BHA & BHT Free Whole30 Cinnamon Apple Sauce
Homemade applesauce is one of those recipes that feels almost too simple until you taste it and realize nothing from a jar comes close. Store-bought versions are notorious for sneaking in preservatives like BHA and BHT to extend shelf life, so making your own is the most reliable way to keep those additives completely off your plate. Here, fresh apples are simmered down with just water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of sea salt — every single ingredient is clean and recognizable. The lemon juice brightens the natural sweetness of the apples while helping them break down into a silky, fragrant sauce. You get to choose your own texture, too: leave it rustic and chunky with a potato masher, or go full smooth with an immersion blender right in the pot. It's equally good spooned warm over roasted pork, stirred into oatmeal, or eaten straight from the bowl with a spoon. Once you see how easy it is, going back to the store-bought stuff will feel completely unnecessary.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lbs apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ½ cup water
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg
- 1 pinch fine sea salt
Instructions
- 1
Combine the apple chunks, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir to coat the apples.
- 2
Cover and cook, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely tender and collapse easily when pressed with a spoon, about 20–25 minutes. If the pan looks dry before the apples are soft, add water 2 tbsp at a time.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!