As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
This sugar-free Cinnamon Applesauce recipe combines all the cozy flavors of Fall. Made with simple ingredients in 30 minutes, it is perfect for easy healthy snacks, desserts and breakfasts.
I just can’t believe it but we’re already in September. It seems yesterday that spring started and now it’s almost fall. Every year, the end of summer gives me mixed feelings. On the one hand I’m all so ready for the coziness of Pumpkin Season. On the other hand, I feel quite sad and nostalgic.
It is out of a nostalgia that this recipe appears here on my blog. Growing up in rural Northern Italy, every fall I used to go apple picking with my grandma. We had some apple trees in our land, and little Matteo loved shaking those trunks until the ripe fruits came down. All through these cozy months, it was my favorite after-school activity. I used to come home, have a snack and then get ready for our activity. At 5:30 pm we were already walking back home with bags full of juicy apples.
And here comes the best part. If you’ve read my story, you probably know that I’ve always loved cooking. So I was enthusiastic about helping nonna prepare her delicious applesauce. She had a special recipe, which cooks applesauce with cinnamon. Hers used sugar, but I adapted it to make this super healthy apple puree without sugar.
What are the best apples for applesauce?
As they are the main ingredient, selecting the right type of apple is key. This choice will determine both taste and texture. My two favorite picks are Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious, because both are sweet and tart. Thanks to their natural sweetness, there’s no need to add sugar or maple syrup.
In general, the best apples for applesauce with cinnamon are sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Macintosh or Fuji. My grandma also used to mix different types of apples to give her sauce a unique touch. I also do sometimes, and the result is truly indulgent!
One of the questions many people have is whether you should peel apples or not. Well, this depends. There’s no right or wrong, it all comes down to your personal preferences. Leaving the peel on results in a chunkier puree with more texture, which I personally truly like. But if you prefer a smoother cinnamon applesauce, then remove it.
How to make cinnamon applesauce
The recipe for cinnamon applesauce is very simple. You only need 4 ingredients: apples, water, lemon juice and cinnamon. Two tablespoons of lemon juice are a must, because the acidity of the lemon helps bring out all flavors and balance the sweetness. Further, lemon acts as a natural preservative, which will increase the shelf time of your sauce. As it is more convenient, I prefer starting out with ground cinnamon. But you can also grate cinnamon sticks, or add one to the cooking apples and remove it before mashing.
After introducing the ingredients, let’s now move to the step-by-step directions. You can find the complete recipe with printable option at the end of this blog post, but for the moment here’s an overview.
- Step 1 – Prep. Wash and core the apples, you can either leave the peel or take it out. Cut the fruits into rough dices that are neither too small nor too big.
- Step 2 – Simmer. Place the diced apples into a large saucepan, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Add lemon juice, water and gently mix to combine. Cover the pan with a lid, then simmer over medium heat for about 20 – 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Stir frequently while the apples are cooking, or they may burn.
- Step 3 – Mash. Remove the saucepan from the stove. For chunky cinnamon applesauce, transfer the apples to a large bowl and mash them with a potato masher or a fork. For a smoother texture, transfer to a blender and process until creamy.
- Step 4 – Serve or store. Let cool completely to room temperature first. Once it has cooled, you can serve the spiced applesauce immediately, or you can store it for later.
Slow cooker recipe
As an alternative, you can make this cinnamon applesauce in a slow cooker. Prepare the apples as described in the recipe card down below, leaving the peel on if desired. Once you are done chopping, add the dice fruits to your crockpot and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or on high for 3 – 4 hours. Be sure to stir frequently, so they don’t stick.
Storage directions
This homemade cinnamon applesauce can be prepared ahead for later, which is great if you are planning to use it for baking. Whether you want to store it or freeze it, be sure to let it cool completely first.
To store, transfer the cinnamon sauce to mason jars with lid or to an airtight food container and refrigerate for up to one week. Thanks to the lemon juice which acts as preservative, it will stay fresh and tasty. For a longer storage, seal it in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Is cinnamon applesauce healthy?
Absolutely, this recipe is incredibly healthy. Not only it is sugar-free, but this apple puree is also packed with nutrients. As a certified nutritionist, I always like delving deeper into the nutritional benefits of foods. So, let’s see together why cinnamon applesauce is good for you. In this case we have apples as main ingredient, followed by lemon juice and cinnamon.
Apples are a real nutrient powerhouse. They’re a great source of dietary fibers, minerals and vitamins such as vitamin C. Additionally, they also have antioxidants which may help manage bad cholesterol in the body. The high content of fibers paired with their low calorie content makes apples perfect for weight loss.
Lemon juice is also rich in vitamin C, which can boost immunity, and it can improve digestion. Cinnamon ranks as one of the healthiest spices in nature because it is packed with antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
Best ways to use cinnamon applesauce
This apple puree with cinnamon tastes delicious on its own, or as an addition to other recipes. You can serve it as a complement for healthy banana bread, or as ingredient for an apple bread recipe. Here are some more ideas.
- Enjoy as a snack, with the spoon or as a dip for healthy oatmeal cookies.
- Use it to make my protein muffins as a replacement for mashed banana.
- Mix it with rolled oats and peanut butter to prepare a 3 ingredient baked oatmeal.
- Use it for baking moist cinnamon apple muffins, the perfect match.
- Serve it on top of a cozy apple cinnamon oatmeal bowl.
- Stir in a scoop of protein powder and you’ll get the best high protein applesauce recipe.
Cinnamon Applesauce
Ingredients
- 5 apples, cored and diced (about 2.2 lb or 1 kg)
- ⅓ cup (80 ml) water
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- a pinch of nutmeg, optional
Instructions
- Wash and core the apples, you can either leave the peel or take it out. Cut the fruits into rough dices that are neither too small nor too big.
- Place the diced apples into a large saucepan, then sprinkle with cinnamon. Add lemon juice, water and gently mix to combine. Cover the pan with a lid, then simmer over medium heat for about 20 – 30 minutes, or until the apples are tender and the mixture has thickened. Stir frequently while the apples are cooking, or they may burn.
- Remove the saucepan from the stove. For chunky cinnamon applesauce, transfer the apples to a large bowl and mash them with a potato masher or a fork. For a smoother texture, transfer to a blender and process until creamy.
- Let cool completely to room temperature. Serve immediately or store it for later.
Notes
Crockpot Cinnamon Applesauce
Prepare the apples as described in the recipe directions, leaving the peel if desired. Once you are done chopping, add the diced fruits to your crockpot and cook on low for 6 – 8 hours or on high for 3 – 4 hours. Be sure to stir frequently, so the mixture does not stick.Storage Directions
- To store, transfer the cinnamon sauce to mason jars with lid or to an airtight food container and refrigerate for up to one week.
- To freeze, place it in a freezer safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Let it thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
Cinnamon is antioxidant, antiinflamatory, regulate blood sugar for those patient with diabetes type 2, lower cholesterol and tryglicerides, inhibits the growth of bacteria and fungi, improve cognitive functions and reduces bloating due to gas. I use it moderately with my oat and sliced almond breakfast. Thank you very much Matt.