If you’re craving a comforting, naturally sweet treat that feels like a warm hug in a bowl, this Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe is just what you need. It’s incredibly simple to make but delivers an unforgettable, cozy flavor that combines tender apples with the perfect hint of cinnamon spice. Whether you’re stirring it into your morning oatmeal or serving it alongside roast chicken, this homemade apple sauce is a versatile classic that brings a fresh, fruity brightness to any meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting to know your ingredients is the first step to making this Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe truly shine. Each component is straightforward but essential, helping create a smooth, flavorful sauce that balances sweetness, spice, and natural apple goodness.
- Apples: Choose 5-6 large apples, preferably a mix of tart and sweet varieties, to give your sauce a complex flavor and nice texture.
- Sugar: Half a cup provides just enough sweetness to enhance the apples without overpowering them—feel free to adjust to taste.
- Ground cinnamon: Two teaspoons introduce that warm, fragrant aroma that’s the heart of this recipe’s charm.
- Water: One cup helps steam the apples gently, softening them perfectly without making the sauce too watery.
How to Make Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into bite-sized chunks. This prep is key—it ensures the apples will cook evenly and break down beautifully later on. Toss them into a large pot or Dutch oven where all the magic will happen.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients and Cook
Next, add the sugar, cinnamon, and water to the pot with your chopped apples. Cover with a lid and let the mixture simmer over medium heat for about 18 to 20 minutes. You want to cook until the apples are very soft and tender, making the sauce naturally luscious and easy to mash.
Step 3: Mash to Perfection
Once the apples are done cooking, remove the pot from the heat and uncover it. Use a potato masher to break down the soft apples until you reach your desired texture—whether chunky and rustic or smooth and velvety. Serve it warm for the best comforting taste experience.
How to Serve Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top for a beautiful, fragrant finish, or add a few fresh mint leaves for a pop of green that brightens the presentation and adds a subtle freshness.
Side Dishes
This cinnamon apple sauce pairs wonderfully with roasted pork, turkey, or even fried chicken, balancing savory richness with sweet, spicy brightness. It’s also fantastic served alongside warm pancakes or waffles for a breakfast treat that feels both indulgent and wholesome.
Creative Ways to Present
Try spooning this sauce into small glass jars or mason jars layered with granola or yogurt for an appealing parfait. You can also dollop it onto vanilla ice cream or swirl it into oatmeal for an uplifting twist on familiar favorites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your fresh batch, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The apple sauce keeps beautifully for up to five days, and the flavors actually mellow together, making it even tastier the next day.
Freezing
This Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for convenient single-serving sizes. Frozen apple sauce will stay fresh for up to three months, perfect for bringing back a taste of fall anytime you want.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Adding a splash of water can help loosen the consistency if it’s a bit thick after chilling or freezing.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this recipe?
Yes! Mixing tart apples like Granny Smith with sweeter varieties such as Fuji or Gala works wonderfully to create a balanced flavor, but feel free to use whatever apples you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe without sugar?
Absolutely. You can omit the sugar if you prefer a less sweet sauce, especially if your apples are naturally very sweet. Adjust the cinnamon to enhance the flavor instead.
How long can I store homemade apple sauce?
Stored in the fridge, the apple sauce lasts about five days. Always keep it in a sealed container and use clean utensils to avoid contamination.
Can I add other spices to this recipe?
Definitely! Nutmeg, cloves, or even a splash of vanilla extract can add delightful layers of flavor if you want to mix things up a bit.
What’s the best way to achieve a smooth apple sauce?
If you prefer smooth sauce over chunky, using a blender or food processor after mashing will give you a creamy texture without any fuss.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe enough if you’re looking for a simple yet deeply satisfying dish that feels like a warm, delicious hug. It’s easy to make, endlessly versatile, and perfect for sharing with loved ones. Give it a try, and let this apple sauce become a staple in your kitchen!
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Cinnamon Apple Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This easy-to-make Cinnamon Apple Sauce is a warm, comforting side dish or snack that highlights the natural sweetness of apples combined with the spicy warmth of cinnamon. Perfectly soft and lightly sweetened, this homemade apple sauce is a nutritious alternative to store-bought versions, made from scratch with simple ingredients.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 5–6 large apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into bite-sized chunks
- ½ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into bite-sized chunks to ensure even cooking and easy mashing later. Place the chopped apples into a large pot or Dutch oven.
- Cook Apples: Add sugar, ground cinnamon, and water to the pot containing the apples. Cover the pot with a lid and cook over medium heat for 18-20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and tender.
- Mash Sauce: Remove the pot from heat and uncover it. Using a potato masher, mash the cooked apples until the sauce reaches your desired consistency — smooth or slightly chunky. Serve the cinnamon apple sauce warm or let it cool before storing.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for more complex flavor, such as Fuji and Granny Smith combined.
- Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your apples or personal preference.
- For a smoother texture, blend the sauce with an immersion blender instead of mashing.
- Store leftover apple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- Great as a side for pork dishes or as a healthy snack.
