Learn the easiest way to make a batch of Homemade Applesauce Pouches for easy snacks and meal components. It takes less than 30 minutes and is a perfect for babies and toddlers—and it stores so well, too!
I sometimes buy applesauce pouches at the store, but when apples are in season and I can get them for a low price, making them at home is a favorite option. This method, which involves simply simmering diced apples until soft on the stove into homemade applesauce, is fast and delivers consistently great results.
You can store these homemade applesauce pouches in the fridge to serve as a side or snack, or you can pop them into the freezer to thaw one at a time on future days.
This method can be a real money saver and is a convenient way to meal prep toddler food.
(Find Recipes that Use Applesauce if you find yourself with any leftovers to use up. And also try my Applesauce Muffins, Cinnamon Applesauce, and Baby Food Pouches.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
To make these homemade applesauce pouches, you’ll need the following ingredients so you know what to have on hand and pick up at the store.
- Apples: You can use any apple you like for this, though ones that taste good fresh will have the best flavor here. (So try to taste one first, or use a variety you know you enjoy.) You can do a combination of apple types, too, just know that they may not cook at exactly the same rate (so you might need to cook a little longer).
- Optional: You can add a little lemon juice to boost the flavor and to keep the finished applesauce a light color. You can add cinnamon, too, if you want to add some spice.
You can start with frozen apples if that’s what you have on hand, too.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the method involved in making this apple recipe for kids . Scroll to the end of the post for the specific amounts and timing.
Step 1. Peel the apples (if peeling), and dice into even pieces. (More or less, it doesn’t need to be perfect.
Step 2. Add to a large pot with the water and bring to a simmer.
Step 3. Cover and cook until soft, stirring occasionally. Stirring will help the apple break down. You can also mash with a potato masher or the back of a spoon.
You’ll want to puree the applesauce smoothly so it can easily be sucked out of a pouch. Chunky applesauce may get stuck in the pouch spout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our favorite apples include Pink Lady, Granny Smith, MacIntosh, Opal, Envy, and Golden Delicious.
You can store these pouches in the fridge for up to a week. Or, freeze the pouches for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, at room temperature for a few hours, or by submerging in hot water.
Lemon juice can brighten the flavor and keep the color of applesauce a little lighter. It is not necessary for either of those things though.
Best Pouches for Applesauce
We have two favorite reusable pouches to use when making homemade applesauce pouches.
WeeSprout Pouches
These are a more classic baby food pouch that come in a set of 6 and are available in three sizes. (Which is great since you can use larger ones for older kids.) The bottom zipper opens for easy cleaning and they are easy to store and freeze.
Squeasy Gear Pouch
These pouches are less likely to be purposefully or accidentally spilled (there’s a little leak-guard on the inside of the spout), so they are a great option. They are a little less easy to batch prep since each one costs more money—but that would be an option if you have a few.
(You could also simply freeze homemade applesauce in an ice cube tray, transfer frozen cubes to a freezer bag, then thaw a few at a time to fill the pouch you have on the day you want to serve it. The cubes will thaw at room temperature over the course of a few hours or overnight in the fridge.)
How to Store
You can store these homemade applesauce pouches in the fridge for up to a week. Or, freeze the pouches for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, at room temperature for a few hours, or more quickly by submerging in hot water.
Best Tips for Success
- Use apples that taste good fresh for the best flavor.
- You can mix apple types, just know they may not cook at exactly the same rate. (So you may need to cook a little longer.)
- Stir a few times during cooking to help the apples cook evenly.
- If the applesauce is boiling rapidly when the pot is covered, turn down the heat slightly. You want it to simmer to avoid it cooking too quickly or burning.
- Portion into a reusable pouch for babies and toddlers. If using the type of pouch with a zipper on the bottom, like the ones shown throughout this post, avoid over filling as the pouch won’t seal if there’s too much puree.
- You can also use my Instant Pot Applesauce or Crockpot Applesauce recipes as the base for your pouches, then blend them smooth and fill.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate it and comment below.
Favorite Applesauce Pouches
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples (8-9 medium apples, about 9 cups diced apples)
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
Instructions
- Wash, dry, and peel the apples. Discard the peel and core. Roughly chop into 1-inch pieces.
- Add to a medium pot with 1½ cups water.
- Set over medium heat and bring to a simmer and cover. Cook, stirring occasionally, for about 20 minutes, or until the apples are breaking down and soft. (If the mixture is rapidly boiling, turn the heat down to medium-low.)
- Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice if using. Turn off heat.
- Fill pouches and store in the fridge or freezer.
Equipment
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container or in an ice cube tray or reusable pouches. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.
- Use apples that taste good fresh for the best flavor.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for brighter flavor.
- You can mix apple types, just know they may not cook at exactly the same rate. (So you may need to cook a little longer.)
- Stir a few times during cooking to help the apples cook evenly.
- If the applesauce is boiling rapidly when the pot is covered, turn down the heat slightly. You want it to simmer to avoid it cooking too quickly or burning.
- Serve in a bowl with a spoon or in a reusable pouch.
Nutrition
This post was first published October 2022.
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