Buzz
I’m not sure why so many of us stop enjoying applesauce once we’re past childhood—transforming apples into this delightful treat is simple, quick, and totally customizable to your taste. If you only recall applesauce as a one-dimensional, overly sweet mash, it’s time to break free from the grocery aisle and create your own at home.
The process of making applesauce
Three pounds of apples may seem like a lot, but it’s about five apples and will yield around three cups of applesauce. The type of apples you choose is entirely up to you; if you go with Cosmic Crisp, you’ll create the applesauce equivalent of Juicy Fruit. If you opt for Gala, it may turn out so tart you’ll want to serve it with ice cream. Personally, I enjoy a mix of apples, balancing both tart and sweet flavors.
Start by peeling the apples, then slice them into chunks, removing the core. Keep your saucepan handy and add the apples as you peel and chop them. To prevent browning, sprinkle lemon juice on the chopped apples. Drizzle maple syrup over them and stir to combine. Add spices and the zest from an orange, then squeeze in the juice. Stir everything together, then slowly bring the mixture to a boil on medium-high heat, then lower to a simmer on medium heat. Cover the pot and let it cook for twenty minutes, stirring occasionally. Once the heat is turned off, leave the pot covered on the stove to continue steaming and softening the apples.
Decide on the texture you want
The apples will naturally soften, and the extent of this breakdown depends on your preference: For a smooth, consistent texture, use a stick blender or transfer the mixture to a food processor or blender. For a chunkier version, use a potato masher to crush the apples to the desired consistency, keeping as many pieces as you like intact.
Feel free to tailor the flavor to your preferences. If you prefer a little more heat, consider adding a pinch of hot pepper. For a more complex flavor, Chinese five-spice and ginger make an excellent choice. You can also add more sweetness with maple syrup, brown sugar, or even molasses. A splash of apple cider vinegar will lend a subtle tang.
Chill the sauce in the fridge to cool. While it’s fine to enjoy it warm, most people prefer it cold or at room temperature. It will keep for about five days in the fridge, though it’s unlikely to last that long.
Refined applesauce recipe
Ingredients for this recipe include:
3 pounds of assorted apples
½ cup of maple syrup
Juice from half a lemon or 2 tablespoons of lemon juice
1 clementine or a small orange
1 teaspoon ground mace
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon ground cardamom
1 teaspoon ground star anise
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 teaspoon salt
Instructions:
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into chunks. Put the apple pieces into a saucepan, tossing them with lemon juice.
Add the maple syrup and spices to the apples, then zest and juice the orange and stir everything together.
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook for 20 minutes, stirring every five minutes.
Turn off the heat but leave the pot on the burner with the lid on for an additional 10 minutes.
Use a blender or food processor for a smooth applesauce or a potato masher for a chunkier version.
Adjust the seasoning to your liking, then store in the fridge.
