It’s just after the first few days of fall, and already I’m aching to dive headfirst into apple picking, leaf raking and pumpkin pie baking. Two of those things I’ve done already… sort of. My husband Mark and I spent this past weekend planting yellow mums all around the yard, and a few days before I pulled a warm spiced pumpkin cake out of the oven, only to have it be entirely devoured three days later. But what I haven’t done yet is apple picking, and boy am I determined to find an orchard full of my favorite crisp, juicy fruit to pluck from a tree plump with them.
In the meantime, though, I think I’ll keep making homemade applesauce from apples picked from the overflowing bushels at local markets. There really is nothing quite like the taste of homemade applesauce, and nothing more pleasing than filling your home with that amazing aroma of simmering apples, cinnamon, sugar and comforting, warm fall spices.
This applesauce is very simple, absolutely delicious for kids and adults alike, and relatively low in sugar, requiring only 1/4 cup. Whether you enjoy it as is, mixed into oatmeal, yogurt, or a favorite recipe (try it as an ingredient in my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars), you will never go back to the store bought stuff. Wholesome, quick to make and cozy as a warm treat on a cool day, this applesauce is the good stuff that you’ll find yourself craving again and again this holiday season!
Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- ¾ cup water
- ¼ cup white sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground ginger
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large saucepan, combine apples, water, sugar, ginger, nutmeg and cinnamon. Cover, and cook over medium heat for 15 to 20 minutes, or until apples are soft, stirring occasionally. Allow to cool, then mash with a fork or potato masher.
- This applesauce can be eaten as is, or used in a variety of baking recipes, including my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Granola Bars.
- Enjoy!
How perfect for Autumn; this looks wonderful and so simple!
Love love this post. My mom makes the most incredible applesauce and I have always been too afraid to try it just in case I mess it up… but this one looks like a must try :D
I love homemade applesauce. One of my favorite memories of grad school is being gifted a whole case of apple “seconds” that I turned into tons and tons of applesauce that night. Your recipe looks great. I like the spices in it.
Can you please post your pumpkin spice cake recipe!!! I am sitting here inhaling the glorious smells of my soon to be done applesauce! Thanks so much.
Hi Lisa – I’ll be posting it this week, so keep a look out. Thanks for stopping by, and enjoy the applesauce!
Homemade applesauce is just the best! Yours looks lovely!
Top off a bowl with some shredded cheddar cheese, my son loves it that way!
Oh how I love apple season! I just bought some delicious ones at a local farmer’s market this weekend. This homemade apple sauce sounds divine. xx
This sounds perfect, I love applesauce, I’m sure that homemade would be even better!
Love this! Just like mom used to make…and perfect for fall!
What a super spicy sauce – it must smell heavenly when cooking.
Have a happy day.
:-) Mandy
I love little chunks of apple in my applesauce and this looks perfect.
Your apple sauce looks perfect! My kids want it for breakfast with their pancakes. I like it right out of the bowl. Hope you’re having a great week, Georgia:)
It might not feel like fall here (it’s still in the 100’s) but I could make this and pretend it was!! :) YUM!
Wow, that looks amazing; exactly how apple sauce should be: freshly made at home.
Mmmm you can’t beat homemade applesauce. Love the addition of ginger.
Sounds delicious! Let me know if you find out of a place near here that has apple picking. Would love to go and take the kids :)
Next time I’m at the Farmer’s Market I’m going to get a bushel of apples and try this. I love homemade applesauce but I’ve never made it myself.
I love homemade applesauce! I am really hoping we can go pick apples soon so I can make some. Yours sounds absolutely delicious!
This is such a rite of autumn. I love it.
Hi Georgia! I love how you bring families closer through your recipes…Keep up the good work!
I love homemade apple sauce, such a great entry to fall. Unfortunately, my 4 year old still loves the Mott’s All Natural stuff. Can’t win them all I guess!
Yum! I forgot I used to make home made applesauce when the kids were younger. Going to make this weekend with all the apples I have!
Ooh, this looks amazing! I love homemade apple sauce…much better than the storebought stuff I had yesterday!
Oh, and I a giveaway happening on my site if you’re interested! :)
I have to say…I swoon at the idea of cinnamony applesauce . Perfection!
I make this for my little girl all the time, so much better than the store bought stuff! I’ve got a pot on the stove right now and you can’t beat the smell. Two thumbs up.
This was delicious! The smell is amazing. I left the skin on the apples but next time, I will take the skin off. I actually plan to make more tonight for tomorrows breakfast. Thank you for sharing!