Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

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Applesauce made easy and delicious with fresh apples for a wonderful vegan applesauce recipe. Perfect as a condiment, side dish or treat. It's a big batch so you can save some for the future too.

Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (1)

How can something so easy be so tasty to every single age group. From infants to seniors applesauce is a real treat.

Another good thing is that is always vegan. In fact, besides being a simple DIY this recipe is also gluten free, dairy free, and paleo. A true vegan applesauce recipe that is a quadruple threat.

One more thing is that it is an inexpensive side dish, spread and snack.

Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (2)

Table of Contents

Pro tips

  • Any of your favorite apple varieties will make a delcious vegan applesauce.
  • I almost always use coconut sugar but I went the traditional way for this recipe. You can exchange coconut sugar with no problems at all.
  • If your apples are sweet you may not need any sweetener. Most people like it a little sweeter though.
  • Lemon juice is used to keep the apples from turning brownish and to balance out the sweetness. I have not used lemon juice every time though and it still turns out great.
  • You can use apples that have a few brown spots and aren't in their optimal fresh eating condition. Just cut out the brown spots and make this great side dish.
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How to use applesauce

  • As I mentioned above it's very versatile.
  • It is often used as an egg substitute in baked goods such as in these Apple Granola Muffins.
  • If you'd like to substitute applesauce for an egg in one of your quick bread recipes then a regular egg would be just shy of ¼ cup applesauce or just shy of 4 tablespoons.
  • It is traditional to have applesauce on latkes or potato pancakes.
  • Straight out of the jar is an excellent idea.
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Can you can applesauce

Yes and it is so easy. You don't even need a pressure cooker. You do need a pot with a cover to have the water come up to 2-3" above the jar lids.

They do have canning pots with an insert for lowering the jars but you can use a large stockpot also. For safety so that you don't burn your hand or drop your jar when lowering this jar lifter works wonders.

I use to live in Apple Hill, California and believe me I have canned countless half pint and pint canning jars using the hot water bath method.

  • Wash the canning jars and lids in hot soapy water and rinse well.
  • Make the applesauce as usual.
  • Start the water so that it can begin to come to a boiling point.
  • Fill a canning jar up to about an inch from the rim.
  • Screw on the lids with rings.
  • Place all of the jars in the boiling water. make sure the boiling water is covering the jars by 2-3 inches.
  • Process in the boiling water. 15 minutes if you live under 1,000 ft. or 20 minutes if you live between 1,000 ft. and 6,000 ft. If you're above that then process for 25 minutes.
  • Remove with the jar lifter and set aside on a kitchen towel to dry and cool.
  • The most rewarding part is when you hear the lids 'pop'. That means they have just sealed themselves for storage. Let them cool completely and store in a dark, cool, dry place (the pantry) for up to a year.

Ingredients

  • Apples, apples, apples in any variety that you like. If you use Granny Smith you want to make sure you add sugar.
  • Lemon is for keeping the apples from turning brown.
  • Apple juice adds extra liquid and taste.
  • Organic brown sugar adds sweetness.
  • Ground cinnamon mixes really well with nutmeg and sugar and adds even more flavor.
  • Ground Nutmeg helps round out the flavors.

How to make homemade applesauce

  • Core and cut apples into thin slices and add to a large pot.
  • Squeeze lemon juice over apples and toss to coat.
  • Add apple juice or apple cider, brown sugar, and spices. Stir to combine.
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  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 20 to 30 minutes or until apples are tender. Remove from the heat.
  • Process to desired consistency with a potato masher, food processor, or blender. If you use a blender don't make it too creamy and smooth.
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  • Serve warm, at room temperature. or chilled.
  • Store covered or in a glass jar with a lid in the refrigerator.
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FAQ's

How long will applesauce keep?

Newly made or leftovers will keep for 5 to 7 days. This makes it a great option to make ahead too.

Can you freeze applesauce?

Yes, you can! Just wait until it’s cool first. Put it in a freezer-safe container and keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. To thaw, just put it in the refrigerator for 1 or 2 days.

