Cinnamon Maple Applesauce

🕒 Prep: 15 min
🔥 Cook: 25 min
🍽 Serves: 6
★★★★★
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There's something wonderfully comforting about homemade applesauce, especially when it's infused with the warm flavors of cinnamon and maple. This Cinnamon Maple Applesauce is a cozy treat that's perfect for autumn, using a mix of tart and sweet apples to create the perfect balance.

Ingredients for Cinnamon Maple Applesauce

Apples are the star here, and using a mix like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp gives you a balance of tartness and sweetness, resulting in a more complex flavor. Water helps the apples cook down without sticking to the pot. Pure maple syrup sweetens the sauce naturally while adding a rich, caramel-like depth. Ground cinnamon and nutmeg provide that classic warm spice that pairs beautifully with apples. Lastly, a pinch of salt enhances all the flavors, making them pop.

Tips & Tricks

  • Use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor profile.
  • If you like extra chunky applesauce, mash less or use less water.
  • For a smoother sauce, an immersion blender is your best friend.
  • Adjust the maple syrup to taste, especially if your apples are very sweet.

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this applesauce warm or cold. It pairs wonderfully with roasted pork or chicken. Try spooning it over oatmeal or pancakes for a sweet breakfast boost. For a simple dessert, serve it with a dollop of whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use different sweeteners?
Yes, you can substitute honey or brown sugar, but it will alter the flavor slightly.
How long does it last?
Stored in a sealed container, it lasts about a week in the fridge.
Can I freeze applesauce?
Absolutely, just pack it into freezer-safe containers leaving some space for expansion.

Cinnamon Maple Applesauce Recipe Walkthrough

Start by prepping your apples. Peel, core, and chop them into roughly even chunks. This helps them cook evenly and break down nicely. Once you have your apples ready, grab a large pot and combine them with the water. Cover the pot, set it over medium heat, and let the apples cook away for about 15 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to give them a stir every now and then to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom.

When the apples are tender and can easily be mashed with a spoon, it’s time to remove the pot from the heat. Now, you can decide on the texture. Use a potato masher for a chunkier sauce or an immersion blender if you prefer it smooth and velvety. Once you've reached your desired consistency, stir in the maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until everything is well combined.

Return the pot to low heat and let it simmer for another 5 minutes. This short simmer allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a more cohesive taste. Once done, remove from heat and let the applesauce cool. It thickens as it cools, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny at first.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Uses a mix of apples for depth of flavor.
  • Infused with natural sweetness from pure maple syrup.
  • A warm, spiced aroma from cinnamon and nutmeg.
  • Simple, no-fuss preparation with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients

4 lbs apples (mixed varieties, such as Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup water
1/2 cup pure maple syrup
2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp salt

Step-by-step Instructions

1. In a large pot, combine the chopped apples and water.
2. Cover and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 15-20 minutes, or until apples are tender.
3. Remove the pot from heat and mash the apples to your desired consistency using a potato masher or immersion blender.
4. Stir in maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt until well combined.
5. Return the pot to low heat and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
6. Remove from heat and let cool before serving or storing.

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