There’s nothing like warm homemade cinnamon applesauce. This post shares how to make the easiest and yummiest version, and the many benefits of this awesome sauce. (You’ll love how healthy it is!)
Have you ever made homemade applesauce?
Better yet... Have you ever tasted homemade applesauce?
Three words: Oh. My. Goodness.
This recipe is as easy as it is delicious. And holy smokes, it is amazingly delicious.
What’s more, is that it can be enjoyed in a myriad of ways! Have it as a comforting fall snack (much like these Healthy Cinnamon Apples). Or enjoy it with some healthy vanilla ice cream drizzled with salted caramel sauce?
I mean the list goes on! You can even add it to your overnight oats, protein pancakes, or favorite smoothies. Whatever you decide, homemade applesauce adds a luxurious and decadent touch to any dish.
The best thing about making your own is that it’s free from unhealthy amounts of added sugar and you can control the taste. Finish it off with a sprinkle of cinnamon and you're living right.
So right, you may never buy canned applesauce again.
Is Cinnamon Applesauce Healthy?
Cinnamon applesauce is healthy because the ingredients are simple and the wonderful fact that apples are rich in phytonutrients (antioxidants). Yup, and there's more!
Here are some of the amazing benefits of applesauce:
1. Applesauce may boost digestive health: Apples have been long known to help in treating digestive problems like constipation, diarrhea, and IBS. Since it also contains pectin, it may be used as a prebiotic which feeds good bacteria and improve gut health.
2. It may improve heart health: Apple sauce has almost the same amount of soluble fiber as whole apples. Fiber is great in helping with lowering blood cholesterol levels. The polyphenols, on the other hand, may aid in reducing blood pressure.
3. Applesauce may have cancer-fighting properties: Antioxidants in apples are known to help reduce the risk of certain cancers.
4. It may lower the risk of asthma: Applesauce may lower your risk of asthma due once again to the fab antioxidants in the apples which may combat oxidative stress in your lungs.
5. Applesauce is low-fat, low-calorie: You’re getting a good dose of fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants while saving on tons of calories and unhealthy fats. It’s healthy and filling enough to be a snack and helps keep you full. It's a great addition to weight loss diets.
What Apples Make The Best Applesauce?
The best thing about making your own applesauce is you can control the taste, sugar level, and texture. Prefer to make yours on the sweeter side? There are apples for that. Do you enjoy it with a more tangy flavor to it? There are also apples for that!
Here are the best types of apples you can use depending on flavor:
Apple | Taste |
Granny Smith | Tangy and tart |
Cripps Pink, Pink Lady McIntosh, Rome | Tangy and sweet |
Gala, Fuji, Golden Delicious | Mild to very sweet |
What Is In This Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce?
Would you believe this recipe only has 3 ingredients? You can even make it in bigger batches for canning. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Apples peeled (peeled, cored, and quartered): Depending on the flavor and sweetness you prefer, you can mix and match from a variety of apples! Rich in phytonutrients, and vitamins, you’re getting a boost of benefits from the apples alone.
- Water: This will help them stew.
- Ground cinnamon: Complete the cozy and warm flavors of your applesauce! Plus, a boost in antioxidants and many more disease-fighting benefits. Yay!
Can I Lose Weight Eating Applesauce?
Though it can totally be enjoyed as a dessert, applesauce can be very beneficial for a weight loss diet. Here’s how:
- It may help suppress your appetite: Because of the pectin in apples
- The fiber in apples may aid in better digestion and satiety
- It’s filling enough to be enjoyed as a snack on its own: Maybe add a teaspoon of peanut butter for extra protein and healthy fats
- You’ll save a LOT on calories: One cup has around 100 calories
To make sure you’re maximizing its weight loss benefits, pick a brand with no added sugar. Or better yet, use this recipe and skip the sugar! Trust me, it’s so good — you won’t need it.
Does Cinnamon Applesauce Have Added Sugar?
This cinnamon applesauce recipe has NO added sugar. The sugar content from this version comes naturally from the apples.
Sweetened or canned versions from store-bought applesauce may contain unhealthy added sugars from the corn syrup or high fructose corn syrup. Which of course, I’d recommend you avoid!
For any dishes or recipes that call for it, here are some examples of healthy sweeteners I love to use.
Why Is Cinnamon Good For You?
Not only does cinnamon have loads of benefits but it also has antibacterial, anti-viral, and anti-fungal properties! Here are more amazing benefits of adding this spice into your diet:
- It may improve gut health
- Can help lower blood pressure
- It may aid with digestion
- May help lower blood sugar levels (and lower the risk of Type 2 Diabetes)
- It has anti-inflammatory benefits
- Can help boost your energy
- It may help fight colds (because of its anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties)
How To Store?
To store in the fridge, simply keep it in a good airtight container after it has cooled down. It should keep for one to two weeks if properly stored.
To store in the freezer, let it cool down first and then transfer to a freezer-safe container. You may use a freezer bag, a container with a lid, etc. It should keep for up to two months.
Make sure not to put it back in the freezer once thawed.
More Healthy Fall Recipes
If this insanely easy recipe inspired you to make more fall recipes, check out some of my favorites! Just like this awesome applesauce, your house will smell amazing with these:
- Salted Caramel Apple Pie Bars
- Healthy Pecan Pie (Without Corn Syrup!)
- Fresh Pumpkin Ice Cream
- The BEST Pumpkin Pie From Scratch
- Pumpkin Frozen Yogurt with Candied Pecans
- Perfect Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Muffins (Low sugar)
This post contains affiliate links to products I use regularly and highly recommend.
Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce
Equipment
*This post may contain affiliate links for products I use often and highly recommend.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples peeled, cored and quartered
- ½ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- In a large pot or dutch oven, heat all the ingredients over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until apples are soft enough to mash.
- Using a masher or just a fork, gently mash the apples. They should pretty much fall apart on their own. Mash to desired consistency. Cool in the refrigerator prior to serving.
David Mapes
Good, but i use little bit more ingredients
4 apples peeled, cored and chopped
¾ cup water
¼ cup white sugar
¼ teaspoon ground ginger
¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Try it, maybe you will be so much tastier
Best regards
Dustin
we should make more of this the kids would love to make it on their own.