How do you make chunky applesauce?

Use a potato masher and mash as much as you can. It will be chunky.

How do you make smooth applesauce for a baby?

Use a sweet apple to start with so that you don't have to add any sugar and leave out the lemon juice. When all is cooked use an emersion blender or a blender and blend until creamy smooth.

Is applesauce good for you?

It will satisfy your sweet tooth so it's a better option than most desserts. The less sugar you use the better it is for you. There are about100 caloriesper cup of unsweetened applesauce.

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Recipes using applesauce

  • I already mentioned the Apple Granola Muffins up above but this Vegan Applesauce Bread used grated apples and applesauce to make a delicious breakfast or snack.
  • These Applesauce Muffins also have grated carrots and raisins.

📋 Recipe

Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (9)

Vegan Applesauce

Ginny McMeans

Applesauce made easy and delicious with fresh apples for a wonderful side dish recipe plus more!

4.91 from 11 votes

Print Save

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine Dairy-Free, Gluten Free, Vegan

Servings 6 Cups

Calories 199 kcal

Ingredients

  • 16 cups Apples - 6 pounds apples is about 16 cups peeled, cored, and cut into slices
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
  • 1 cup Apple cider or apple juice
  • ½ cup Organic brown sugar
  • 1 teaspoon Ground cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg

Instructions

  • Clean and slice apples.=. Add to a large pot.

  • Squeeze the juice of a lemon over apples and toss to coat.

  • Add apple cider or apple juice, brown sugar and spices. Stir to combine.

  • Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally for 20 minutes or until apples are tender. It might be up to 30 minutes. Remove from heat.

  • Process to desired consistency with a potato masher, food processor or blender.

  • Serve warm, at room temperature or chilled.

Video

Notes

Store in an airtight container or in a glass jar with a lid.

Nutrition

Serving: 1cupCalories: 199kcalCarbohydrates: 52gProtein: 1gFat: 1gSaturated Fat: 1gSodium: 8mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 6gSugar: 42gVitamin A: 135IUVitamin C: 13mgCalcium: 31mgIron: 1mg

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

More Side Dishes

  • Instant Pot Potatoes and Carrots
  • Vegan Broccoli Rice Casserole
  • Skillet Potato Recipe with Lentils and Carrots
  • Vegan Macaroni Salad Recipe

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Leave a Reply

  1. Kim

    Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (14)
    Simple, easy and so delicious! Thank you!

  2. Wendy

    Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (15)
    Ésta compota de manzana es un imprescindible en la cocina, sirve para muchas cosas y como acompañamiento de carnes veganas es ideal. Gracias por compartir. Pronto la haré. Cuídate mucho

  3. Betsy

    Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (16)
    I can't eat apples, but I make applesauce for my kiddos and they LOVE this! They just gobble this right up. Perfect, easy and delicious recipe!

  4. Suzy

    Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (17)
    This is the easiest applesauce to make! Love it! Loved the apple cider too!

  5. Toni

    Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (18)
    Simply delicious and so easy to make. I was asking questions in my head as I read your post and you answered all of them! Thank you.

  6. Ginny McMeans

    That's great Toni and thank you for our kind words.

Vegan Applesauce Recipe - Big Batch - Vegan in the Freezer (2024)

FAQs

How long will homemade applesauce last in the freezer? ›

Once frozen and popped out of your Souper Cubes trays, and transferred to freezer bags, it will last up to 6 months in the freezer - even longer if it is vacuum sealed! To thaw, remove the cube of applesauce from the freezer, and place into a bowl. Then place the bowl into the fridge to thaw.

What's the best container to freeze applesauce in? ›

For long term storage, you can place your applesauce inside a firm, freezer-safe container, such as a mason jar, or a resealable freezer bag. The container type does not affect the applesauce's taste or quality, so choose whatever is convenient for you. Squeeze out excess air if you're using a freezer bag.

