Imagine my surprise when I got more direct messages, emails, and calls this week for my recipe for 5-minute healthy applesauce than I did for latke help. Earlier in the week, I had posted a photo of my brussels sprouts latkes on Instagram, with a dollop of homemade applesauce on top, which could explain the sudden interest.
A non-scientific poll I conducted showed that applesauce is the preferred topping on latkes. Hands down. 9 out of 10 people surveyed wanted to top those latkes with applesauce. I guess I’m not alone! One of the reasons I like apple sauce as a topping is that it is a healthy choice.
5-Minute Healthy Applesauce Benefits:
- Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C.
- Good for weight loss: Apples are filling because they are high in fiber and water.
- Apples are loaded with flavonoids which have been shown to lower blood pressure
- Apples have compounds that can help fight asthma, cancer and low bone density.
- Promote Good Gut Bacteria: apples feed good bacteria and therefore could be the reason they protect against obesity, heart disease and type II diabetes.
- Keep the peels on: they contain polyphenols which are loaded with anti-oxidants.
I used to make applesauce in the slow cooker. Although I did love the way the house smelled after a day of apples and cinnamon cooking away, I often didn’t have the time to wait for them to be ready. Where was 5-minute healthy applesauce then? Most of my most popular recipes are born out of a personal need, and this one is no exception! Another reason I like applesauce as a topping for latkes is that it is quick and simple to make.
5-minute healthy applesauce tastes like apples!!
A few years ago, I was experimenting with eating a mostly raw and vegan diet, I tried making applesauce without cooking it and I was so surprised how much more like apples it tasted! Another thing to love about this raw applesauce is how quickly it comes together. I could make applesauce, from scratch in under 5 minutes!!! Additionally, keeping it raw meant no nutrients lost in the cooking process. What I didn’t love was that it couldn’t be made in advance without turning to a brown, murky color. Enter the apple cider vinegar….which hubby thinks is the cure-all to everything….in this recipe. Genius really!
With the addition of apple cider vinegar, 5-Minute healthy applesauce will stay good in the fridge for up to a week!! Game changer on so many levels. When I entertain, I like to leave as little as possible for the last minute. Because of this, I love that I can make this applesauce in advance. This frees me up to enjoy my guests. Another reason I like applesauce is that it makes an awesome gift! Last year, after the apple cider vinegar discovery, I started bringing a jar of homemade applesauce along as a hostess gift at holiday parties. Everyone enjoys a homemade (and tasty) gift. I definitely plan on repeating that success again this year.
10 Best things about 5-minute healthy applesauce:
- Good for you
- Simple prep
- Easy clean up
- Tastes like apples
- Loaded with fiber
- No nutrients lost in cooking
- Stays good in fridge for up to a week
- Raw
- Makes a great gift
- Vegan
Wishing all who celebrate a Happy and Healthy Hanukkah….filled with light and latkes (and applesauce).
5-Minute Healthy Applesauce
Easy recipe for wholesome applesauce.
Few ingredients, no refined sugar.
Naturally gluten-free and healthy.
Ingredients
- 6 organic apples**
- 1 Tablespoon + 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
- Slice apples in half. Do not peel. Core and seed (I use a melon-baller to make this easy), then trim the stem and ends. Slice halves in half again and then add to bowl of food processor or pitcher of high-speed blender.
- Add in apple cider vinegar, cinnamon and dates if using.
- If you’re using a vita-mix, use the tamper to get things going and if needed 1-2 Tablespoons water.
- If you’re using a food processor, use the pulse button and mix until desired consistency. Take care not to over process and wind up with mush (though it will still be tasty).
- Raw applesauce will stay good in fridge for up to a week. If you’re going to eat it right away, you can skip the ACV.
Notes
OPTIONAL: add in 2 medjool dates, pitted for additional natural sweetness, a pinch of cloves or allspice (JUST A PINCH) is also tasty.
*A variety of apples will result in a more flavorful and wholesome sauce. Use a mixture of cooking apples like Gala, Fuji or McIntosh along with some firmer apples like honey crisp or pink lady.
You may need to add 1-2 Tablespoons of water.
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
6Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 95Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 2mgCarbohydrates: 25gFiber: 4gSugar: 19gProtein: 0g
Gloria
WOW…I have lots of apples in the fridge that I need to use up. Now I know what I am going to do with them. This is perfect to give to the grandkids for an after-school snack.
