Reasons to love this Unsweetened Applesauce
Ready in 30 minutes or less Contains no added sugar – perfect for babies and toddlers Highly customizable – depending on the apples used, you can create a blend of tart and sweet flavors Less expensive than store-bought Can enjoy it on its own or mix it into baked goods, like spinach pancakes, pumpkin oatmeal bars, and other recipes for a healthy, delicious boost!
Apple Puree vs. Applesauce
Apple puree is smooth and creamy, ideal for baby food and baking. It’s made by blending cooked apples until perfectly smooth. Applesauce, on the other hand, can be smooth or chunky, with small apple bits. It’s often used as a snack or recipe ingredient and may have added sugars or spices.
Best Variety of Apples to Use
To make delicious unsweetened applesauce, you need to start with good apples! With so many varieties available, this may be the hardest part of the recipe. But it’s quite simple!
Use apples that are ripe during the peak of ripeness (around late July to early November depending on the variety). Avoid those that are bruised or soft. Use ones that you and your family enjoy snacking on the most. Or if you are up for it, experiment with different varieties. It will be a fun way to switch up flavors.
Ingredients
Apples – While most recipes instruct you to remove the peel, I encourage you to keep it on. It’s where most of the fiber and nutrients are. Core and roughly cut into chunks. Lemon – Helps the apple keep its color and prevents sauce from turning brown. Water
Step-by-Step Instructions
How to Make Chunky Applesauce
You will need a blender or food processor to break down the peel appropriately. Wait until apples are cooled then transfer to blender. Give quick pulses. I almost always use fuji because that’s what we enjoy the most and always have on hand.
Braeburn – tart Golden delicious – sweet Honeycrisp – sweet Fuji – sweet Cameo – sweet, slightly tart Jonagold – sweet, slightly tart Gala – Mildly sweet Granny Smith – very tart Pink lady -tart, slightly sweet McIntosh – soft, creamy
You may still find some chunks with the peel. You can discard or enjoy them yourself! I am team no food waste ;). Note: If you are especially nervous about serving the skin, you can peel before cooking. Always do what’s most comfortable for you.
How to Make Unsweetened Apple Puree
Follow the instructions above, but instead of pulsing, blend until completely smooth. If you are just starting your weaning journey, you may prefer this smooth applesauce over the chunky. However, I highly encourage you to introduce your baby to the chunky applesauce (or any other texture for that matter) by 9 months at the latest. What you can also do is blend until chunky, remove half from the blender and then blend the rest until smooth. That way you have two texture variations to alternate between.
Serving Suggestions for Babies and Toddlers
The Ultimate Guide to Apples for Baby
Oatmeal Quinoa Cereal Yogurt Overnight oats Muffins Pancakes Spread onto toast
How to Store Unsweetened Applesauce
Allow to come to room temperature and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or in the freezer for up to 6 months. I like to store in 1/2 cup portions as that’s how much is needed for most of my baked goods. I can easily grab a jar and thaw in the fridge overnight. These small jars work great! You can also freeze in ice cube or other freezer trays. Once frozen solid, pop them out and transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Did you make this recipe? Leave a rating below and let me know how you liked the recipe! Your feedback means so much to me!