Can you freeze apples before making applesauce? ›

Peel, core, and slice. If you've got apples to freeze, but no plan for their use, this is the way to go. Use later by the handful or bagful in any cooked recipes. Pies, muffins, cobblers and even applesauce can be made from frozen apples.

Can you freeze applesauce in ziplock bags? ›

When apples are soft and still hot, run through a food mill placed over a bowl. (It is now ready to eat hot or cold.) To Freeze: Cool Place in quart ziplock bags and freeze. Makes about 4 quarts.

Is it better to freeze applesauce or canning? ›

Making your own applesauce is quite easy and doesn't take much time if you choose to freeze it. Canning applesauce takes about twice as long but if you're limited on room in the freezer- it's the better option.

Can I freeze applesauce in mason jars? ›

Yes, you can freeze the applesauce in mason jars or freezer bags. Just remember to leave space at the top for expansion. Also, use good quality mason jars with wide mouths.

What does frozen applesauce taste like? ›

Frozen applesauce requires a few minutes to thaw, but once it hits its sweet spot, you'll be quickly convinced there's no other way to enjoy it. The apple flavor stays pure and clean, while the icy texture is like a fresh, homemade granita without any effort.

Can I freeze Mott's applesauce? ›

Perfect tasting Apple

I freeze the small cups in the freezer which my kids love! There are only 3 ingredients Apples, Water, and vitamin C. The No Sugar Added Apple Applesauce is also perfect for baking.

What are the best apples for applesauce? ›

The best apples for applesauce are whatever apples you have on hand and need to use up. However, if you have a choice, we recommend using a combination of sweet and tangy varieties for the best flavor. Popular sweet varieties include Honeycrisp and Fuji, while popular tangy varieties include Granny Smith and Braeburn.

How do you freeze apples without them turning brown? ›

Freeze Apple Slices

Once sliced, dip the apples in a bowl of water with a little lemon juice stirred in (about a tablespoon per gallon) to prevent browning. Place the apple pieces on a baking sheet (don't let them touch each other), and freeze thoroughly.

Is it better to freeze apples cooked or raw? ›

What is the best way to freeze apples? The best way to ensure that your defrosted apple will be the same quality as what you froze is to cook it first.

Is Mott's applesauce vegan? ›

This product is likely vegan. Which diet do you follow?

How do I substitute eggs in vegan applesauce? ›

Use applesauce to add moisture. Replace one egg with 1/4 cup of applesauce in sweet desserts. If you want a lighter texture, add an extra 1/2 teaspoonful of baking powder, as fruit purées tend to make the final product denser than the original recipe.

What do vegans use instead of eggs? ›

ProVeg presents a range of healthy vegan egg alternatives for cooking and baking.
  • Apple sauce. Using apple sauce is a fat-free way to replace eggs in baked goods. ...
  • Aquafaba. ...
  • Black salt (kala namak) ...
  • Egg substitute powders. ...
  • Flaxseed (aka linseed) ...
  • Ripe bananas. ...
  • Silken tofu & firm tofu. ...
  • Tapioca starch.

How to store homemade applesauce long term? ›

Freeze for longer storage. For shelf-stable product, process in a boiling water canner. Applesauce may also be used for making fruit leather. Makes about 1 quart applesauce; recipe may be multiplied.

How long does homemade sauce last in the freezer? ›

"You can freeze any unused sauce in an airtight container. Use it within six months for the best quality experience," says Birmingham. Homemade pasta sauce can also be frozen as long as it doesn't contain cream or cheese.

How do you know if applesauce has gone bad? ›

Mold is an obvious sign of spoilage, and the applesauce should be discarded immediately. What does it smell like? A quick whiff that gives off a sweet scent of applesauce means it is probably still good. If there is an unpleasant odor, you're likely smelling spoiled applesauce, so go ahead and toss it out.

Can you refreeze homemade applesauce? ›

You can safely refreeze frozen food that has thawed—raw or cooked, although there may be a loss of quality due to the moisture lost through thawing. To safely refreeze, the thawed product must have been kept cold at 40 degrees or below for no more than 3-4 days.

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