It’s so easy to make a small batch of homemade applesauce. This recipe includes brown sugar and cinnamon but you can skip those if you’d like.
Today’s recipe isn’t so much a recipe as it is a method for making a small batch of applesauce. Often when we think about making applesauce, we think about making a lot. While that’s great, I rarely want a lot of applesauce. There’s no kids in our house; so applesauce isn’t something we eat on a regular basis. So when I do crave it, I want it to be good.
No, not good, amazing.
And you can make amazing applesauce with only a few apples.
How to Make Small Batch Applesauce
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Start with four or five apples.
It might surprise you when I say that I don’t care what kind of apples you use. While some apples break down into sauce more easily than others, it doesn’t really matter as long as you own a fork or potato masher. Sweet apples, like Honeycrisp, give you a sweet sauce and tart apples, like granny smith, give you a tart sauce. It’s really that simple.
I usually use the apples that have been kicking around my fridge for too long or the bruised apples that sometimes come in the peck of apples I buy at the farmers’ market.
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Peel, core, and cut.
Peel the apples, core, and cut into large pieces. There’s no need to be fussy about this. One inch cubes are a nice size.
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Add water or juice.
Place the apples in a small saucepan. This is key. Since we’re working with such a small amount of apples, the pan needs to be small. If it’s too large, the apples can scorch as they cook.
Add about 1/2-inch of water to the bottom of the pan. It’s hard to say just how much water you’ll need because it depends on the size pan you use. I needed about one cup of water. Some recipes call for apple juice or apple cider when you’re making applesauce. I avoid this for two reasons. The first is simple: I rarely have apple juice or cider in the house. The second is because apple juice and cider, even no-sugar-added varieties, are rather sweet. The sugar cooks along with the apples and can give a caramelized flavor to the sauce. While this is nice, it’s not usually what I want.
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Cook.
Place the pan on the stove and heat, uncovered, over medium-low heat. When the water begins to boil, turn the heat to low. It’s a good idea to give the sauce a stir at this point.
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Add sugar and spice
Sometimes I like my applesauce with a bit of sweetness. (Warm applesauce over vanilla ice cream makes for a lovely dessert.) Add up to one tablespoon of dark brown sugar. The brown sugar contains a bit of molasses that goes well with the flavor of cooked apples.
If you like spice in your applesauce, this is the time to add it. I like to add a little cinnamon. And the key here is a little. I don’t want the cinnamon to overwhelm the sauce. But I want a whisper. Somehow it makes the apples taste more, well, apple-y.
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Stir and mash.
Cook until the apples are soft, stirring occasionally. If you notice that the pan looks dry, add a splash more water. Sometimes older apples are dry and can burn.
When the apples are nice and soft, it’s done. You can either mash the applesauce with a potato masher or leave it alone. (Or if you like smooth applesauce, like the kind you get at the grocery store, puree it with an immersion blender.)
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Spoon into a jar.
This recipe, unlike my pickled jalapenos, isn’t suitable for canning. It makes about a 1/2 pint–but the yield varies depending on the size of your apples. Spoon the applesauce into a clean jar and store in the fridge. That’s it. You’ve made applesauce!
Small Batch Applesauce
It's so easy to make a small batch of homemade applesauce. This recipe includes brown sugar and cinnamon but you can skip those if you'd like.
Ingredients
- water
- 4-5 large apples
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar see note
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon see note
Instructions
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Prepare the Apples
Add 1-inch of water to a small saucepan. Peel, core, and cut apples in cubes, about 1-inch. Place apples into the pan.
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Cook
Heat over medium heat until the water begins to bubble. Stir. Add sugar and cinnamon, if using. Stir to combine.
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Reduce heat to low. Stir applesauce every five minutes or so. If the pan seems dry, add additional water.
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Mash
When apples are tender, mash with a potato masher. Spoon applesauce into a small jar. Enjoy warm or store in the refrigerator for up to five days.
Recipe Notes
Sugar
Add as much or as little brown sugar as you'd like to the applesauce. I never use more than a tablespoon but the amount used is totally up to you.
Rhonda Cline says
This is my first time making apple sauce. You’re instructions are easy to follow. Thank you for sharing your recipe. My Apple sauce tastes great
Laura says
Just finished making this and it was so easy and tastes great! Wish there was a place to post a picture.
Elizabeth says
Glad you enjoyed it!
If you’re on Instagram, you can tag @CookFastEatWell.
Charlotte says
May I ask why this recipe isn’t suitable for canning? I’m searching for a small batch canning recipe. I’d love to try it out if you have one.
Elizabeth says
Hi Charlotte,
For safe canning, I only recommend recipes that have been tested for proper ph. This recipe has not undergone any testing. Therefore, it is not safe for canning. Sorry!
Yo says
Oh that sucks so do u
UrRude says
Bruh why you gotta be like this
Judy says
I have always made applesauce to freeze as well as rhubarb sauce. They freeze well in small containers and are a great addition to toast. Remove from freezer defrost in microwave and presto you are done.
Diana Nault says
I was wondering this morning what to do with the apples no one ate!I came across your recipe. It was so easy. I love it. I make maple syrup, I added that instead of brown sugar. Taste awesome. I agree on the cinnamon, I would probably put a little less in next time. Thank you for sharing.
Kim says
First time making this, very simple and no long stories before getting to the recipe. Came out great.! Thanks
KRYSTYN says
Great, easy recipe! My farmers market always has giant bruised fruit boxes for 3 bucks so I found myself with like 20 apples to use! Great use of them! I’ll freeze a bunch for later. Thank you!
Charles says
Very Nice Recipe,I’ll Be Using The Applesauce;For Applesauce Cookies! Thank You!
Dodi says
This was excellent but I found an inch of water for the 5 apples was way too
much and would start by cutting that in half. Otherwise very tasty!
Joan DeGeorge says
This was a very easy recipe for something that turned out to be simply delicious.
It was my 1st time making applesauce ..and I cannot wait to use this recipe to make an even larger batch.
Thank you🍎🍎
connie dunfield says
I appreciate your honesty and stellar advice in your instructions for Applesauce. You’re correct about this particular recipe may not be advisable for canning. I canned for years, Apple Butter and other jams & jellies, following their directions very carefully! Thank you. Connie
Kristin says
This was just what I needed to use the few older apples in our fridge. Because I am lazy, left peels on; otherwise, made as instructed and added just 5 mins to cooking time to ensure peels soft. Once everything, mushy, placed in blender, let cool for a few minutes, then puréed to break down peels and ensure smooth consistency. Delicious – this recipe is a keeper. Thank you.