Cinnamon Applesauce from Scratch: Easy homemade recipe

Introduction

As the cool fall air starts to set in, the warm smell of cinnamon applesauce cooking on the stove can make anyone feel cozy. This simple, warm dish is more than just a treat; it’s an easy and healthy addition to your meals. Whether you enjoy it warm on a cool evening or serve it cold as a refreshing snack, cinnamon applesauce is a simple, healthy, and tasty way to enjoy the season’s harvest. In this article, we’ll look at the history, benefits, and uses of cinnamon applesauce, and give you a step-by-step guide on how to make it from scratch.

History and Origins of Cinnamon Applesauce

Origins of Applesauce

The tradition of making applesauce goes back many years, starting as a way to preserve the large apple harvests of autumn. People have been growing and enjoying apples for thousands of years, with early records showing that apples were an important food in ancient times. Cooking apples into a sauce probably began as a way to keep them from going bad and to make them last through the winter months.

The Addition of Cinnamon

Cinnamon, a spice made from the inner bark of trees in the Cinnamomum family, has been used in cooking for a very long time. Its sweet and warm flavor goes perfectly with apples, which is why cinnamon applesauce has become such a popular version of traditional applesauce. This mix likely became popular in Europe during the Middle Ages, when spices became easier to get and were used more often in everyday cooking.

Benefits of Homemade Cinnamon Applesauce

Making cinnamon applesauce at home has many benefits, making it a valuable addition to your kitchen. From health perks to saving money and its many uses, let’s see why making this treat from scratch is a smart choice.

1. Health Benefits of Cinnamon Applesauce

One of the biggest advantages of homemade cinnamon applesauce is its nutritional value. By making it yourself, you ensure the applesauce is rich in natural ingredients without unnecessary additives or preservatives.

High in Fiber: Apples are a great source of fiber, especially pectin, which helps with digestion and supports gut health. Fiber also helps you feel full, making cinnamon applesauce a good option for those looking to manage their weight.
Loaded with Vitamins and Minerals: Apples have important vitamins and minerals like vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants. Vitamin C boosts the immune system and promotes healthy skin, while potassium supports heart health by helping to regulate blood pressure. Learn more about the health benefits of apples.
Anti-inflammatory Benefits of Cinnamon: Cinnamon is more than just a tasty spice; it has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce swelling in the body. This is especially helpful for people with conditions like arthritis or those looking to stay healthy.
Helps Control Blood Sugar: Cinnamon is known to help keep blood sugar levels steady, which is particularly helpful for people with diabetes or those at risk. Adding cinnamon to your applesauce gives you a naturally sweet treat without big spikes in blood sugar. How Cinnamon Can Improve Health provides more information on the benefits of this spice.

2. Control Over Ingredients

When you make cinnamon applesauce at home, you have full control over the ingredients. This means you can avoid the added sugars, artificial flavors, and preservatives often found in store-bought applesauce.

Adjusting Sweetness: Depending on your taste and dietary needs, you can adjust the amount of sugar or even use other sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. This is important for those managing their sugar intake or following a low-sugar diet.
Adding Extra Nutrients: You can easily boost the nutritional value of your homemade cinnamon applesauce by adding other ingredients like chia seeds for extra fiber, or flaxseeds for omega-3 fatty acids. These additions can turn a simple snack into a superfood-packed treat.
Customizing the Recipe: Homemade cinnamon applesauce allows for endless customization. Whether you prefer it chunky or smooth, sweet or tart, you can make it just the way you like. You can also try different apple varieties or add other fruits like pears or cranberries for unique flavors.

3. Cost-Effective and Eco-Friendly

Making cinnamon applesauce at home can save you money, especially if you use in-season apples.

Cost Savings: Apples are often plentiful and cheap during the fall, making this a great time to prepare large batches of cinnamon applesauce. By making it yourself, you avoid the higher prices often associated with store-bought applesauce.
Reducing Food Waste: Homemade applesauce is a great way to use up apples that are slightly bruised or past their prime. Instead of throwing them away, you can turn them into a tasty and healthy treat, helping to reduce food waste.
Environmentally Friendly: By making your own applesauce, you cut down on packaging, which is common in store-bought applesauce. This small step can help you live a more sustainable lifestyle by reducing plastic and paper waste.

