Olivia Carter
Applesauce is a versatile ingredient that can be used in a variety of dishes, from baked goods to main courses. Making your own homemade freezer applesauce is a great way to enjoy the fresh flavors of apples all year round. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make!
One of the best things about making your own applesauce is that you have complete control over the ingredients. You can choose the type of apples you prefer and adjust the sweetness and spice to your liking. Homemade applesauce is also a great way to use up any excess apples you may have on hand.
Making homemade applesauce is a simple process. Start by peeling and coring the apples, then chop them into chunks. Place the apples in a large pot along with some water, cinnamon, and a touch of sugar if desired. Cook the apples until they are soft and easily mashable, then use a blender or food processor to puree the mixture until smooth.
Once you’ve made your homemade applesauce, you can store it in the freezer for later use. Divide the applesauce into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags, leaving some room for expansion. Label the containers with the date and freeze for up to 6 months. When you’re ready to use the applesauce, simply thaw it in the refrigerator or defrost in the microwave.
Gather the Ingredients
Before you begin making homemade freezer applesauce, you will need to gather the necessary ingredients. Here is what you will need:
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Apples | about 3 pounds |
| Water | 1/2 cup |
| Lemon juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Granulated sugar | 1/4 cup (optional) |
| Cinnamon | 1/2 teaspoon (optional) |
Make sure to choose apples that are sweet and flavorful, such as Honeycrisp, Gala, or Fuji. It’s also a good idea to have a lemon handy for the juice, as it helps prevent the applesauce from browning.
Once you have all of the ingredients, you will be ready to start making your homemade freezer applesauce.
Prepare the Apples
To make homemade freezer applesauce, you need to start by preparing the apples. Choose apples that are sweet and tart for the best flavor. You can use a variety of apples or stick to a single type, such as Granny Smith or McIntosh.
Begin by washing the apples under cold water to remove any dirt or residue. Peel the apples using a vegetable peeler or a paring knife. If you prefer a chunkier texture for your applesauce, you can leave some of the skin on.
Once peeled, core the apples using an apple corer or a small knife. Remove the seeds and tough center part of the apple. Cut the apples into chunks or slices, whichever you prefer. The size of the chunks will affect the cooking time, so consider how you want your applesauce to turn out.
As you prepare the apples, place them in a large bowl filled with water mixed with lemon juice to prevent browning. This step is important if you don’t want your applesauce to have a brown color.
Now that the apples are prepared, you are ready to move on to the next step in making your homemade freezer applesauce.
Cooking the Apples
To make homemade freezer applesauce, start by washing and peeling your apples. Once peeled, core and chop the apples into small pieces.
Next, place the chopped apples in a large pot and add enough water to cover the bottom of the pot. This will help prevent the apples from sticking to the bottom and burning.
Set the pot over medium heat and bring the water to a simmer. Cook the apples, stirring occasionally, until they are soft and tender. The cooking time will depend on the type and ripeness of the apples, but it usually takes about 15-20 minutes.
Once the apples are cooked, remove the pot from the heat and let them cool slightly. Then, use a potato masher or a hand blender to mash the apples into a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, you can leave some small pieces of apple intact.
At this point, you can add any desired sweeteners or spices, such as cinnamon or sugar, to enhance the flavor of the applesauce. Mix well to incorporate the additional ingredients.
Finally, spoon the applesauce into freezer-safe containers, leaving some room at the top for expansion during freezing. Seal the containers tightly and label them with the date. Place them in the freezer and allow the applesauce to freeze completely.
When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade freezer applesauce, simply thaw a container in the refrigerator overnight or heat it gently on the stovetop. The applesauce will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months.
Puree the Cooked Apples
Once the apples are cooked and softened, it is time to puree them. You can use a food processor, blender, or immersion blender to achieve a smooth consistency. If you prefer a chunkier texture, you can also use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples instead.
If using a food processor or blender, transfer the cooked apples into the appliance and blend until smooth. Be careful not to overfill the appliance, and blend in batches if necessary.
If using an immersion blender, simply insert the blender directly into the pot of cooked apples and blend until the desired consistency is reached. Make sure to move the blender around to ensure all the apples are evenly pureed.
Alternatively, if you prefer a chunkier texture, use a potato masher or fork to gently mash the cooked apples until you achieve the desired consistency.
Once the apples are pureed to your liking, the applesauce is ready to be frozen or used immediately.
| Tools | Needed |
|---|---|
| Food processor/blender/immersion blender | Yes |
| Potato masher/fork | Optional |
Freezing the Applesauce
Once you have finished cooking the applesauce, it’s time to prepare it for freezing. Follow these steps to ensure the best results:
Cooling the Applesauce
Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature before freezing. This will help prevent the formation of ice crystals and ensure a smoother texture when thawed.
Container Selection
Choose appropriate freezer-safe containers or bags for storing your applesauce. Consider using small airtight containers or freezer bags with airtight seals. Avoid using glass jars, as they may break during freezing.
Portioning the Applesauce
If you prefer to have smaller portions of applesauce, divide it into individual serving sizes before freezing. This will make it easier to defrost and use as needed.
Note: Leave some headspace at the top of each container or bag to allow for expansion during freezing.
Labeling and Dating
Before sealing the containers or bags, label and date them. This will help you keep track of when the applesauce was made and ensure it doesn’t stay in the freezer for too long.
Example: “Homemade Applesauce, Made on [date]”.
Store the labeled containers or bags in the freezer, making sure they are placed in a flat position to prevent any leakage or spilling.
Now you have homemade freezer applesauce ready to be enjoyed whenever you desire! Just remove a container or bag from the freezer, allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight, and it’s ready to be served!
Enjoying Your Homemade Freezer Applesauce
Now that you have made your own delicious freezer applesauce, it’s time to enjoy the fruits of your labor! Here are some ideas for how you can enjoy your homemade applesauce:
- Traditional Snack: Serve the applesauce as a traditional snack, either chilled or room temperature. You can enjoy it on its own or pair it with crackers or toast for added texture.
- Breakfast Topping: Add a dollop of your homemade applesauce to your morning oatmeal, pancakes, waffles, or yogurt for a sweet and fruity addition.
- Baking Ingredient: Use your applesauce as a substitute for oil or butter in baked goods recipes. It adds moisture and natural sweetness to cakes, muffins, and breads.
- Smoothie Booster: Add a spoonful of applesauce to your favorite smoothie recipe for extra flavor and nutrition. It pairs especially well with other fall flavors like cinnamon and nutmeg.
- Condiment Alternative: Use your homemade applesauce as a healthier alternative to condiments like ketchup or mayonnaise. It can add a tangy-sweet element to burgers, sandwiches, and wraps.
Remember to store any leftover applesauce in airtight containers in the freezer for future use. It will keep for up to six months. Enjoy your homemade freezer applesauce in a variety of ways and savor the taste of your homemade creation!
FAQ
What ingredients do I need to make homemade freezer applesauce?
To make homemade freezer applesauce, you will need apples, sugar, water, lemon juice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
Can I use any type of apples to make homemade freezer applesauce?
Yes, you can use any type of apples to make homemade freezer applesauce. However, some apples are better for applesauce than others. Examples of good apples for applesauce are Granny Smith, McIntosh, and Gala.
How long can I store homemade freezer applesauce?
You can store homemade freezer applesauce for up to 6 months in the freezer. It is best to store it in airtight containers or freezer bags to prevent freezer burn.
