This Unsweetened Applesauce recipe is naturally flavored and contains no added sugars. It is naturally Whole30-compliant, vegan, and paleo. Made with fresh apples, water, lemon juice and cinnamon! Learn how to make homemade applesauce with this quick and easy recipe.
I always used to buy ready-made bottles of applesauce, until I realized it was so simple to make on my own. I like to keep a jar of it on hand in the fridge for a quick afternoon snack, as a condiment for a hearty main dish, a fuss-free dessert, or as a substitute for oil or butter when I am baking.
This recipe uses a bit of lemon juice and cinnamon to compliment the flavor of the apples. Use whatever kind of apples you have on hand or a combination of different types.
Since this recipe does not contain any added sugar, the sweetness of this applesauce depends on the sweetness of your apples. If you taste your applesauce and you think it would taste better if it was just a bit sweeter, I recommend adding a one to two tablespoons of a natural, unrefined sweetener like raw honey, maple syrup, agave nectar, or coconut sugar.
Keep in mind though that if you add honey, the applesauce will no longer be vegan, and if you add sugar of any form, it will no longer be Whole30-compliant.
Can You Substitute Applesauce for Oil in Baking Recipes?
Yes! Strange as it may seem, you can absolutely substitute applesauce for oil, or any fat for that matter, in baking recipes. You’ll spare yourself the calories and fat, but your desserts will be just as delicious and tender!
When substituting applesauce for oil in baking, the ratio is typically 1:1. Therefore, if your recipe requires, for example, one cup of oil, butter, or margarine, you can replace it with one cup (the same quantity) of unsweetened applesauce.
More Healthy Snack Recipes to Try
Looking for more nutritious snack inspiration? Here are some of my favorites on the blog:
- Healthy Nut-Free Granola Bars
- Chocolate Avocado Pudding
- 5-Minute Homemade Guacamole
- Hummus Without Tahini
- Peanut Butter Energy Balls
For this Whole30 Applesauce recipe, I Recommend:
Here are a few kitchen tools that I suggest using to ensure this homemade applesauce recipe comes out perfect:
- Citrus Juicer – If you cook with a lot of citrus, a sturdy juicer is a must. This one works for both lemons and limes and will squeeze out every last drop of juice like a pro. Worth every penny.
- KitchenAid Hand Blender – This is the one I use and love! I have had mine for years and it is one of my favorite kitchen tools. For an extra-smooth applesauce, an immersion/stick blender like this will get the job done in no time. I also use it to make soups, dips, and smoothies.
If you make this Unsweetened Applesauce recipe, let me know! Leave a comment with a star rating ★ below, because I love hearing from you! ♡
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Unsweetened Applesauce (Whole30, Vegan, Paleo)
Ingredients
- 4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer for about 20 minutes or until apples are tender.
- Mash the apples with a potato masher or use an immersion (stick) blender to puree the apples for a smoother consistency. Allow to cool before serving.
Nutrition
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I am absolutely tempted to make this! My little one loves apple sauce and I’m guilty of buying the store bought ones all the time.. not anymore! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Hey Mahy! Yeah it is so easy to make it at home! You probably already have all the ingredients on hand, so you could make it anytime you want! 🙂 You’re welcome!!
I was making this for my kids when they were babies. I used brown sugar and also, mix of apples and pears is great. You just reminded me of those times and the smell and the taste we all were hooked on 🙂
Hi Marija! Ooo using pears sounds so good!! Aww I’m glad I reminded you of those times. 🙂 Thank you for your sweet message!
Made it and loved it!!
That’s great! Thanks for letting me know Tamara!
Great recipe! I’m going to keep making this over and over again for my babies. 🙂 Thanks for posting!
Hi Liz, I’m so glad you like the recipe! You’re very welcome! 🙂
I was running low on store bought applesauce, so thought I would give this a try. Wow! So good! Will be doing this more often.
Hi Nancy! Thanks, I’m so glad you liked the applesauce! Let me know if you try any of my other recipes! 🙂
I needed unsweetened applesauce for a paleo banana bread. I found your site after doing a search for “homemade whole 30 applesauce.” I’ve already made it and it’s just right. Thanks.
Hi Melissa, you’re welcome! Thanks for letting me know and I’m glad you enjoyed the recipe!