Nothing beats homemade Applesauce and it's surprisingly quick and easy to make! Make it smooth or chunky, spiced or sweet -- you've got all the control when making it yourself!
PREP: Peel, core, and then coarsely chop apples into 2-inch chunks. You should get about 9-1/2 cups of apple chunks.
COOK: In a large pot, add the prepped apples, 1 cup water, 1/2 tsp salt, 2 tbsp maple syrup, and 1/4 tsp cinnamon (if using). Heat over medium-high heat, bringing the mixture to a simmer. Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low and cover the pot with a lid. Cook, stirring occasionally, until apples are very tender, about 18-20 minutes.
COOL AND BLEND: Remove the pot from the heat and let cool for about 10 minutes. Then transfer everything from the pot into a blender (don't fill more than halfway; blend in batches if needed). Carefully (Note 1) blend until completely smooth. For a chunkyapplesauce recipe, use a potato masher to mash to desired consistency.
FINISH: Stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice and optional 1 tsp vanilla. Mix. Taste and adjust adding more maple syrup if sweeter applesauce is desired or more cinnamon for additional spice.
ENJOY: Let cool to room temperature before transferring to an airtight container and storing in the fridge until chilled through, about 1 hour. Leftover applesauce will keep well in the refrigerator for about 1 week, or 6-9 months in the freezer.
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Notes
Note 1: Blending: Don't fill the blender more than halfway at a time. Remember that heat expands, so increase the speed slowly and watch to keep the mixture from exploding out or over. Remove the lid carefully as it will likely release a burst of steam. If your blender doesn’t have a hot/soup setting, you can compensate by replacing the blender lid with a folded towel and holding it in place with your hands. This will help reduce steam pressure.