Seasonal Recipes — Fall Recipes
Homemade Healthy Apple Sauce
Molly Moore / 27 August 2025
There’s nothing like the smell of fresh apples cooking on the stove to make a house feel warm and cozy. This homemade apple sauce is one of my favorite fall recipes, perfect as a snack, a breakfast topping, or a simple apple dessert that everyone loves. It’s naturally sweet, easy to make, and totally customizable to your taste.
I started making this apple sauce a few years ago when I was given a big batch of apples from a neighbour's garden that were starting to get soft, and I wanted a simple way to use them. It quickly became a staple in my kitchen but I've started to include a mix of apple varieties! I like to make a big batch at the beginning of fall and store it in jars, so it’s ready whenever I need a cozy treat or an easy addition to oatmeal, pancakes, or even a scoop of vegan ice cream.
Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Sauce
- Simple and wholesome, made with just a few ingredients you probably already have
- You can use an instant pot!
- Versatile, use it as a snack, breakfast topping, or apple dessert
- Customizable, adjust the sweetness or spices to your liking
- Perfect for fall, the natural sweetness and warm spices make it a comforting seasonal treat
Personally, I love adding a pinch of cinnamon and nutmeg, it makes the apple flavor really pop, and it smells incredible while cooking.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs. Granny Smith apples
- 2 lbs. Honeycrisp apples
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-4 tablespoons organic cane sugar
- ¾ cup water
Helpful To Have
If you don't have an instant pot you can simply use a saucepan but I've linked a great one below!
Step-by-Step: How to Make Homemade Apple Sauce
- Peel the apples, remove the core, and cut in small pieces.
- Add the apple pieces, water, sugar and cinnamon to the instant pot and mix well.
- Set the instant pot to pressure cook on high and make sure the vent is sealed. Cook for 8 minutes, and then do a quick release.
- Using a immersion blender, blend until it has reached the preferred consistency.
- Enjoy hot or cold.
Personal tip, I love serving it warm over a bowl of oatmeal or pancakes on a crisp fall morning, it feels so cozy and indulgent without being heavy.
If you loved this recipe, check out some of my other fall recipes , there’s something cozy for every morning and dessert craving.
Tips for the Perfect Apple Sauce
- Choose a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor
- Adjust sweetness to taste, some apples are naturally sweeter than others
- For a thicker sauce, simmer a little longer to reduce excess liquid
- Make ahead, this apple sauce keeps in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze for up to 3 months
How to Use Homemade Apple Sauce
- Breakfast: Swirl into oatmeal, top pancakes, or pair with vegan yogurt
- Snack: Eat on its own or with granola
- Apple dessert: Serve warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, use as a pie filling, or fold into muffins
Make sure you're storing in an airtight container to keep them for longer...
Airtight Mason Jars
Bormioli Rocco
Wrapping It Up
This homemade apple sauce is a must-try fall recipe that’s simple, wholesome, and endlessly versatile. Whether you’re enjoying it as a snack, breakfast topping, or a simple apple dessert, it’s sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.
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