Nitrate & Nitrite Free Whole30 Cinnamon Apple Sauce
Warm, fragrant, and naturally sweet, this homemade applesauce is the kind of simple recipe that makes you wonder why you ever bought the jarred stuff. Store-bought versions can sneak in preservatives and additives you'd rather avoid, but this one is built entirely from whole, clean ingredients — just apples, warm spices, a squeeze of lemon, and a pinch of salt. The cinnamon and nutmeg deepen the natural sweetness of the apples without any added sugar, making it feel indulgent while staying completely wholesome. You control the texture too, whether you prefer it rustic and chunky from a potato masher or silky smooth with an immersion blender. It comes together in a single saucepan with minimal prep, and the smell alone while it simmers is worth the effort. Serve it warm alongside a protein, spoon it over roasted sweet potatoes, or eat it straight from the jar — no judgment here.
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!