It doesn't have to be fall to enjoy homemade applesauce. This Honeycrisp Applesauce with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon uses the best apple variety of the season- Honeycrisp apples! Known for their incredibly crisp bite and juicy interior, there's no doubt this will be the best applesauce you taste this year.
If you've ever made homemade applesauce, you know how incredibly easy it is. All you need is a pot, and a few simple ingredients, and you are well on your way to fruity deliciousness.
Now, of course, applesauce can be made with ANY apple. But if you know me, I like to mix things up. Honeycrisp apples are such a popular apple variety, anyone who tries them, falls in love. Plus, it tells you everything you need to know about it right in its name (HONEY-CRISP). What a show-off!
This Honeycrisp applesauce is reminiscent of sweet apple pie filling, but the good type, like the one Grandma used to make. The brown sugar and cinnamon add some deep warmth. Lastly, it's easily adjustable if you like things less sweet.
Jump to:
What's so special about Honeycrisp apples?
Everything.
Okay, that might be a little dramatic, but they really are so yummy. I rarely get a Honeycrisp that isn't juicy. (Nothing is worse than biting into a mealy apple, am I right?)
Honeycrisps are well known for their sweet, juicy, and crisp bite- the perfect apple for eating raw. They also have a longer shelf-life and keep their color well. Lastly, they hold their shape in baking, which is a bonus if you find yourself with a bushel of Honeycrisps!
Ingredients
Only five ingredients! It doesn't get easier than that. For the full list of ingredients and instructions, please see the recipe card.
- Honeycrisp apples- The star of the show. They are readily available all year round, but most commonly found in late summer and fall. If Honeycrisps are not available, you can easily substitute your favorite apple.
- Lemon juice- Brightens up the apples and helps them retain their color.
- Water
- Brown sugar- Dark brown sugar gives it a nice depth of flavor.
- Cinnamon- Adds warmth.
- Boiled cider- This is my secret ingredient and is optional. I started experimenting with this brand I found on King Arthur's website, and it's a really nice ingredient to have around in the fall. It intensifies the apple flavor. Boiling cider would take way too long, and a teaspoon of this goes a long way.
Step-by-step instructions
Just grab a pot, and something to stir with, and you are halfway to making a delicious, fruity applesauce.
Step 1. Wash, core and peel the apples.
Step 2. Roughly chop them into cubes.
Step 3. Place all ingredients in a medium pot. Cover and bring to a boil. Once boiled, reduce the heat to medium-low and cook for about 15 minutes.
Step 4. Remove the cover. Take a fork or masher, and begin breaking down the apples until you reach your desired consistency.
💡Expert tip
Taste your apples first. If they are very sweet, reduce the sugar as needed. Also, feel free to adjust the cinnamon, or you can leave it out altogether.
Substitutions and variations
Don't have an ingredient? Check out these variations.
- Honeycrisps- Even though Honeycrisps are the star of the show, you can use any apple you like. Other apples that would make a great applesauce are McIntosh, Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Fuji, and Jonagold apples.
- Orange juice- You can use fresh orange juice in place of the lemon.
- Sugar- Light brown sugar in place of the dark sugar will work. Plain white sugar can be used as well, although the taste will be less rich.
- Spices- Play around with other warm spices such as cloves, nutmeg, allspice, or ginger.
How to use Honeycrisp applesauce
Eat it by plain by the boatloads! Serve it warm or cold! There are so many great ways to use up applesauce. What will you try first?
- Pancakes, waffles, or French toast- Move over maple syrup, applesauce is perfect for topping these breakfast classics. It would go exceptionally well with this vanilla Dutch baby or these crepes.
- Yogurt or cottage cheese- Serve it cold on top of flavored yogurt, layer it in a parfait, or use it as a topping for this whipped cottage cheese bowl.
- Oatmeal- Use it in overnight oats, or make this easy apple pie oatmeal.
- Bake with it- Applesauce can be used as a substitute for oil or butter in baking, or simply as a moisture maker, like in these zucchini applesauce muffins.
- Savory uses- Serve applesauce as a condiment with pork chops or pork roast. Use it as a base for making barbecue sauce or other savory sauces. Incorporate applesauce into marinades for chicken or pork.
Storage
Applesauce can be stored in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge for up to 10 days. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Frequently asked questions
While canning applesauce is very common, this recipe has not been tested for safety with canning, therefore it is not recommended. If looking to make a larger batch of applesauce, you can multiply the recipe and freeze jars instead.
Perfect pairings
The perfect recipes for topping!
Did you make this recipe? I would love to hear about it! Please leave a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ rating with a comment right below the recipe card. If you snap a photo of your creation, don't forget to tag me on Instagram @brunchandbatter.
📖Recipe
Honeycrisp Applesauce with Brown Sugar and Cinnamon
Equipment
- 1 apple corer optional
- 1 vegetable peeler optional
- 1 medium pot
Ingredients
- 4 medium (about 1¼ pounds) Honeycrisp apples
- ¼ (2 ounces) cup water
- 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ½ tablespoon boiled cider, optional
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, and core the apples. Cut them into rough cubes.4 medium (about 1¼ pounds) Honeycrisp apples
- In a medium pot, add the apples, water, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, and boiled cider (if using). Stir to coat the apples evenly. Cover the pot and bring to a boil. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and continue cooking until the apples are tender and cooked through (12-15 minutes).¼ (2 ounces) cup water, 2 teaspoon fresh lemon juice, 2 tablespoon dark brown sugar, ¼ teaspoon ground cinnamon, ½ tablespoon boiled cider, optional
- Remove from the heat, and break up the apples using a fork (or potato masher) until you reach your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce or puree, you can use an immersion blender, food processor, or standard blender. Enjoy warm or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Nutrition*
*Nutrition information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. Nutrition information can vary depending on many factors, such as products used, measurements and substitutions, therefore it is recommended that you obtain nutritional calculations based on your own finished recipe.
AnneO says
Amazing and delicious !!I love the unique creativity and beautiful presentation of the brunch and batter recipes!!
Ed Hacket says
Very good as a topping for vanilla ice cream and crumbled vanilla wafers.
Nancy O says
so many fall recipes call for applesauce! This is a great way to level up 🙂