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Apple sauce is the kind of comfort food that sneaks into your routine before you realize it. I started making it regularly when my son was a toddler and now we all love it as a snack side or quick breakfast addition. The simplicity always wins me over and it is the ultimate way to use apples that have been lingering in the fruit bowl all week.
Ingredients
- Fresh apples: choose softer fruit like golden delicious or gala for smoother sauce and buy organic if possible for best flavor
- Cinnamon ground: choose a fragrant cinnamon for warmth and depth that brightens the sauce
- Lemon juice: fresh squeezed lifts and preserves the natural apple sweetness watch for seeds when juicing
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prep Your Apples:
- Peel core and chop five to seven apples into small even chunks so they cook at the same rate and create a smooth sauce
- Simmer the Fruit:
- Add chopped apples to a heavy bottomed saucepan splash in about two tablespoons of lemon juice and a half teaspoon of cinnamon stir to coat apples evenly
- Cook Down:
- Set heat to medium low and cover pan let apples cook gradually for about fifteen minutes stirring once or twice so they soften without catching on the bottom
- Mash and Taste:
- When apples are soft remove from heat and mash with a fork or potato masher for a chunky sauce or stir vigorously for an extra smooth texture taste and adjust with a touch more cinnamon if you want
- Cool and Serve:
- Let sauce cool down slightly then scoop into a jar for the fridge or serve warm if you prefer for a cozy breakfast side
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My favorite part of this recipe is the moment the apples start simmering and the house fills with the butter and spice smell it is the coziest memory from Luca’s first winters and reminds me of slow weekend mornings together.
Storage Tips
Store apple sauce in a clean glass jar or airtight container in the refrigerator for about five days If you want to keep it longer pour cooled sauce into an ice cube tray and freeze transfer cubes to a bag so you can thaw just what you need for snacks or baking
Ingredient Substitutions
If you are out of cinnamon try a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a different spin Pears can also swap in for apples though you might want to add an extra splash of lemon for brightness
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Serving Suggestions
Swirl apple sauce into hot oatmeal or spoon onto pancakes in place of syrup My kids even love it as a dip for toast fingers or spooned over plain yogurt If you bake muffins or cakes use apple sauce in place of part of the oil
A Bit of History
Apple sauce has been a staple in many cultures especially where apples are abundant Its simplicity and staying power made it a classic way to use extra apples before refrigeration My grandmother always told me she learned to make apple sauce as a child on Sundays after apple picking
Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes
- → What type of apples work best for this sauce?
Softer varieties like Golden Delicious are ideal for a smooth and sweet apple sauce, but any apple can be used successfully.
- → Can it be served both warm and cold?
Yes, the sauce tastes delicious served both warm in winter or chilled during warmer months.
- → Is any sugar needed?
No additional sugar is necessary. The natural sweetness of cooked apples is enough, enhanced only by cinnamon and lemon juice.
- → What are some serving suggestions?
Use it as a topping for pancakes, porridge, yogurt, or toast. It also works well as a snack or sweetener in desserts and smoothies.
- → How long does it keep in the fridge?
This apple sauce lasts for a few days when stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator.
- → Is this suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes, it’s a gentle way to introduce apples since it’s free from added sugar and made with all-natural ingredients.