Easy Stovetop Applesauce with Cinnamon and Maple

This easy stovetop applesauce is simmered with cinnamon and maple syrup for a naturally sweet treat that works as a side dish or snack.

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Prep Time 10

Cook Time 30

Total Time 40

Servings: 1

Course: Side Dishes, Snacks

Cuisine: American

Calories: 100

8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and cut into small chunks About 3 lb total; use a mix of sweet and tart varieties
1/3 cup water
1/4 cup pure maple syrup Optional; reduce to 2 tbsp for a less sweet sauce
1 tsp ground cinnamon
2 Tbsp freshly squeezed Meyer lemon juice Regular lemon juice also works

Wash the apples thoroughly. Peel them with a vegetable peeler or paring knife, core them, and cut into small chunks so they soften quickly.
Place the apple chunks in a large pot or Dutch oven. Add the water, maple syrup, and ground cinnamon, and stir to coat.
Set over medium heat and bring to a gentle simmer. Cover and cook for 20 to 25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and broken down.
Remove the pot from the heat and stir in the lemon juice.
Puree with an immersion blender until smooth, or transfer the mixture to a food processor and blend in batches. Serve warm, or refrigerate for about 2 hours and serve cold.

Calories: 100kcalCarbohydrates: 27gProtein: 1gSodium: 5mgFiber: 3gSugar: 21g

Swap the maple syrup for honey or brown sugar if you prefer a different sweetener.

For a chunkier stovetop applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher instead of blending.

Store cooled applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Freeze in small jars or freezer bags for up to 3 months, leaving a little headroom.

Use sweet apples like Fuji or Gala and reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons if you like a less sweet sauce.

Stir in a pinch of salt and a splash of vanilla extract after blending to round out the flavor.

Let us know how it was!