4. Versatility in the Kitchen

Homemade cinnamon applesauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in many ways, making it a staple in any kitchen.

Baking Substitute: Applesauce can be used as a healthy substitute for oil or butter in baking. It adds moisture to baked goods while lowering the overall fat content, making it a popular choice for health-conscious bakers. For example, replacing oil with applesauce in cakes, muffins, or quick breads can result in a lower-calorie dessert with the same great taste.
Tasty Topping: Cinnamon applesauce can be served as a topping for many dishes, such as pancakes, waffles, or yogurt. It adds a sweet, fruity flavor that pairs well with both sweet and savory foods.
Side Dish: Cinnamon applesauce is a classic side dish, especially when paired with pork chops or roast chicken. The sweet and tart flavors of the apples go well with the savory taste of meats, making it a perfect addition to a wide range of meals.
Snack or Dessert: Enjoy cinnamon applesauce on its own as a healthy snack or dessert. It’s a guilt-free treat that satisfies sweet cravings without added sugars or unhealthy fats.

5. Family-Friendly and Kid-Approved

Homemade cinnamon applesauce is loved by both adults and kids, making it a family-friendly recipe that everyone can enjoy.

Kid-Friendly Snack: Kids love the naturally sweet taste of cinnamon applesauce, and parents can feel good about serving it, knowing it’s free from artificial ingredients. It’s a great way to get more fruit into a child’s diet, especially if they’re picky eaters.
Fun and Educational Activity: Making cinnamon applesauce with kids can be fun and educational. They can learn about different types of apples, basic cooking skills, and the importance of healthy eating. Plus, kids are more likely to eat something they helped make!

6. Long Shelf Life with Proper Storage

When stored correctly, homemade cinnamon applesauce can last for weeks, or even months, if canned properly.

Refrigeration: Stored in an airtight container, homemade applesauce can last up to a week in the refrigerator. It’s a convenient option for meal prepping and ensures you always have a healthy snack on hand.
Freezing: For longer storage, applesauce can be frozen for up to six months. This makes it easy to prepare large batches during apple season and enjoy it throughout the year.
Canning: Canning applesauce is an excellent way to preserve it for up to a year. This method not only extends the shelf life but also keeps the flavors fresh, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fall even in the middle of summer.

For a detailed guide, see Guide to Canning Applesauce.

Best Apples for Making Cinnamon Applesauce

Types of Apples

Choosing the right type of apple is crucial for making the best cinnamon applesauce. While you can use any variety of apple, some are better suited for this recipe due to their flavor and texture.

Sweet Apples: Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala apples are popular for their naturally sweet flavor. These varieties require less added sugar and create a smooth, rich sauce.
Tart Apples: Granny Smith and Braeburn apples are known for their tartness, which balances the sweetness of the cinnamon and sugar. These apples add a complex flavor to the sauce.
Balanced Blend: For a well-rounded flavor, consider mixing sweet and tart apples. This combination provides the perfect balance of sweetness and acidity.

Using a variety of apples not only enhances the flavor but also adds depth and complexity to the texture of the applesauce.

Ingredients Needed for Cinnamon Applesauce

Essential Ingredients

To make cinnamon applesauce at home, you’ll need just a few simple ingredients:

Apples: 4-6 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored, and chopped.
Water: ¾ cup, to help cook the apples and create the sauce’s consistency.
Sugar: ¼ to ½ cup of granulated sugar, depending on the sweetness of your apples.
Cinnamon: 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon, to infuse the sauce with warm, spicy flavor.
Optional Spices: A pinch of ground nutmeg, ginger, or cloves can add extra warmth and depth to the flavor.

For a deeper understanding of how ingredients can affect the flavor and quality of a recipe, check out What Are the Ingredients in Kirkland Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies?.

FAQ: What can I add to applesauce to make it taste better?

To enhance the flavor of your cinnamon applesauce, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or a bit of lemon juice to brighten the taste. You can also mix in other fruits like pears or cranberries for added sweetness and texture.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Cinnamon Applesauce

Preparation

Prepare the Apples: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small, even pieces. This ensures they cook evenly.
Prevent Browning: To prevent the apples from browning while you prepare the rest, you can place them in a bowl of cold water with a squeeze of lemon juice.

