My Homemade No Sugar Applesauce Recipe is made with just three ingredients. I’ll give you the directions for raw applesauce, crock pot applesauce, stovetop applesauce, or you can make it in the instant pot. No matter the method, the end result will be the most delicious and healthy applesauce you’ve ever had.
Looking for more Healthy Passover Recipes? Discover new and exciting ways to enjoy Kosher for Passover Recipes while maintaining a balanced diet with Vegetarian and Vegan Recipes for Passover.
Imagine my surprise when I got more direct messages, emails, and calls this week for my applesauce recipe without sugar than I did for latke help….the week before Hanukkah! Whether you’re making my Grandma’s Potato Latkes or my brussels sprouts latkes you’ll definitely want plenty of homemade applesauce to dollop on top.
- No added sugar for a healthy applesauce.
- Tastes like apples.
- Put it in a jar, tie on a ribbon and bring it as a hostess gift.
- EASY recipe and you can choose your cooking method, based on what equipment you already have.
- Make a double batch during apple season and freeze for a healthy snack anytime.
- Delicious excuse to go apple picking.
Best Apples for Applesauce
Using many varieties of apples will result in a more flavorful and wholesome sauce. Here are some of my favorites to use, but my best advice is to use the mix of apples you already have….and if you’re heading to your local farm stand, farmers market or grocery store, choose local, organic apples and be sure to buy a bunch of different apples rather than all one kind.
- Baking apples: These are more firm and hold their shape a bit better when cooked. Perfect for a chunkier sauce. I like Cortland, Fuji, Braeburn, Sugar bee, or Granny Smith Apples.
- Eating apples: Pink Lady, Honeycrisp Apples or Pinata would be my personal preference.
- Cooking apples: these are usually softer and create a smooth applesauce. Golden Delicious, McIntosh
- Tart Apples: Empire, Granny Smith, pink lady, Sugar bee and braeburn.
- Sweet Apples: Gala..they’re naturally sweet so they’re the perfect choice fro this sugar free applesauce recipe.
- Don’t forget to pick from each category. A variety of apples, with representation in the sweet and tart categories will yield the best flavor.
Ingredients
- Apples: See above to help decide what type of apples to use
- Lemon: the acid helps balance the natural sugar and keeps the apple flesh from turning brown.
- Cinnamon Stick: helps infuse the entire batch of applesauce with cinnamon flavor.
How to make it
No matter which cooking method you choose, you’ll need to prep your apples.
- Wash apples well, even if they’re organic.
- Cut in half lengthwise, through the stem and core.
- Remove core, seed and stem. I like to use a melon baller and a paring knife for this.
- Leave the skins on if you’re making chunky applesauce, or peel the apples for a smoother version. If you do peel them, save one long strand of red skin to add to the pot for color.
- Cut each half into 3 chunks.
Instant Pot Applesauce
Place apple pieces, large apple peel and cinnamon sticks into the instant pot. Wash the lemon and take a large piece of the peel off and into the pot. Squeeze the juice into the pot and also add ¼ cup water.
Seal instant pot. Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Use natural release. Then, remove cinnamon sticks, apple and lemon peels. For chunky applesauce, use as is. If you like smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree.
Slow Cooker Applesauce
- Prepare apples as above and place them in your crockpot along with apple peel.
- Wash the lemon and take a large piece of the peel off and into the pot. Squeeze the juice into the pot.
- DO NOT ADD WATER.
- Cook on high for 4 hours.
- Use the back of a spoon to mash any larger chunks of apple.
- If you want a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree.
5-minute Raw Applesauce Recipe
Leave the skins on if you want…they’ll add color, fiber and nutrients. Why not?
Place apple chunks, lemon juice and a touch of cinnamon to blender or food processor and blend until desired consistency. See recipe card for detailed instructions.
How to store
- Choose an airtight container.
- Cool completely, then seal tightly.
- Cooked applesauce will stay good in the refrigerator for a week or freeze for up to 3 months. Use ½ cup super cubes to freeze so you’ll be ready for all the vegan baked goods that call for ½ cup applesauce.
- Raw applesauce will stay good in the fridge for up to 3 days, though it will start to brown after 24 hours.