Debra Klein
It’s an awesome after school snack. Satisfies a sweet tooth without any added sugar!
Lisa
My grandmother used to make homemade applesauce for us and I thought it was the best thing ever. Hers was slow-cooked, but I love the idea that you can make a fresh applesauce without the wait. Bonus for keeping the skins on, too — aside from the nutritional value — I’m especially keen for the time-saving aspect. No need for the ACV – this won’t last in my house.
Debra Klein
Doesn’t last long in my house either!!
Dana
I’ve been on such an apple kick lately. I CAN’T STOP EATING THEM. This is totally something I need to do. I love applesauce, and it can actually make a great sub-in for sugar when baking. With all of that Christmas baking coming up, this is really timely! (Though, at this rate, I’ll probably eat it all before it makes it into any actual recipe.) I always find homemade applesauce to be SO much more flavorful that store bought. The cinnamon really sings!
Debra Klein
Totally!! If you’re going to use this for baking, keep the blender on for a bit longer for a smooth puree.
Trish
This is such a good idea! I love that you left the skins on rather than tossed them. I’m off to check out those brussels sprouts latkes. They sound soooo amazing!
Debra Klein
Some of the best nutrients and fiber are in the skins, it would have been a shame to waste that…plus it’s such a time savings to leave the peels on.
Daniela
This is so easy to make! And adding the cider vinegar is just genius; I bet it also adds a nice tang to the applesauce in addition to helping to preserve it. Great recipe! I can’t wait to make some to spoon over some latkes!
Debra Klein
Absolutely the best flavor and perfect over latkes.
Carmy
I can’t believe this only takes 5 minutes and I never made it at home! Easy peasy! Such great timing too with the holidays, I love making gifts for friends so this would be great. I mean, who can say no to a delicious homemade applesauce.
Debra Klein
I certainly wouldn’t say no if someone brought me a delicious and healthy gift like this! Nobody has to know you threw it together in under 5 minutes!
Leah
I LOVE how quick this applesauce is! I always think applesauce is so labor intensive and difficult, and you have totally changed my mind. I cannot wait to try this recipe out!
Debra Klein
You’ll never make it on the stove again. This recipe is so easy and you can easily leave it in the blender a bit longer if you like it smoother or a bit shorter if chunky is more your style.
Tracy
You have just answered my homemade apple sauce prayers! Apple sauce is one of my daughter’s favorite snacks but we make it on the stove and it definitely doesn’t take 5 minutes so I resort to the packets. Not anymore – thank you!
Debra Klein
Awesome!! So much better when made fresh. She will love the rich apple taste.
Traci
Raw apple sauce is such a great idea! Seems like everyone owns a high-speed blender these days, so this recipe is so accessible! I love it that you don’t have to add sugar to this, But I also sure wouldn’t mind those medjool dates too! Can’t wait to give this a go! Thanks for sharing 🙂
Debra Klein
You’ll love this recipe with or without the dates. It’s amazing how much you can taste the apples when they haven’t been watered down. Yum.
Marisa Franca
What a marvelous idea. I imagine that the cider would give the sauce the added acidity to prevent it from going sour. We love applesauce and now the apples really seem plentiful. I can’t believe that you can have some delicious sauce in five minutes. And your idea for giving this away as a gift it fantastic.
Debra Klein
Thank you! One of our favorite and simple gifts to give.
Mackenzie
Where has this been all my life?!?! I’ve always loved homemade applesauce, but get so frustrated with how long it takes in the slow cooker. (although, like you, I enjoy the smell). My kids eat applesauce so quickly that this will be instantly gone! Now I feel like the time investment matches how quickly it’s eaten!
Debra Klein
Isn’t that the truth about so much of the cooking we do….gobbled up so quickly. I totally agree.
Amanda
I can’t believe I’ve never made applesauce using my vitamix! What a fantastic idea. I love that you don’t need to cook the apples down. I love the idea of sweetening it with Medjool dates, too (my favorite). Such a great way to enjoy a cozy treat in such a healthy way. I know what I’m going with the bin-ful of apples I have in my fridge!
Debra Klein
I felt the same way the first time I tried it. Bam…now it’s on repeat over here.