Cooking Process

Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon. If you’re adding any optional spices, include them now.
Cook the Apples: Cover the saucepan and cook over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally. The apples should become soft and tender.
Adjust Consistency: If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a bit more water during the cooking process. For a thicker sauce, reduce the water or cook for a few extra minutes with the lid off.

Mashing and Pureeing

Mash the Apples: Once the apples are fully cooked and softened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a chunkier sauce, mash lightly; for a smoother texture, mash thoroughly or use an immersion blender.
Taste and Adjust: Taste your applesauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed.

Storing and Serving

Storage: Allow the applesauce to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Serving Suggestions: Serve warm or cold, as a side dish, snack, or dessert. Cinnamon applesauce pairs perfectly with pork chops, pancakes, or vanilla ice cream.

Tips for Enhancing Flavor

Additions and Variations

To take your cinnamon applesauce to the next level, consider these flavor-enhancing tips:

Spice It Up: Add a pinch of ground nutmeg, cloves, or ginger to give the sauce a more complex flavor profile.
Mix in Fruits: Incorporate other fruits like pears, cranberries, or even a splash of apple cider for a unique twist.
Balance the Sweetness: If your apples are particularly sweet, add a dash of lemon juice to balance the flavors.

These simple additions can transform a basic cinnamon applesauce into a gourmet treat.

Creative Ways to Use Cinnamon Applesauce

In Cooking and Baking

Cinnamon applesauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of recipes:

Baking Substitute: Use applesauce as a healthy substitute for oil or butter in baking. It works well in muffins, cakes, and quick breads. For inspiration, check out The Ultimate Guide to Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies.
Recipes to Try: Incorporate cinnamon applesauce into recipes like applesauce pancakes, cinnamon apple muffins, or even in a spice cake for added moisture and flavor.

As a Side or Topping

Classic Pairings: Serve cinnamon applesauce with pork chops, roast chicken, or sausages for a classic sweet and savory combination. For more savory recipe ideas, take a look at this Salmon BLT Sandwich Recipe.
Dessert Topping: Spoon cinnamon applesauce over vanilla ice cream, yogurt, or oatmeal for a delicious and healthy dessert.

How to Store and Preserve Cinnamon Applesauce

Refrigeration and Freezing

Refrigeration: Store the applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Freezing: To freeze, place the applesauce in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion. It can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator before using.

Canning Applesauce

Canning is an excellent method for preserving cinnamon applesauce for extended periods. Follow the steps mentioned above for a shelf-stable product that can be enjoyed year-round. For a detailed guide, see Guide to Canning Applesauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is cinnamon applesauce good for?

Cinnamon applesauce is a versatile food that can be enjoyed as a snack, dessert, or side dish. It’s also a healthy substitute for oil or butter in baking and can be used to add moisture and flavor to a variety of dishes.

Is applesauce with cinnamon good for your stomach?

Yes, cinnamon applesauce is good for your stomach. The fiber in apples aids digestion, while the anti-inflammatory properties of cinnamon can soothe the stomach and reduce bloating.

What is the news about cinnamon applesauce?

Cinnamon applesauce has been gaining popularity as a healthy, homemade alternative to store-bought versions. Its versatility and health benefits make it a popular choice for families, especially during the fall season.

What can I add to applesauce to make it taste better?

To enhance the flavor of your cinnamon applesauce, consider adding vanilla extract, a pinch of salt, or other fruits like pears or cranberries. A splash of lemon juice can also brighten the flavor and balance the sweetness.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Homemade cinnamon applesauce is more than just a simple recipe; it’s a delightful blend of flavors that captures the essence of fall. Whether you enjoy it warm with a comforting meal, cold as a refreshing snack, or as a healthy ingredient in your baking, cinnamon applesauce is a versatile and nutritious addition to your kitchen. With its rich history, numerous health benefits, and endless culinary possibilities, this recipe is one you’ll want to make again and again. So why not give it a try and experience the cozy, comforting flavor of homemade cinnamon applesauce for yourself? Your kitchen will thank you, and so will your taste buds!

Cinnamon Applesauce from Scratch: Easy Homemade Recipe