15-Minute Healthy Applesauce
Happy almost Thanksgiving! I will keep this post short and sweet, much like the recipe, since I have a feeling you a) have a whole lot of prepping and cooking to do, b) are already in vacation / put-on-a-cozy-sweater-and-watch-a-holiday-movie-mode or c) have a whole lot of prepping and cooking to do and would rather be in put-on-a-cozy-sweater-and-watch-a-holiday-movie-mode. I feel you.
Cranberry sauce gets all of the attention come November and December. Don’t get me wrong—I appreciate a good sweet / tart cranberry sauce. I even like the canned variety (don’t judge me!). But this applesauce…you need to make it. I made a giant batch over the weekend and Aaron has been raving about it, saying things like “why doesn’t store bought applesauce taste like this?” and “this is the best applesauce I’ve ever had.” He really does know the way to a girl’s heart.
The answer, I think, is love. Well, love and flavorful organic apples, apple cider, a touch of cinnamon, and fresh lemon juice to brighten it all up. That’s it! The process is unbelievably simple, the ingredient list is short, and the cook time is 15 minutes.
This applesauce recipe would make a fine holiday side dish if I do say so myself, or a healthy alternative to pie if you’re feeling a bit sugared out.
P.S. Still looking for easy, last-minute Thanksgiving recipes? Here are 44 no-stress ideas for your holiday feast.
15-Minute Healthy Applesauce
15-Minute Healthy Applesauce
Serves: about 6 cups
Cook Time: 15 mins
4 ingredients and 15 minutes; homemade applesauce doesn't get much easier (or delicious) than this! This is applesauce you'll be very happy to have at your holiday table or as a lighter, wholesome dessert any day.
Cuisine: Gluten Free, Vegan Servings: about 6 cups
Cook Time: 15 mins
4 ingredients and 15 minutes; homemade applesauce doesn't get much easier (or delicious) than this! This is applesauce you'll be very happy to have at your holiday table or as a lighter, wholesome dessert any day.
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a large stock pot and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for an additional 10 minutes, stirring every couple of minutes.
- For a chunkier applesauce, mash the apples with a fork or potato masher. For a smoother applesauce, puree the apples in your food processor (this is my preferred method).
- Transfer the applesauce to storage containers and allow it to cool completely before covering and refrigerating. You can also freeze the applesauce in jars--just make sure to leave a couple of inches at the top so it can expand without cracking the jars. (I've learned this lesson the hard way!)
Copyright © 2023 Amanda Maguire for Pickles & Honey
