Mixing apple varieties gives you a better sauce than any single one — something that breaks down completely for body, and something that holds its shape for texture. Leaving the skins on and passing it through a food mill afterwards gets you colour and pectin you'd otherwise throw away.
The ratio3 lb mixed apples + ½ cup water + lemon peel. 25 min covered, then mash or mill.
By Vince Gonzalez · Published July 2026 · Sourcing verified 5 Jul 2026
Prep10 min
Cook25 min
Makes3 cups
CuisineAmerican
Cost$
VeganGluten-free
The Ingredients — and where to get them
Cook for3cups
Apples
Three pounds, at least two varieties. McIntosh or Bramley collapse; Honeycrisp or Braeburn hold. Together they're better than either.
Chop rough, skins onCore and quarter. Leave the skins if you're going to mill it — they carry colour and pectin.
Cook coveredApples, water, lemon peel and cinnamon in a heavy pot, lid on, medium-low, twenty-five minutes. Stir every so often.
Judge by collapseDone when the softer apples have fallen apart completely and the firmer ones give under a spoon.
Mash or millA potato masher for something rustic and chunky; a food mill for smooth sauce that also removes the skins in one pass.
Season at the endLemon juice, a pinch of salt, sugar only if it needs it. Keeps a week refrigerated, freezes indefinitely.
Make it yoursMaple syrup instead of sugar. A vanilla bean. Quince or pear for a quarter of the apples. Cooked down further with cider vinegar and spices it becomes apple butter.
Can you make How to Make Applesauce in an air fryer? — Sometimes
Sometimes — if the pieces are small and cooked dry, an air fryer can handle it in a single layer; anything saucy or liquid needs a pan. When in doubt, the stovetop or oven is the safe call.
Can you freeze How to Make Applesauce? — Yes
Yes — it freezes well. Cool it fully, portion into airtight containers, and it keeps a few months; thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.
Can you make How to Make Applesauce ahead of time? — Yes
Yes — it needs the chill time to set, so making it ahead is the whole point.
Is How to Make Applesauce gluten-free? — Yes
Yes — nothing in this recipe as written contains gluten. As always, glance at the labels on any packaged items (broth, sauces, chocolate), since brands vary.
Is How to Make Applesauce vegan? — Yes
Yes — no meat, seafood, dairy, egg, or honey in it as written.
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