This easy Homemade Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce recipe replaces the store bought stuff and will never let you down. Once you get a taste of this delicious and slightly chunky version of a classic, you’ll be making it every week.
There are just some things that are better homemade. Applesauce tops my list for items I’ll never go back to buying premade. The smooth texture and overly sweet taste of the jarred stuff just doesn’t really appeal to anyone in our house. It personally reminds me a bit of baby food.
This recipe has full apple flavor, a wonderful texture, and beautifully appetizing caramel color.
Pork is my go to main dish with applesauce. Balsamic Pork Chops, Oven Roasted Pork Tenderloin, and Sous Vide Sausage are just a few delicious options.
Make this recipe, because…
The combination of tart apple, brown sugar, and warm cinnamon freshly cooked is a taste that can’t be beat by the grocery store versions.
This recipe can be made as a quick and delicious side dish.
No fancy apple varieties needed. Those always available, inexpensive Granny Smith apples are the perfect applesauce apple.
Scaled up, you can store this side dish in the freezer for up to six months and always have a great side dish on hand.
It tastes great served warm or cold.
It pairs perfectly with pork chops, savory chicken dishes, or makes a great snack.
Ingredients
Granny Smith Apples - Tart cooking apple that is perfect for a chunky applesauce and pies. They hold up well for cooking and the slightly tart taste makes for a well balanced flavor that isn’t too sweet.
Cinnamon- This adds warm, sweet spice and amazing fragrance.
Brown Sugar- This is refined white sugar mixed with molasses. This will add a nice caramel color to the applesauce.
Water- A small amount of water is needed to help the applesauce cook without burning. As the apples cook, they will release a fair amount of water and as it simmers the extra water evaporates and leaves you with thick, chunky applesauce.
Instructions
Step 1
- First, wash and peel apples. Then, remove the cores and chop into 1 inch pieces.
Step 2
- Next, put the apples into a small pot and add brown sugar, cinnamon, and water.
Step 3
- Bring the apples to a steady simmer and let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir the cooked applesauce to break up some of the larger chunks.
- Serve warm or cold with your favorite main dish.
Applesauce can be kept in the refrigerator for up to seven days. It can be frozen in a food storage container for up to 6 months.
Granny Smith is the reigning queen of cooking apples. While there are many other delicious cooking apples, the slightly tart flavor and crisp texture hold up really well to cooking. Other apple varieties can be a bit too sweet or turn mealy when cooked.
Chef's Tips
Cut the apple chunks evenly. The chunks in this chunky applesauce should be small and very tender. Oversized pieces will take too long too and could be left crunchy. (not a good texture for applesauce)
Keep an eye on the applesauce while it is cooking. Give it a gentle stir every few minutes to help it cook evenly and prevent burning.
Double the batch and enjoy it again later in the week.
Related Recipes
- Roasted Glazed Carrots
- Brussels Sprouts with Sweet Potato Hash
- Bacon Balsamic Brussels Sprouts
- Roasted Artichokes with Roasted Garlic Aioli
- One Pot Mushroom Rice
- Homemade Cinnamon Orange Cranberry Sauce
"📖 Recipe"
Homemade Chunky Cinnamon Applesauce
Ingredients
- 5 Cups Granny Smith Apples 4-5 apples, peeled and cubed
- ⅓ Cup Brown Sugar
- ⅔ Cup Water
- 1 Teaspoon Cinnamon
Instructions
- First, wash and peel apples. Then, remove the cores and chop into 1 inch pieces.
- Next, put the apples into a small pot and add brown sugar, cinnamon, and water.
- Bring the apples to a steady simmer and let cook for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Stir the cooked applesauce to break up some of the larger chunks.
- Serve warm or cold with your favorite main dish.
Notes
- Cut the apple chunks evenly. The chunks in this chunky applesauce should be small and very tender. Oversized pieces will take too long too and could be left crunchy. (not a cook texture for applesauce)
- Keep an eye on the applesauce while it is cooking. Give it a gentle stir every few minutes to help it cook evenly and prevent burning.
- Double the batch and enjoy it again later in the week.
Nutrition
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Pam
My grandkids love anything with apples and cinnamon so I'm making this for them Saturday!
Jamie
I love how simple the ingredients are and how easy it was to make! My family loved the chunky texture too~
Kristen Wood
My kids loved this! We can't wait to make it again! 🙂
Beth
This homemade applesauce is absolutely delicious and such a hit here! My son loved this when he got home from school! Perfect snack and we love it more than store bought!
Nart
This sauce smells heavenly. I love that you use granny smith apples - my favorite kind!