Learn the easiest way to make a batch of Cinnamon Applesauce in less than 30 minutes. It’s delicious, versatile, and easy to store for future meals and snacks.
Quick, easy, and with just enough cinnamon flavor, this applesauce is a favorite recipe to make all year long in our house. We often have it as a simple side with meals and lunches, and I love to have a batch of it in the fridge ready and waiting.
This recipe can be pureed smooth and served to a baby or left chunkier if your family doesn’t mind that texture. And it can be served in a bowl or from a reusable pouch. It’s very versatile.
Similar to my Homemade Applesauce, this recipe has a very streamlined method to ensure you get in and out of the kitchen fast.
(You may also like my Fresh Pear Sauce or Nut and Fruit Puffs.)
Table of Contents
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Ingredients You Need
Here’s a look at the ingredients you need to make this easy cinnamon applesauce as a kids snack, baby food, or side dish to share with your family.
- Apples: You can use any apple you like for this, though ones that taste good fresh will have the best flavor here. We like Gala, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, Granny Smith, Cortland, Golden Delicious, or Fuji. 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 so everything is soft).
- Cinnamon: I use ground cinnamon in this recipe to add that classic cinnamon flavor. You can add more than I do if you love the taste!
- Lemon juice (optional): You can add a little lemon juice to applesauce to brighten the flavor. This is optional and it works similarly with and without it.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Below is an overview of the process of making cinnamon applesauce. Scroll down to the end of this post for the full specifics on amounts and timing.
Step 1. Roughly chop the apples with a knife and add to a pot with water. I typically use a peeler to peel them before I chop to ensure that the final apple sauce is smooth.
Step 2. Bring to a simmer in a large pot with water, apple juice, or cider, and cover. Cook until the apples are breaking down and soft.
Step 3. Stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice if using. Turn off heat.
Step 4. Mash with a potato masher or with the back of a wooden spoon. You could also puree in a blender or food processor if you prefer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Cinnamon may be introduced as soon as your baby is ready to start solids, which is generally around 6 months of age.
Cinnamon adds yummy warm flavor and also provides a boost in antioxidants which makes for a great snack or side.
This recipe doesn’t contain any added sugar, just apples, cinnamon and lemon juice (optional).
How to Store
Store this cooled cinnamon applesauce recipe in an airtight container with a lid in the fridge for up to two weeks. Or in the freezer, once fully cooled, in a freezer-safe container, freezer bag, or in an ice cube tray or reusable pouches. Let thaw in the fridge before serving.
You can also add to reusable pouches and store in the refrigerator or freezer to have snacks ready to go for the kids.
You can also use this cinnamon applesauce in my favorite Recipes that Use Applesauce.
Best Tips for Success
- 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.
- Sweeten to taste with maple syrup or honey (for kids over age 1) if desired.
Related Recipes
I’d love to hear your feedback on this post, so please rate and comment below!
Easy Cinnamon Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 pounds apples (8-9 medium apples, about 9 cups diced apples)
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 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.
- Serve or store.
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 January 2023.
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