Making this homemade chunky applesauce is really so easy! Fresh apples are cooked down with cinnamon and sugar to make the best applesauce. It is the perfect accompaniment to potato latkes for Hanukkah. Serve it warm or cold.
8medium applesLike honeycrisp, gala, fuji, pink lady, granny smith, envy, or a combination
½cupfiltered water
¼ to ½cupgranulated sugardepending on personal preference and the sweetness of the apples
3cinnamon sticks
lemon juiceOptional. To squeeze on apples to prevent browning
Instructions
Peel and core apples and cut into small slices. I like to use an apple corer and slicer gadget. Once the apple is cut into 8 slices with the gadget, use a knife to cut each slice into 2 or 3 skinny slices, yielding 16 to 24 small slices per apple. Or just chop up the peeled apple any way you'd like.
Place all the ingredients in a 6 to 8 quart pot uncovered. Bring to a boil on the stovetop, and then turn flame down to medium. As the apples cook, stir periodically and mash apart with a fork or potato masher. Takes about ½ hour. The applesauce is ready when the apples chunks are tender and most of the water has simmered out. Applesauce will be chunky and delicious.
Serve warm or cold. If making ahead, let cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container with lid.
Notes
How to store: Store applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days.
How to freeze: Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.