Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe (Whole30, Vegan, Paleo)

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 from scratch with this quick and easy recipe.

Homemade Unsweetened Applesauce

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.

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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:

• Healthy Nut-Free Granola Bars
• Chocolate Avocado Pudding
• 5-Minute Homemade Guacamole
• Hummus Without Tahini
• Homemade Pear Sauce

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! ♡

Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe (Whole30, Vegan, Paleo)

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This Unsweetened Applesauce recipe is naturally flavored and contains no added sugars. A simple, homemade applesauce recipe that is perfect for snacking and using in baking.

Alia Kay

5 from 7 votes

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Dessert, Sauce, Snack

Cuisine American

Servings 4 servings

Calories 118 calories

Ingredients

• 4 apples, peeled, cored and chopped
• 3/4 cup water
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

• Combine all ingredients in a saucepan set over medium-high heat. Bring mixture to a boil.
• Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes or until the 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

Nutrition Facts

Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe (Whole30, Vegan, Paleo)

Amount per Serving

Calories

118

% Daily Value*

Sodium

 

4

mg

0

%

Potassium

 

194

mg

6

%

Carbohydrates

 

31

g

10

%

Fiber

 

4

g

17

%

Sugar

 

24

g

27

%

Vitamin A

 

100

IU

2

%

Vitamin C

 

8.8

mg

11

%

Calcium

 

11

mg

1

%

Iron

 

0.2

mg

1

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days or in the freezer for up to three months.

Keyword Unsweetened Applesauce

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