Can you freeze applesauce
Yes, you can definitely freeze homemade applesauce. Be sure to choose the right sized container and leave just a bit of extra room for the applesauce to expand when frozen. Use ½ cup silicon freezer molds to have the right amount of applesauce handy to include in recipes like zucchini muffins, banana bread, or apple bundt cake.
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📖 Recipe
No Sugar Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 lemon
Instructions
- Prep: Wash the apples, even if they're organic. Cut in half through the stem and cut out the core. Remove the core, seeds and stem and then choose to peel, or not. I use a melon baller to scoop out the center and a small paring knife for the peels. If you do peel the apples, save one longish strand (it will be easier to remove at the end) of red apple peel to add in the batch for color. Cut each apple half into 2-3 sections. Wash the outside of the lemon. Cut a thick piece of the peel.
Instant Pot Directions
- Place apple pieces, cinnamon sticks and lemon peel into the instant pot. Juice the lemon right over the pot. Pour on ¼ cup water.
- Seal the instant pot and set to high pressure for 8 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally.
- Remove cinnamon sticks, apple peel and lemon peel. Stir well. Mash any larger chunks of apple with the back of a spoon for chunky applesauce. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree.
Crockpot Applesauce Directions
- Place apple pieces, cinnamon sticks and lemon peel into the crock pot. Juice the lemon right over the pot. DO NOT ADD WATER. Set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours.
- Remove cinnamon sticks, apple peel and lemon peel. Stir well. Mash any larger chunks of apple with the back of a spoon for chunky applesauce. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree.
Stovetop directions
- Cut apple pieces in half. Place apples, cinnamon sticks and lemon peel into a large pot. Juice the lemon right over the pot. Pour on ¼ cup water.
- Cook over medium heat for 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. If apples aren't tender enough to mash, continue to cook for an additional 5 minutes.
- Remove cinnamon sticks, apple peel and lemon peel. Stir well. Mash any larger chunks of apple with the back of a spoon for chunky applesauce. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to puree.
To make Raw Applesauce
- Remove core, stem and seeds of apples as instructed above. You do not need to peel the apples, but wash them well. Place apple pieces into a high speed blender. Add ½ teaspoon cinnamon rather than the cinnamon sticks. Squeeze the lemon over the blender bowl.
- Blend on high until your desired consistency is achieved. If you're using a Vitamix, use the tamper to get things going and if needed, add 1-2 tablespoons water. If you're using a food processor, use the pulse button so you don't over process and wind up with mush.
- Raw applesauce is best eaten right away. You can store it for 2-3 days in an airtight container in the fridge.
Notes
Nutrition
Note
The nutrition calculations were done using online tools. To obtain the most accurate representation of the nutritional information in any given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients you used. You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information is accurate, complete and useful.
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.
Arlene Alder
I make this with my anna apples twice a year. The tree has two crops and goes dormant in winter. I like it without sugar because the apples have enought.sugar. i also leave my chunky.
Debra Klein
Anna apples are fabulous for apples…how lucky for you to have your own tree.
Jeannette Rosenblatt Webber
Hadn’t tried making applesauce before though LOVED grandma’s and was inspired today by your post. Used the slow cooker method and was so pleased I could peel or not as I could never have pared as smoothly and readily as grandma—she could pare an apple in one shot! Anyway, it’s so delicious so don’t think I can eat store bought again and also I appreciate the breakdown of apple type per use!
Debra Klein
So glad you made it…and now you know just how easy it is to make!
Susan H
Deb, in the slow cooker version, what happens with the remaining apple peel? I’ve traditionally made applesauce in a pot and then strained the seeds and skin with a Foley Food Mill, but it’s a time consuming process and the the skins block the tiny holes in the food mill. I’d love to try the slow cooker version and would appreciate suggestions for removing the peels post cooking (because I like the color they impart).
Debra Klein
If you peel the apples and just leave one longish strand, it’s easy to pluck out of the applesauce. If you opt to leave the skins on, they’re still sorta intact and you can pull them apart from the pulp relatively easily. I usually use a vegetable peeler to take the skins off and include several pieces for that hint of blush color.
Susan H
Thanks for the tips. Someone we know well lives near several orchards and I’ll be going there to pick apples soon.
Davena
This applesauce is sooooo good. Grateful to have found this recipe, just no comparison to store bought.
Debra Klein
Yay…we feel that way too, which is why we always make homemade applesauce…this recipe is so easy, so why settle?