Pink Lady Applesauce: Sweet & Tangy Homemade Batch (Print Version)

Pink Lady Applesauce: Your homemade recipe for a naturally sweet, vibrant sauce with a perfect tang. Easy to make & delicious for snacks or baking!

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 8-10 medium Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
02 - 1/2 cup water or apple cider
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Flavor Enhancers

04 - 1 cinnamon stick
05 - Pinch of salt

→ Optional Sweetener

06 - 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup or honey (optional, to taste)

→ Optional Spices

07 - 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
08 - 1/8 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, let's get those beautiful Pink Lady apples ready. I usually give them a good rinse, then it's peeling time. Honestly, I'm not the neatest peeler, so expect a few stray peels on the floor – it's part of the charm, right? After peeling, core them and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't stress too much about perfection; they're all going to break down anyway. I try to keep them somewhat uniform so they cook evenly; otherwise, you get mushy bits and hard bits, which isn't ideal for a smooth Pink Lady Applesauce.
02 - Now, grab a nice heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in your chopped Pink Lady apples, the water or apple cider, that fresh lemon juice, the cinnamon stick, and your tiny pinch of salt. Give it a good stir to combine everything. Pop the lid on and bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat. This is where the magic really starts to happen, and you'll begin to smell that lovely apple aroma wafting through your kitchen. I always get excited at this point, even if I've made Pink Lady Applesauce a hundred times.
03 - Once it's simmering, reduce the heat to low and let it cook, covered, for about 15-20 minutes. You want those Pink Lady apples to get really, really tender. Like, fork-tender, falling-apart tender. Give it an occasional stir, just to make sure nothing's sticking to the bottom. I usually peek in every five minutes, watching the apples soften and turn a lovely light pink. It's so satisfying! If they seem a bit dry, a tiny splash more water won't hurt. This step is crucial for smooth Pink Lady Applesauce.
04 - When the apples are super soft, remove the pot from the heat and take out the cinnamon stick. Now for the fun part: mashing! You can use a potato masher for a chunkier Pink Lady Applesauce, which I sometimes prefer for a rustic vibe. If you like it smoother, an immersion blender works wonders – just be careful of splatters! Taste it at this point. If you feel it needs a little more sweetness, stir in a touch of maple syrup or honey, a teaspoon at a time, until it's just right for your palate. My rule? Taste, taste, taste!
05 - Once you've achieved your desired consistency and sweetness, let the Pink Lady Applesauce cool down completely in the pot. This is probably the hardest part for me because it smells so good, I just want to dig in! Once it's cooled to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. I usually use a big glass jar. It's so pretty, seeing that vibrant Pink Lady Applesauce color. Don't rush this cooling process; it really helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
06 - Now for the best part! This homemade Pink Lady Applesauce is ready to be enjoyed. Serve it warm or chilled, it's delicious either way. I love it straight from the spoon, but it's also incredible with yogurt, on pancakes, or alongside a savory dish. The color should be a lovely pale pink, the texture smooth or slightly chunky depending on your preference, and the taste? Sweet, tangy, and wonderfully apple-y. It's truly a simple pleasure that makes my kitchen feel like home.

# Notes:

01 - Don't overcook the apples; they can lose their vibrant flavor and turn too brown.
02 - Always add the lemon juice at the beginning to prevent browning and enhance flavor.
03 - Taste the Pink Lady Applesauce before adding any extra sweetener; Pink Lady apples are naturally quite sweet.
04 - For a super smooth Pink Lady Applesauce, push it through a fine-mesh sieve after mashing.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed pot
02 - potato masher or immersion blender
03 - airtight containers

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 100
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 25g
Protein: 0.5g

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