and no kidding, only about 30 minutes stands between you and a bowl of this fall gold.
This Applesauce Features…
- Tender apples simmered in apple cider and spices
- A perfectly smooth texture
- Sweet brown sugar and a hint of spice flavor
Making the Applesauce
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Apples
- Apple cider
- Brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Spices
Choosing Your Apples
This recipe is very forgiving as far as types of apples go. I typically try to stick with a sweeter apple such as gala, honeycrisp, braeburn, or jonathans.
I do recommend you stay away from using granny smith apples in particular for this apple butter because I found they give it a bit of a too-tart flavor and require more sweetener to balance that.
Tips for Perfect Applesauce
- Cut apples into uniform cubes – this will help the apples cook down evenly.
- Use a mix of spices – a mix of cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and nutmeg give the applesauce a light background of spice flavor.
- Simmer applesauce 20-25 minutes – allow the apples to simmer covered until very soft.
- Blend applesauce after cooking – you can use an immersion blender, food processor, or regular blender. Feel free to leave a couple of chunks if you like some texture.
- Thin applesauce – add a little extra apple cider if needed to thin applesauce to desired consistency.
Slow Cooker Instructions
This recipe can also be made in the slow cooker! Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low 3-4 hours until apples are very soft. Blend according to recipe instructions.
Can Applesauce Be Canned?
This is one of the most common questions I get with this recipe. The short answer is, I have not tried it myself, but I have heard from several readers who have had success canning this applesauce.
If you would like to try canning this recipe, I would strongly recommend reading this canning guide first and learn how to can safely.
More ways to use up those fall apples!
Save this recipe for later using the ‘save to recipe box’ button. If you make it, please let me know by leaving a comment + star rating below the recipe card. This only takes moments and helps support my website so much!
Stovetop Applesauce
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Ingredients
- 2 lbs gala or honeycrisp apples, cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 1/2 to 1 cup apple cider or juice
- 2 tablespoons packed light brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Instructions
- Combine apples, 1/2 cup apple cider, brown sugar, lemon juice, and spices in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring apples to a simmer over medium heat then reduce heat to medium-low, cover pan, and allow to simmer 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until apples are very soft.
- Transfer apple mixture to a blender and blend on high speed, thinning applesauce with additional apple cider if needed until applesauce is your desired consistency. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 9/24/26.
Jean Nowak says
A bowl of warm homemade applesauce with a little scoop of vanilla ice cream is soooo satisfying.
Jean Nowak says
A bowl of warm homemade applesauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream makes a super yummy dessert!