Easy Applesauce Recipe with Canning Tips (2024)

This easy applesauce recipe can be made using fresh apples or made with the apple pulp from the remains of apples which have been juiced using a steam juicer. To create a unique flavor consider mixing apple varieties, while using honey as a natural sweetener. As easy as this applesauce recipe is to make, canning applesauce is just as simple!

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Making applesauce is easy, however, this particular recipe uses apples which remained after they had been juiced. There is really no point in discarding the pulp, it transforms into an amazing sauce. But don’t worry, I’ve included additional recipes for canning applesauce using fresh apples.

• Honey Cinnamon Applesauce in the Crockpot
• Homemade Applesauce for Canning
• Fast and Easy Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot

I am not sure if there is really such a thing as the “best” apples to use when it comes to making and canning applesauce. Especially for those of us who homestead, forage, or glean for apples. I’m not partial to selecting one apple over another. However, Honey Crisp apples are definitely my first choice for any apple project.

There are few factors to keep in mind when selecting apples for making any applesauce recipe:

• Natural Flavor – McIntosh and Granny Smith apples are more on the tart side, whereas, Gala and Golden Delicious provide a sweeter flavor.
• Price Point – Honeycrisp apples make an amazing sauce, however, is the price per pound worth the cost? The answer is, yes, if the apples are being made into a juice concentrate to be canned and applesauce.
• Texture – Do you prefer a smooth or chunky applesauce? Certain apples create a smooth sauce, whereas, Ida Red are known to be excellent for a chunky applesauce.

Select the Best Apple Variety

I am not sure if there is really such a thing as the “best” apples to use when it comes to making and canning applesauce. Especially for those of us who homestead, forage, or glean for apples. I’m not partial to selecting one apple over another. However, Honey Crisp apples are definitely my first choice for any apple project.

There are few factors to keep in mind when selecting apples for making any applesauce recipe:

• Natural Flavor – McIntosh and Granny Smith apples are more on the tart side, whereas, Gala and Golden Delicious provide a sweeter flavor.
• Price Point – Honeycrisp apples make an amazing sauce, however, is the price per pound worth the cost? The answer is, yes, if the apples are being made into a juice concentrate to be canned and applesauce.
• Texture – Do you prefer a smooth or chunky applesauce? Certain apples create a smooth sauce, whereas, Ida Red are known to be excellent for a chunky applesauce.

With that said, here are a few popular choices. But again, any apple variety will do! And don’t forget, mix and match for an amazing tasting applesauce.

• McIntosh
• Gala
• Golden Delicious
• Fuji
• Honey Crisp

Select a Sweetener

There are many varieties of apples which are naturally sweet and do not require additional sweetener. However, if a sweetener is needed these make excellent choices:

• Honey
• Maple Syrup
• Brown Sugar or granulated organic sugar

Working with Apples

In addition to this easy applesauce recipe for canning, take a look at other methods for preserving apples:

• Canning Apple Juice Concentrate
• Canning Apple Salsa
• Crockpot Apple Butter for Canning
• Apple Pull-apart Bread
• Dehydrated Cinnamon Apple Rings
• Homemade Apple Cider Vinegar
• Spiced Apple Shrub
• Homemade Apple Fruit Pectin
• Apple Pie Moonshine
• Canning Apple Slices
• Canning Apple Pie Filling

Easy Applesauce Recipe

Again, this easy applesauce recipe is designed to create a zero waste product. The apple pulp is what is left from making, and canning, juice concentrate using a steam juicer. There’s something to be said about creating a zero waste product, and as a homesteader, it truly feels good!

Ingredients

• apple pulp, from extracting apple juice
• 1 cup brown sugar, optional or 3/4 cup honey
• 6 tsp cinnamon
• 3 tbsp bottled lemon juice

Easy Applesauce Recipe – Equipment

• Steam Canner or Hot Water Bath Canner
• Food Mill or Large Spoon
• Immersion Blender
• Jar Funnel
• Ladle
• Air Bubble Remover
• Pint or Quart size Mason jars

Easy Applesauce Recipe – Instructions

This applesauce recipe is extremely easy, and again, the ability to utilize the entire apple for a zero waste product is a great gift!

1. Once the steaming process for making juice concentrate is complete, allow apple pulp to cool enough to handle.
2. Prepare steam canner or hot water bath canner, jars, and warm lids.
3. Remove skins from apple pulp using a food mill or with a spoon.
4. On medium high heat add apple pulp, brown sugar, cinnamon, and lemon juice to a heavy bottom pan or enamel dutch oven. Bring to boil, stirring often.
5. For a thinner applesauce blend the sauce using an immersion blender until the desired consistency is met.
6. Ladle applesauce into clean jars. Wipe rims, add warmed lids, and rings to finger tight.
7. The processing time is based on your altitude, see chart below.

Note

Adjust the sweetness of this easy applesauce by increasing or lessening the sugar amount.

My Book

For additional tip, trick, and recipes on how to preserve foods grab a copy of my book, The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest. Whether you are a novice or seasoned home food preserver my book has something for everyone. Learn how to can, ferment, dry, cure, freeze, and store raw the harvest as a sustainable homesteader would.

Copies of The Farm Girl's Guide to Preserving the Harvest can be purchased online at the following sites, Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Target, Walmart, Books a Million, and on my website.

Printable recipe card – Easy Applesauce Recipe with Canning Tips

To make things easier, enjoy this printable recipe card for your convenience!

Utilizing the apple mush to make this easy applesauce recipe creates a zero waste product. And remember, canning applesauce allows you to enjoy this fall item throughout the year.