Table of Contents
Imagine walking into your kitchen and being greeted by the sweet aroma of cooking apples mixed with warm cinnamon. It’s the scent that instantly takes you back to childhood, maybe to a cozy afternoon when the weather turned crisp and all you wanted was something comforting in your bowl. This cinnamon-spiced apple sauce isn’t just a recipe it’s an experience. It’s the kind of dish you make when you want your home to smell like autumn, when you crave a flavor that is simple, natural, and soul-soothing.
Why You’ll Love This Cinnamon Apple Sauce
You’re about to create a recipe that’s:
- Naturally delicious – made entirely from fresh apples with no unnecessary additives.
- Customizable – you can adjust the sweetness and spice level to suit your taste.
- Versatile – enjoy it warm, chilled, or as a side to roasted meats, pancakes, yogurt, and even oatmeal.
- Perfect for meal prep – make a big batch and store it for upcoming breakfasts and snacks.
5-Ingredient Cinnamon Apple Sauce That Tastes Like Fall
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 6 cups
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A comforting cinnamon-spiced apple sauce made with fresh apples, perfect for fall or any time you crave warm, sweet flavors.
Ingredients
- 8 cooking apples (4 Granny Smiths, 4 Golden Delicious)
- ½ cup water
- ½ cup sugar (adjust to taste)
- Pinch of salt
- ½–1 teaspoon cinnamon, optional
- Lemon juice to taste, optional
Instructions
1. Peel, core, and slice or chop apples.
2. Place apples in a large saucepan with water and sugar.
3. Mix and simmer, stirring frequently and mashing with a potato masher when apples soften.
4. When sauce reaches your desired consistency (20-30 minutes), taste for sweetness and add more sugar if desired.
5. Add cinnamon and more if desired.
6. Add lemon juice if the applesauce is too sweet.
Notes
Adjust spice and sweetness to your preference.
Store in airtight containers in fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for later.
Perfect served warm with pancakes, oatmeal, or pork.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dessert, Side Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients for Homemade Cinnamon Apple Sauce
| Ingredient | Quantity | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Cooking apples (Granny Smith & Golden Delicious) | 8 | 4 of each variety recommended |
| Water | ½ cup | Prevents burning during cooking |
| Sugar | ½ cup | Adjust to taste depending on apple sweetness |
| Salt | Pinch | Balances flavors |
| Cinnamon | ½ – 1 tsp | Optional, but recommended for depth |
| Lemon juice | To taste | Optional; adds brightness to flavor |
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
- Peel, core, and slice or chop all apples.
- Choose a mix of tart (Granny Smith) and sweet (Golden Delicious) for the best taste profile.
Step 2: Start Cooking
- Place apples in a large saucepan.
- Add water and sugar, and give everything a gentle stir.
Step 3: Simmer to Softness
- Heat the mixture over medium-low heat.
- Stir frequently and mash with a potato masher as the apples soften.
- This stage takes about 20-30 minutes, depending on your desired texture.
Step 4: Adjust Flavor
- Taste your sauce. If it needs more sweetness, add a bit more sugar.
- Stir in cinnamon and adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Add a splash of lemon juice if the sauce feels overly sweet.
Step 5: Serve or Store
- Enjoy immediately while warm or allow it to cool and store in jars for future use.
Helpful Tips for Perfect Apple Sauce
- Go fresh – Using apples in season ensures peak flavor.
- Texture control – Mash less for a chunkier sauce or purée in a blender for silky smooth apple sauce.
- Storage – Store in airtight jars in the fridge for up to 7 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Serving ideas – Great as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal; or as a side for pork dishes.
FAQ – Cinnamon Apple Sauce
1. Can I make apple sauce without sugar?
Yes, you can skip sugar entirely or replace it with honey or maple syrup for a natural sweetness.
2. How do I make chunky apple sauce?
Mash lightly during cooking and stop as soon as the apple pieces are soft but still intact.
3. Can I can this apple sauce?
Absolutely, follow safe canning procedures for long-term storage.
4. Why add lemon juice?
It balances sweetness, prevents browning, and adds fresh notes to the flavor profile.
Conclusion
You now have a simple, delicious, and flexible cinnamon-spiced apple sauce recipe that you can make any time you want comfort in a bowl. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, your taste buds will thank you, and you’ll have a versatile dish ready for endless pairings. So, grab your apples, heat up your stove, and let autumn fill your home.