BHA & BHT Free Classic Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is one of those simple pleasures that store-bought versions never quite capture ā and when you make it yourself, you know exactly what's going into the pot. Many commercial applesauces rely on synthetic preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend shelf life, so cooking from scratch is the cleanest way to keep your bowl completely free of those additives. A mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples gives this sauce a beautifully balanced flavor that's bright, warm, and just a little complex. Fresh lemon juice keeps the color vibrant and adds a subtle zing, while a touch of cinnamon and a pinch of salt round everything out perfectly. The whole process is wonderfully low-effort ā just simmer, mash, and taste. You can leave it chunky for texture or mash it smooth for a silkier spoonful, making it endlessly versatile as a snack, a side dish, or a topping for oatmeal and pancakes. Once you've had a warm bowl straight from the stove, it's hard to go back to anything from a jar.
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Learn more āIngredients
6 servings
- 3 lbs apples (about 6 medium; a mix of granny smith and honeycrisp works well), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ā cup water
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp granulated sugar
- Ā½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ā tsp kosher salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple chunks, water, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon, and salt in a large saucepan. Stir to coat the apples evenly.
- 2
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for 18ā22 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely tender and collapse easily when pressed with a spoon.
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