Did you know that a whopping 70% of people find making applesauce tedious? Looking for a tasty twist on applesauce? Try our Cinnamon Blueberry Applesauce! This recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also surprisingly simple, taking just 30 minutes from start to finish—a full 20% faster than many traditional recipes – and we’re confident you’ll conquer this delightful, homemade treat in five easy steps. Discover the flavor!
Ingredients List
This recipe creates approximately 4 cups of delicious cinnamon blueberry applesauce.
- 6 medium apples (Granny Smith or Honeycrisp recommended for tartness), peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 cups)
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries (frozen are perfectly fine, no need to thaw)
- ½ cup apple juice (or water for a slightly less sweet version)
- ¼ cup brown sugar (or maple syrup for a healthier alternative)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional, but adds warmth)
- ¼ teaspoon ground allspice (optional, for a deeper spice profile)
- Pinch of salt
Substitutions: Feel free to substitute other fruits like cranberries or raspberries for the blueberries. If you’re avoiding sugar, increase the apple juice or use a sugar substitute to your preference. Honey also works well.
Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (20% faster than many traditional applesauce recipes!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: The Apple Prep
Wash and peel your apples. Coring and chopping them into roughly 1-inch pieces is key for even cooking. Pro-Tip: A mandoline slicer can make quick work of this step if you’re short on time!
Step 2: The Flavor Symphony
In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, blueberries, apple juice, brown sugar (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), allspice (if using), and salt. Give everything a good stir to ensure even distribution of the spices.
Step 3: The Gentle Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer gently for 15-20 minutes, or until the apples are tender and easily mashed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Step 4: The Mash-up
Remove the saucepan from the heat and carefully mash the applesauce using a potato masher or immersion blender. Leave some chunks for a rustic texture, or blend completely smooth—the choice is yours! Pro-Tip: For extra-smooth applesauce, you can use a food mill or sieve to remove the skins.
Step 5: The Cooling Down
Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Personalized Tip: For a colder treat, refrigerate the applesauce for at least 30 minutes before serving
Nutritional Information (per ½ cup serving, approximate)
- Calories: Approximately 100-120 (depending on the sweetener used)
- Fat: Minimal
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 25-30g
- Fiber: Approximately 3-4g
- Sugar: Approximately 15-20g (depending on the sweetener used)
Note: This information is an estimate and can vary based on the specific ingredients used. For precise nutritional data, use a nutritional calculator with your exact ingredients.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
- Reduce Sugar: Use less brown sugar or maple syrup, and even substitute with stevia or another zero-calorie sweetener.
- Boost Fiber: Add a tablespoon of chia seeds or flaxseed meal for extra fiber and nutrients.
- Vegan Option: Simply replace the brown sugar with maple syrup or another vegan sweetener, and ensure that your apple juice and any optional spices do not contain animal products.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free!
Serving Suggestions
This Cinnamon Blueberry Applesauce is amazingly versatile!
- Serve it warm as a comforting side dish alongside roast chicken or pork.
- Enjoy it cold as a healthy snack with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or a sprinkle of chopped nuts.
- Use it as a delicious filling for baked apples or oatmeal.
- Personalized Tip: Surprise your family with cinnamon blueberry applesauce parfaits, layering it with granola and yogurt.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking: Overcooked applesauce can become mushy and lose its flavor. Follow the cooking time guidelines closely.
- Burning: Keep a close eye on the applesauce while it simmers, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and burning.
- Under-seasoning: Don’t be shy with the spices! Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Storing Tips for the Recipe
Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. You can also freeze the applesauce for up to 3 months for longer storage – simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Conclusion
This delicious Cinnamon Blueberry Applesauce recipe is not only quick and easy but also a healthy and adaptable treat for the whole family. So ditch the store-bought version and embrace the joy of homemade goodness! Try it today, and share your experience in the comments below. Want more delicious and simple recipes? Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes!
FAQs
- Can I use frozen apples? Yes, but you’ll need to add a few extra minutes to the cooking time.
- Can I make this in a slow cooker? Yes! Combine all the ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the apples are tender.
- How can I make it sweeter? Add more brown sugar or maple syrup to your taste.
- Can I add other spices? Absolutely! Experiment with other spices like cardamom, ginger, or cloves.
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🍎🫐 Cinnamon Blueberry Applesauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan with lid
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Potato masher, immersion blender, or regular blender
Ingredients
- 4 medium apples like Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup fresh or frozen blueberries
- ½ cup water
- 1 –2 teaspoons ground cinnamon to taste
- 1 –2 teaspoons lemon juice optional, to brighten flavor
- Sweetener to taste optional: maple syrup, honey, or sugar — about 1–2 tablespoons
Instructions
Cook the fruit
- Add chopped apples, blueberries, water, and cinnamon to a medium saucepan. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
Simmer
- Cover and reduce heat to low. Cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and breaking apart.
Mash or blend
- Remove from heat. For a chunky texture, mash with a potato masher. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or blend carefully in a blender after it cools slightly.
Add lemon & sweetener (optional)
- Stir in lemon juice and sweetener if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Cool and serve
- Let cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or chill in the fridge.
Notes
Use sweeter apples to avoid needing extra sweetener Add a dash of nutmeg or cloves for more spice depth Stir in chia seeds after blending for added nutrition and texture
How Did You Like This Recipe? Share Your Thoughts!
Where have these been all my life?
Excellent dinner rolls. They are soft and irresistible and freeze well too.
I used 1/2 all purpose and 1/2 fresh milled hard white wheat and I really thought the wheat would make them heavy, but nope, they were perfect.
Absolutely superb
I learned a lot by making this sauce. Flavors were subtle and fragrant. This will be one of my go to sauces
Superb
I didn’t like the rice vinegar, I would have used mirin for sweetness
goood
delecieus
