• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
The Honest Spoonful logo
  • About
  • Recipes
  • AIP Resources
  • Simple as AIP
  • Beth Blends
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
menu icon
go to homepage
  • About
  • Recipes
  • AIP Resources
  • Simple as AIP
  • Beth Blends
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • About
    • Recipes
    • AIP Resources
    • Simple as AIP
    • Beth Blends
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Diet

    Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce (AIP)

    Nov 7, 2022 · 5 Comments

    November 7, 2022 by Beth 5 Comments

    198 shares
    • Share
    • Tweet
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    bowl of applesauce with apples in the background

    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.

    bowl of unsweetened applesauce with apples in background

    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.
    ingredients for homemade unsweetened applesauce (chopped apples, water and ground spices)

    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.

    finger pushing buttons on slow cooker

    2. Blend with an immersion blender, regular blender, food processor, or food mill in batches until it reaches the desired consistency.

    immersion blender pureeing applesauce in slow cooker

    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!
    bowl of applesauce with apples in the background

    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.

    bowl of applesauce surrounded by apples

    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.

    close up of homemade unsweetened applesauce

    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

    Love seeing my delicious recipes? You can also FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST to see more delicious food and what I’m up to.

    white bowl of applesauce with apples in background
    Print Recipe
    5 from 2 votes

    Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce (AIP)

    Here is a Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce recipe that is so easy you don’t even have to peel the apples or slave over a hot stove.
    Prep Time20 minutes mins
    Cook Time4 hours hrs
    Total Time4 hours hrs 20 minutes mins
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4 cups
    Calories: 143kcal
    Author: Beth Chen

    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!

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1cup | Calories: 143kcal | Carbohydrates: 38g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 4mg | Potassium: 292mg | Fiber: 7g | Sugar: 28g | Vitamin A: 147IU | Vitamin C: 13mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg

    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.

    « Gluten and Nut Free Christmas Pudding (AIP)
    Cocoa Dusted Truffles (Dairy Free, AIP Option) »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Kate says

      November 22, 2022 at 1:38 pm

      5 stars
      Super easy thanks!
      In the ingredient section you have cloves, but in the notes you mention ginger, which would you suggest be used?

      Reply
      • Beth says

        November 27, 2022 at 2:41 am

        That's just a typo. I meant cloves. I've updated the notes. Thanks for bringing it to my attention.

        Reply
    2. Margaret says

      October 23, 2021 at 3:29 am

      5 stars
      Applesauce is always welcome at our house. This is a great recipe.

      Reply
    3. Nancy Jordan says

      January 20, 2020 at 1:02 am

      Can't wait to try.

      Reply
      • Beth says

        January 20, 2020 at 6:41 pm

        Me too! I hope you like the recipe.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Beth Chen from Bon Aippetit

    Hey I'm Beth!
    If you're looking for AIP, Paleo or Allergy friendly recipes then you've come to the right place. Here you'll find lots of nutritious and delicious recipes with the occasional clean living lifestyle tips. Just because you have food restrictions doesn't mean that you can't enjoy life.

    More about me →

    Seasonal

    • close up of dill cucumber chip
      Cucumber Chips (Dehydrator)
    • bowl of dehydrated banana chips
      Dehydrated Banana Chips
    • salt rimmed glass with lime garnish filled with gluten free margarita
      Gluten Free Margarita
    • champagne coupe of strawberry rhubarb french 75 with strawberries
      Strawberry Rhubarb French 75

    Popular

    • pictures of AIP snacks
      AIP Snacks
    • hand holding piece of Chinese coconut pudding
      Chinese Coconut Pudding
    • cup of AIP Black Cherry Ice Cream with cherry on top
      AIP Cherry Ice Cream
    • looking down into a filled blender
      AIP Smoothies

    Featured In

    as featured in brand logos
    Beth Chen from Bon Aippetit

    Hey I'm Beth!
    If you're looking for AIP, Paleo or Allergy friendly recipes then you've come to the right place. Here you'll find lots of nutritious and delicious recipes with the occasional clean living lifestyle tips. Just because you have food restrictions doesn't mean that you can't enjoy life.

    More about me →

    Seasonal

    • pan of gluten free strawberry rhubarb crumble with serving spoon and strawberries
      Gluten Free Strawberry Rhubarb Crumble
    • small pitcher of Strawberry Rhubarb Syrup surrounded by strawberries
      Strawberry Rhubarb Simple Syrup
    • platter of goi ga with bowl of nuoc mam and limes
      Goi Ga (Vietnamese Chicken Salad)
    • THREE NUT FREE PROTEIN BARS ON white plate
      Nut Free Protein Bars (Gluten and Dairy Free)

    Popular

    • fresh lychee fruit on white counter
      How to Eat Lychee
    • close up of cucumber and beet salad recipe
      Cucumber and Beet Salad
    • glass bowl of aip pesto garnished with fresh basil
      AIP Pesto
    • small plate of aip meatballs with sauce, green onions and toothpick
      AIP Meatballs

    Featured In

    as featured in brand logos

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    The information on this website has not been evaluated by the FDA and is not intended to diagnose, treat, prevent, or cure any disease. To read our list of policies, click here.

    Copyright © 2024 The Honest Spoonful