This Easy Applesauce Recipe Has All of the Festive Flavor — With No Added Sugar

Most people associate apples with the fall, but the fruit is a festive treat that can be appreciated all winter long — especially with Hanukkah arriving this week as the perfect excuse to eat yummy applesauce by the spoonful.

Let's be real. Applesauce and potato latkes are a dynamic duo right up there with peanut butter and jelly. The sweet, mushy sauce pairs perfectly with the crispy, golden potatoes.

We found a supersimple, minimal-ingredient recipe for homemade applesauce from registered dietitian Rachael DeVaux, and the best part is that it doesn't require any added sugar. Whip up a batch and serve it with vegan air-fryer latkes for a healthier spin on this classic holiday snack.

Ingredients

  • 8-10 small or medium apples
  • 1 Lemon, juiced
  • ½ cup water
  • ½ teaspoon cinnamon
  • ¼ teaspoon cloves

First, you peel and dice the apples, though DeVaux leaves the skin on approximately half of her apples. Make sure you've removed the core. Then, you simply add all of the ingredients to a pot over medium heat, cover it, and bring it to a boil.

Once your mixture is boiling, turn down the heat and let it simmer for 20-40 minutes, until the apples are soft. To get that thick, saucy consistency, mash the apples with a potato masher or an immersion blender. DeVaux cautions against overmashing if you prefer a slightly chunky texture, as she does.

That's all there is to it. Plus, DeVaux promises in her Instagram caption that the applesauce will make the house smell "incredible," so you won't need to light a scented candle to get that cozy cinnamon aroma.

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