Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe — Simple & Pure

This is the simplest from-scratch applesauce you can make—just apples, nothing else. No added sugar, juices, or spices, and you don’t even need to peel the fruit. Use whichever apple variety you enjoy for a naturally sweet, wholesome snack.

This no-peel, homemade unsweetened applesauce is almost effortless. The entire recipe centers on one ingredient: fresh apples. Cook them until tender, process or mash, and you have a pure applesauce with bright apple flavor.

When fall arrives, my house transforms—pumpkins everywhere, little woodland touches, wreaths, and mums. But my favorite autumn ritual is apple picking. I inevitably come home with far more apples than three people can eat fresh, so applesauce becomes the best solution.

Applesauce is a wonderful way to use a large quantity of fruit. It’s flavorful, nutritious, and extremely versatile. Enjoy it on its own, stir it into baked goods, add it to smoothies, use it in sauces, or serve it alongside savory dishes.

This applesauce relies solely on the apples’ natural sweetness—no sugar, no cinnamon—so the final taste reflects the varieties you choose. The recipe is especially appealing because you can skip peeling the apples if you have a food mill; the peels stay behind as you mill, leaving smooth sauce.

If you don’t own a food mill, there’s a simple alternative: peel the apples before cooking and then mash or blend them after they’re soft. Either way, you’ll end up with fresh, homemade applesauce that’s far superior to most store-bought jars.

How to make natural and homemade unsweetened applesauce

Makes 2 Cups

What you’ll need:

• 6 medium to large apples — use any eating variety you enjoy or whatever is ripe at the orchard
• 2 tablespoons water
• A food mill (optional but useful for no-peel applesauce)

How to make the applesauce

Slice the apples into wedges. An apple corer/slicer speeds this up, or simply cut 1/2″ slices with a knife.

Place the sliced, unpeeled apples in a medium saucepan with the water. Cover and bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat.

Lower the heat to medium-low, keep the pot covered, and cook about 45 minutes or until the apples are very tender. Test doneness by piercing an apple piece with a knife—there should be no resistance.

Remove the pot from the heat. If using a food mill, set it over a bowl with the medium grinding disc in place.

Transfer the hot apples to the food mill and turn the handle clockwise to grind. Occasionally reverse the handle to clear the blade and disc. Continue until the apples are processed and only peels remain in the mill. Scrape the underside of the mill with a spatula to collect any remaining sauce, stir, and serve.

What if I don’t have a food mill?

No problem—just peel the apples before cooking. After they’re soft, mash them with a potato masher, smooth them with an immersion blender, or use a hand mixer for a finer texture. A food mill is handy for many tasks, but you can make excellent sauce without it.

Beyond applesauce, a food mill is great for no-peel tomato sauce, mashed potatoes, pureed soups, and other vegetable purees. It’s a versatile kitchen tool if you have one.

Which apples should I use for my Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce recipe?

Choose apples you love to eat. If you enjoy the variety fresh, you’ll likely enjoy it in sauce. Mixing varieties can balance sweetness and tartness—Honeycrisp adds sweetness, Granny Smith brings bright tartness, while McIntosh or Cortland produce a softer, classic applesauce texture. Use what’s in season or what you have on hand.

Storing your Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce

Store cooled applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze applesauce—thaw in the refrigerator and stir before serving.

Is applesauce healthy?

While I’m not a doctor, apples are widely recognized as a nutritious fruit. This applesauce contains no added sugars, fats, or additives, making it a wholesome snack or breakfast choice. Apples are high in water and fiber, which can help with fullness, and they contain pectin, a prebiotic fiber that supports gut health.

Keep in mind apples naturally contain sugars, so like most foods, applesauce is best enjoyed in moderation. Overall, it’s an easy way to add a serving of fruit to your day.

What do you eat applesauce with?

Applesauce can be enjoyed in many ways. Here are some of my favorites:

• Serve cold or warmed, with a sprinkle of cinnamon or a handful of dried fruit and nuts for breakfast.
• Use as baby food—plain applesauce is gentle and nutritious for infants.
• Spoon over yogurt or blend into smoothies for natural sweetness.
• Replace oil in baked goods with applesauce to reduce fat while keeping moisture—works well in muffins, quick breads, and brownies.
• Pair with pork chops or sauerkraut for a classic sweet-savory combination.
• Stir into squash or root vegetable soups for extra sweetness and body.
• Use as a base for sauces and dips.

Applesauce is a flexible ingredient that can stretch recipes, add natural sweetness, or make dishes a bit healthier.

Other Recipes You May Like:

Fluffy Applesauce Pancakes Without Milk

Light and Fluffy Applesauce Donut Muffins

Blueberry Lemon Chia Pudding

Downeast Maine Pumpkin Bread

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