Making homemade applesauce is easier than most people think, and canning it allows you to enjoy fresh apple flavor all year long. Whether you prefer smooth applesauce or a chunky texture, this simple step-by-step method will help you safely prepare, can, and store delicious homemade applesauce from fresh apples.
Why Homemade Applesauce Is Worth Making
Homemade applesauce tastes fresher, richer, and more natural than store-bought varieties. You can control the sweetness, texture, and spices while avoiding preservatives and unnecessary additives. It’s also a great way to use extra apples from your garden or local orchard.
Choosing The Best Apples For Applesauce
You can use almost any apple variety, but softer apples cook down faster and create a smoother sauce. Tart apples like Granny Smith add bold flavor, while sweeter apples reduce the need for extra sugar. Mixing varieties creates the best balance of sweetness and texture.
Before starting:
- Wash all apples thoroughly
- Remove bruised or damaged areas
- Separate good peels and cores if you plan to make apple jelly later
Save Apple Peels And Cores For Homemade Jelly
Instead of throwing away peels and cores, simmer them in water for several hours to create homemade apple juice for jelly making.
Simple Apple Juice Method
- Place peels and cores in a large pot
- Cover with water by about 2 inches
- Simmer for 3–4 hours
- Stir occasionally to prevent scorching
- Strain the liquid
- Refrigerate for a day or two so sediment settles
This produces a clear apple juice that works beautifully for homemade jelly.
Step 1: Prepare The Apples
Peel and core the apples, then cut them into quarters or smaller chunks. Smaller pieces cook faster and break down more evenly.
Place the prepared apples into a large stockpot.
Step 2: Add Water And Sugar
For approximately 12 pounds of apples:
- Add 2 cups of water
- Add 4–5 cups of sugar (adjust to taste)
Stir continuously while cooking to prevent sticking or burning. As the apples soften, they release additional liquid.
Important Tip
Add extra water slowly if needed. Applesauce should be thick but still easy to stir.
Step 3: Cook The Applesauce
Cook over medium heat for about 30–45 minutes, stirring frequently.
The apples will gradually soften and become mushy. Some foam may appear on top during cooking, which is completely normal.
You can decide how smooth or chunky you want your applesauce:
- Smooth applesauce: cook longer and mash thoroughly
- Chunky applesauce: leave some larger apple pieces intact
Sugar-Free Applesauce Option
If you prefer a healthier version or need a diabetic-friendly option, simply skip the sugar.
Unsweetened applesauce burns more easily, so stir constantly while cooking. Sweeteners and spices like cinnamon can be added later when serving.
When To Add Spices
If you want flavored applesauce, add spices during the last 5 minutes of cooking.
Popular options include:
- Cinnamon
- Nutmeg
- Allspice
- Cloves
Keeping the applesauce plain makes it more versatile for baking and cooking recipes like meatloaf, muffins, and cakes.
Step 4: Sterilize The Jars
Proper jar preparation is essential for safe canning.
Jar Preparation Method
- Wash jars thoroughly
- Place jars in a 225°F oven to stay hot
- Heat lids in hot (not boiling) water for at least 10 minutes
This softens the sealing compound on the lids and helps create a better seal.
Step 5: Fill The Jars
Carefully remove one hot jar at a time and fill with applesauce, leaving about ½ inch headspace.
After filling:
- Remove air bubbles using a chopstick or wooden skewer
- Wipe the jar rim clean with a damp cloth
- Place the lid on top
- Screw on the band until fingertip tight
Step 6: Process The Jars
Place jars into your canner or steam canner.
Steam Canning Method
- Add a few inches of water to the bottom
- Load jars onto the rack
- Cover with the lid
- Heat on high until a steady 8-inch stream of steam appears
- Process jars for 20 minutes
This timing works for both pints and quarts.
Step 7: Cool And Store
After processing:
- Remove the canner from heat
- Allow it to cool for about 5 minutes
- Carefully remove the lid slowly to avoid temperature shock
Let jars cool completely before storing.
Properly sealed jars can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
Creative Applesauce Variation
For a fun twist, replace sugar with red cinnamon candies for a sweet and spicy applesauce with a beautiful pink color.
Adding a little lemon juice while preparing apples also helps prevent browning.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to can homemade applesauce is a rewarding skill that helps preserve fresh apples for months. Whether you make it sweetened, unsweetened, smooth, or chunky, homemade applesauce delivers comforting flavor and wholesome ingredients in every jar.
Once you try homemade canned applesauce, you may never want store-bought again.