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Description
Discover the secret ingredient that makes homemade applesauce exceptionally delicious. This recipe enhances the natural sweetness and spice of apples for a perfect treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 pounds apples (about 8–10 medium), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
- Secret Ingredient: 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
Instructions
- Combine chopped apples, water, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, and salt in a large pot.
- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
- Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until apples are very tender. Stir occasionally.
- Remove from heat. Stir in vanilla extract and the secret ingredient: unsalted butter.
- Mash the apples with a potato masher or use an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
- Let cool slightly before serving or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- For a chunkier applesauce, mash less.
- For a smoother applesauce, blend longer.
- You can substitute honey or maple syrup for brown sugar for a different sweetness profile.
- Add a pinch of freshly grated ginger for an extra zing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert/Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 150
- Sugar: 25g
- Sodium: 30mg
- Fat: 3g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 5mg
Keywords: applesauce, secret ingredient, homemade applesauce, cinnamon applesauce, easy applesauce, fall recipe, comfort food, dessert recipe, spice