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    Home » Recent Posts » Vegetarian

    The Best Apple Cider Applesauce for Fall

    Published: Oct 21, 2019 · Updated: Oct 12, 2021 by Katy McAvoy

    I love when you share my recipes!

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    Jump to Recipe·Print Recipe

    The addition of apple cider creates a deeper apple flavor in this Apple Cider Applesauce.

    Apple Cider Applesauce

    Full of fresh apples and warm spices, there's no substitute for homemade applesauce. This recipe makes a large batch of apple sauce, perfect for freezing so you have some on hand whenever you need it.

    I love using Apple Cider Applesauce in my Apple Cinnamon Baked Oatmeal, or any other recipe I find that calls for applesauce. It has so much more flavor that any of store-bought version you can find.

    What You Need

    Ingredients for Apple Cider Applesauce
    • Apples (I love Gala)
    • Brown sugar
    • Apple cider
    • Ground cinnamon
    • Ground nutmeg
    • Salt
    • Vanilla
    • A lemon

    How to Make Apple Cider Applesauce

    Peel and core the apples. Chop into thin slices. 

    Place apples into a large pot. 

    Stir in remaining ingredients, making sure apples slices are evenly coated. 

    Stirring together sliced apples, sugar, spices and cider.

    Cook apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft. Approximately 25-30 minutes. If the liquid cooks down too much, stir in additional apple cider, ¼ cup at a time.

    Using a potato masher, carefully mash the apples until they are no longer recognizable slices.

    Mashing up cooked apples, sugar and spices.

    Stir the applesauce and continue cooking until desired consistency is reached. 

    Remove from heat and give the apples one final mash to break up any remaining larger chunks. 

    Cool and enjoy!

    Tips on Apple Cider Applesauce

    Can I freeze applesauce?

    Yes! This recipe is one of my favorites to make in big batches during weekend meal prep and freeze. I store mine in zip top bags and freeze it flat. Thaw in the refrigerator or in a shallow dish of cold water, if you're in a hurry.

    What kind of apples should I use?

    I love gala apples in this recipe. They're slightly sweet and hold up well to all the cooking. Gala apples will still leave you with plenty of chunks in your applesauce after you mash them up.

    This is a chunky applesauce.

    If you prefer a smooth applesauce, swap the potato masher for an immersion blender or puree apples in a food processor or traditional blender. (If using a traditional blender, puree in small batches.)

    What if I can't find apple cider?

    If it's not cider season, You can use apple juice or water in place of the apple cider. It will make for a lighter color applesauce and you may need to add more brown sugar. Be sure to taste your applesauce and adjust according to your sweetness preferences.

    What can I use instead of brown sugar?

    If you're looking for an all natural sweetener for your applesauce, swap out the brown sugar for 100% pure maple syrup.

    Make it a Meal

    Serve Apple Cider Applesauce alongside two of my favorite kid-friendly recipes:

    Easy Chicken Nuggets
    Easy Chicken Nuggets
    Parmesan Potato Rounds
    Parmesan Potato Rounds

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    More Delicious Recipes You'll Love

    • Apple Cider Syrup for the BEST Fall Cocktails and Mocktails
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    • The Perfect Fall Spiced Apple Cocktail
    • Caramel Apple Cocktail

    Print the Recipe

    Print

    Apple Cider Applesauce

    Apple Cider Applesauce
    Print Recipe
    Pin Recipe

    Full of fresh apples and warm spices, there's no substitute for homemade applesauce. The addition of apple cider creates a deeper apple flavor in this apple cider applesauce.

    • Author: Katy McAvoy
    • Prep Time: 15 mins
    • Cook Time: 30 min
    • Total Time: 45 mins
    • Yield: 5 cups 1x
    • Category: Snacks
    • Method: Stove Top
    • Cuisine: American

    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 12 apples (I love Gala)
    • 1 cup brown sugar
    • ¾ cup apple cider
    • 2 Tbsp ground cinnamon
    • 1 tsp ground nutmeg
    • 1 tsp salt
    • 1 ½ teaspoon vanilla
    • juice from half of a lemon (about 1 tsp)

    Instructions

    Peel and core the apples. Chop into thin slices. 

    Place apples into a large pot. 

    Stir in remaining ingredients, making sure apples slices are evenly coated. 

    Cook apples over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft. Approximately 25-30 minutes. If the liquid cooks down too much, stir in additional apple cider, ¼ cup at a time.

    Using a potato masher, carefully mash the apples until they are no longer recognizable slices.

    Stir the applesauce and continue cooking until desired consistency is reached. 

    Remove from heat and give the apples one final mash to break up any remaining larger chunks. 

    Cool and enjoy!

    Keywords: apple, cider, apples, applesauce, fall, spices, cinnamon, homemade

    Did you make this recipe?

    Share a photo and tag me @katymcavoy on Instagram! I can’t wait to see what you made!

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    I love when you share my recipes!

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    About Katy McAvoy

    Katy is the author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, and Michigander behind MittenGirl.com. Since 2017, she's been crafting easy-to-make cocktails and delicious meals, along with sharing her love of all things Michigan (a.k.a. The Mitten)!

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    Katy McAvoy

    Hi! I’m Katy. I’m an author, photographer, home cook, mixologist, Michigander, and lover of all things food and drink. I never turn down a good happy hour and believe that a couple hours of meal prep pays off for daaaaays. Follow me on Instagram to check out what I’m working on next!

    More about me →

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