If you’ve never made homemade applesauce on the stove, you’re in for a treat. Not only is this recipe incredibly easy, but it’s also healthier than store-bought versions—and you control the sweetness, spices, and texture.
With just a few simple ingredients, you can whip up a warm, cozy batch of stovetop applesauce in under 30 minutes. Save this recipe and use it the day after you go apple picking with your family. What a great way to use the excess apples you have at home with little to no effort.
Whether you call it applesauce or stewed apples, this recipe is the perfect way to use up fresh apples from the orchard, the farmers’ market, or that big bag you picked up at the grocery store.
Why You’ll Love This Stovetop Applesauce Recipe
- Simple ingredients – Just apples, water, and a touch of cinnamon.
- Quick cooking time – Ready in about 20 minutes.
- Customizable texture – Smooth, chunky, or somewhere in between.
- Perfect for fall – A cozy, comforting recipe that tastes like autumn in a bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 5–6 apples, peeled and cut into chunks (any variety works—Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp are naturally sweet, while Granny Smith adds a tart kick).
- 1 teaspoon of sugar (optional – I usually skip this).
- ½ teaspoon of cinnamon (I often use a little extra because I love the flavor).
- ¾ cup of water
Directions: How to Make Applesauce on the Stove
- Add the apples, water, sugar (if using), and cinnamon to a medium-sized pot.
- Cover and bring to a boil.
- Reduce the heat to medium or medium-low and let simmer for about 15 minutes, cracking the lid slightly to let steam escape.
- When the apples are soft, mash them with a fork or potato masher until you reach your desired consistency. We prefer ours chunky applesauce, but you can make it smoother if you like.
That’s it! Your homemade stovetop applesauce is ready to enjoy.
Variations and Tips
- Make it smoother: Use an immersion blender for creamy applesauce.
- Switch up the spice: Try nutmeg, allspice, or cloves for a spiced applesauce.
- No sugar added: Skip the sugar entirely if your apples are sweet enough.
- Storage: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Applesauce also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.
Serving Ideas for Homemade Applesauce
- Serve warm as a cozy side dish.
- Spoon it over oatmeal, pancakes, or waffles.
- Pair it with roasted pork or chicken.
- Enjoy it chilled as a healthy snack.
- Use it as a natural sweetener in baking (applesauce makes a great substitute for oil or butter in muffins and cakes).
Why Make Homemade Applesauce?
Once you try this easy applesauce recipe, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought. It’s budget-friendly, tastes fresher, and fills your kitchen with the most amazing fall aroma. Plus, you can adjust the sweetness and spices to fit your family’s taste.
Whether you’re making it for your kids, serving it at a holiday dinner, or simply enjoying it as a snack, this stovetop applesauce recipe is a must-try.
Pin this recipe for later and keep it in your fall cooking rotation. Once you see how simple it is to make, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start sooner.