I can’t even begin to calculate how much money I spend on applesauce around here. For the past few years my kids have been obsessed with Trader Joe’s Apple Crushers, they have 4 flavors, are gluten-free, portable and according to my daughter “The yummiest snack on earth!” Although I love Trader Joe’s and the convenience of all of their delectable gluten-free goodies I still would rather have a homemade version around for when we aren’t on the run. Yesterday was my first attempt at this cider spiced applesauce and it was so yummy that we ate the entire batch before it had time to cool. Eliza liked it so much that she has requested another big batch of applesauce that will last long enough for her to take it to school in lieu of her beloved apple crusher! How about that?!
Cider Spiced Applesauce
Makes approximately 2.5 cups
5 large Rome apples; peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup apple cider, I used Trader Joe’s
1/8 cup light brown sugar, packed
1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground ginger
In a medium saucepan combine the cider, brown sugar and spices and stir to mix well. Set heat on low to melt the sugar and warm the cider while you prep the apples.
Peel, core and slice apples into uniform slices, about 1/4 inch thick. Add the apples into the warmed cider mixture and turn the heat up to medium. Cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 20-25 minutes until the apples begin to fall apart when pressed with the back of your spoon. When cooked through you can mash with a fork or potato masher for a chunkier paste or allow to cool slightly and blend in the food processor until smooth.
We are happy to have shared this post at the Gluten-Free Friday’s link up party hosted by Vegetarian Mama, Eat.Live.Make, and Gluten Freed R.D.! Hop on over to find more great gf recipes.
Seriously, homemade applesauce is the best thing ever. Just about everything tastes better homemade, but applesauce tastes waaaaaay better. I love this!
Thanks Kiersten! I agree, store bought cannot even come close to how yummy homemade applesauce is. 🙂
YUM, your pictures are always so welcoming! This one looks like I could just dip my spoon right into my computer screen for a taste! YUM! Got it tweeted and pinned. 🙂
Thanks Cindy! You are always so encouraging, I really appreciate it.
I came here via Buzzfeed and the pictures are divine. My family buys applesauce usually, but this looks scrumptious. I can not wait to try this recipe sometime.
Thank you so much! Seriously, applesauce is so easy that you will never go back to the jarred stuff.
have you ever tried making this with the skins left on? so much nutrition in the skins, just a thought
Lauren, I have not tried making the recipe with the skins left on yet. I am sure that it would be delicious though!
So excited to get to try this for our family holiday meal tonight. It was a big hit – and so much nicer than a jar of the fake stuff 😉
Susan I am so happy that you enjoyed it!!!
You mentioned apple cider- is it the same as the apple cider vinegar? I would like to try this recipe to give variations for my daughter’s snacks as she really love to eat apples. Thank you.
Hi Karen, You can find apple cider in the juice aisle of your grocery store. If you cannot find it regular apple juice will work or you can swap it up by using orange juice or cranberry juice. I do not suggest using apple cider vinegar. I hope your daughter loves it as much as my kids do:)
The best applesauce is JUST apples!! Peel and core, cut into large chunks, put in slow cooker/crockpot, stick the lid on and go to bed. The next morning, stir and …. you’ve got the BEST applesauce without any other added ingredients. You don’t even need sugar!!!