Here is a AIP Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce recipe that is so easy you don’t even have to peel the apples or slave over a hot stove.
Ingredients
- Apples: You’ll need about 3 pounds of apples. And no need to peel them just roughly chopped.
- Water
- Ground Cinnamon: This is optional and only necessary if you want you want cinnamon applesauce.
- Ground Cloves: This is optional and only necessary if you want your applesauce spiced.
- Lemon Juice: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice will help bring out the sweetness of the apples. This Is optional.
How to make unsweetened applesauce
1. Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
2. Blend with an immersion blender, regular blender, food processor, or food mill in batches until it reaches the desired consistency.
Tips for making the best Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce
- This can easily be doubled and the extra frozen in jars or freezer trays.
- Makes about 5 cups of applesauce.
- To make this applesauce in an instant pot, add all the ingredients to the large pot, secure lid and cook on manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes. Either do a controlled quick release or allow the pressure to naturally release.
- No need to peel the apples for this recipe, just roughly chop them.
- The cinnamon and cloves are optional but preferred.
- You can use any type of apples, but I like to have a variety such as a combination of golden delicious, granny smith, and gala apples.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon will help bring out the sweetness of the apples. It’s not necessary but a nice addition.
- This makes a great topping for ice cream!
Is unsweetened applesauce still sweet?
Yes. Your apple sauce will be as sweet and juicy and the apples you use. You can of course as honey or maple syrup to sweeten it but there’s really no need for the added sugar. If you want a super sweet apple recipe just try my AIP Gooey Apple Cake or my Healthy Caramelized Apple Topping.
Keep in mind that apples and applesauce are natural gluten free. If you’re going to add honey or maple syrup, make sure to they are gluten free as well. For more information about which brands of honey are gluten free click here. And for which brands of maple syrup are gluten free click here.
Does unsweetened applesauce taste good?
If you like the taste of apples, then you’ll love homemade applesauce. It’s just apples but better.
Is unsweetened applesauce good for you?
Unsweetened applesauce is just as good for you as apples. It’s better than sweetened applesauce as there’s no added sugar or sweetener. If you want something like applesauce but sweeter, try my Apple Butter.
What is unsweetened applesauce used for?
My son loves making applesauce so he will eat most of this Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce plain, with a spoon in a bowl. But I love to make extra and freeze it in 1/4 cup batches so I can use it in baked goods. I have used applesauce in baked good recipes like my AIP Banana Bread and AIP Blueberry Muffin recipes. But it would also be a great topping for Overnight Oats with Coconut Milk.
Is unsweetened applesauce vegan?
This applesauce recipe is vegan. There’s no honey or other animal products in the recipe.
What to use instead of unsweetened applesauce?
If you want unsweetened applesauce for eating or baking, but don’t have apples, then you can always use pears. They are a great substitute and unsweetened pear sauce is just as tasty.
Is unsweetened applesauce keto friendly?
Nope. Apples have a lot of sugar and carbs so even a little bit of applesauce would take up most of the allotted carbs allowed per day on the keto diet.
How long does applesauce last in the fridge?
This homemade apple sauce recipe only lasts a few days in the fridge. There are no additives to extend the life of the product, so you need to eat it up or freeze it right away.
Can unsweetened applesauce be frozen?
Yes. I like to freeze in 1/4 cup portions in freezer trays so that it can easily be used for baking or small snacks for my kiddo.
If you like this Unsweetened Applesauce recipe, then you’ll love these AIP apple recipes.
- Leek Greens with Apples and Bacon
- Healthy Caramelized Apple Topping
- Instant Pot Apple Butter
- Apple Pie Smoothie
- Apple Cider Kombucha
- AIP Gooey Apple Cake
- Apple Salsa
- Fruity Green Juice
- Spinach and Apple Smoothie
- AIP thanksgiving Leftover Salad
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Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce (AIP)
Equipment
- Slow Cooker Or Instant Pot (see notes for alternative instructions)
- Immersion Blender
Ingredients
- 6 Apples about 3 pounds, chopped
- 1/3 cup Water
- 1 teaspoon Cinnamon optional
- 1/4 teaspoon Cloves optional
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to your slow cooker and cook on high for 2 hours or low for 4 hours.
- Blend with an immersion blender, regular blender, food processor, or food mill in batches until it reaches the desired consistency.
Video
Notes
- This can easily be doubled and the extra frozen in jars or freezer trays.
- Makes about 4 cups of applesauce.
- To make this applesauce in an instant pot, add all the ingredients to the instant pot, secure lid and cook on manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes. Either do a controlled quick release or allow the pressure to naturally release.
- No need to peel the apples for this recipe, just roughly chop them.
- The cinnamon and cloves are optional but preferred.
- You can use any type of apples, but I like to have a variety such as a combination of golden delicious, granny smith, and gala apples.
- Adding a squeeze of lemon will help bring out the sweetness of the apples. It’s not necessary but a nice addition.
- This makes a great topping for ice cream!
Helpful Info for All Recipes
- I always use extra virgin olive oil in all of my recipes unless stated otherwise.
- I always use Himalayan sea salt or Celtic sea salt, unless otherwise noted.
- The majority of my recipes are strict AIP or include notations for reintroductions. However while I make every effort to label non-AIP ingredients and recipes sometimes they slip past me. If you have questions, please ask in advance.
Did you make this recipe? I love hearing your thoughts on my recipes so please rate and comment below.
Kate says
Super easy thanks!
In the ingredient section you have cloves, but in the notes you mention ginger, which would you suggest be used?
Beth says
That's just a typo. I meant cloves. I've updated the notes. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.
Margaret says
Applesauce is always welcome at our house. This is a great recipe.
Nancy Jordan says
Can't wait to try.
Beth says
Me too! I hope you like the recipe.