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If you’re looking for a bright, comforting treat that instantly feels like a warm hug, this Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe is exactly what you need. With the natural sweetness of ripe apples blended flawlessly with juicy strawberries, each spoonful bursts with fresh, fruity goodness layered with a hint of cinnamon and vanilla. It’s a versatile delight that’s perfect for breakfast, snacking, or even a light dessert, showcasing how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special and heartwarming.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first step to making your Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe sing with flavor. Each item is easy to find but plays a crucial role in balancing sweetness, texture, and warmth.
- 6 large apples (preferably Gala or Fuji): Their natural sweetness and soft texture when cooked create a smooth base.
- 2 cups fresh strawberries: Add a vibrant color and a tangy contrast that lifts the overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup water: Helps soften the fruit during simmering without diluting flavors.
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar: Adjustable to taste; it enhances the sweetness without overpowering the fruit.
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon: Gives a warming spice note that deepens the applesauce’s cozy feel.
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a subtle aromatic sweetness that rounds out the flavors wonderfully.
- A pinch of salt: Balances all the sweetness and brightens the overall taste.
How to Make Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
Begin by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples into small pieces. This helps them cook evenly and break down beautifully. Then, hull and chop the fresh strawberries to match the apple sizes so the cooking is consistent and nothing overpowers the texture.
Step 2: Combine and Simmer
Place the chopped apples, strawberries, and water into a large pot. Slowly bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, allowing the fruits to start releasing their juices and softening without scorching.
Step 3: Cook Covered
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the fruits cook for 20 to 25 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and to encourage the strawberries and apples to break down into a luscious, tender mix.
Step 4: Add Flavors
Remove the lid and stir in the sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt. This step transforms the basic cooked fruit into a flavorful, aromatic applesauce that’s irresistibly delicious.
Step 5: Blend to Perfection
Using an immersion blender, purée the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, you can carefully transfer the warm mixture to a blender or food processor. This blending step ensures a silky texture that’s perfect for spooning into bowls or jars.
Step 6: Final Taste and Cool
Taste your creation and add more sugar if you want it sweeter. Then, allow the applesauce to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. It will thicken as it cools, making every bite even more delightful.
How to Serve Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your serving, sprinkle a dash of cinnamon or add fresh strawberry slices on top. A dollop of Greek yogurt or a few mint leaves can add a fresh, creamy contrast that’s both pretty and tasty.
Side Dishes
This applesauce pairs beautifully with breakfast staples like warm pancakes or toast, adds freshness when served alongside roasted pork, or simply shines on its own as a healthy snack.
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering your Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe in parfait glasses with granola and creamy yogurt for a lovely morning treat. You could even swirl it into oatmeal or use it as a vibrant spread on your favorite sandwiches to brighten up mealtime.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to a week, making it easy to enjoy small servings throughout the week without any waste.
Freezing
If you want to save it longer, freezing is a great option. Portion your applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months and thaw quickly when you’re ready to enjoy it.
Reheating
When you want to warm it up, gently heat the applesauce on the stove or in the microwave. Stir occasionally to prevent scorching and to bring back that freshly made taste and comforting aroma.
FAQs
Can I use other types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! While Gala and Fuji apples are recommended for their sweetness and texture, Granny Smith or Honeycrisp can also work well, adding a tart or crisp note depending on your preference.
Is it necessary to add sugar?
The sugar balances the natural tartness of the strawberries and apples, but you can adjust or omit it according to your taste or dietary needs. The sauce will still be delicious and naturally sweet.
Can I make this recipe with frozen strawberries?
Yes, frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are unavailable. Just be sure to thaw them first and drain excess liquid to avoid making the applesauce too watery.
How chunky or smooth should the applesauce be?
This depends on personal preference. The recipe encourages blending until smooth, but you can leave it a bit chunky or pulse the blender less if you enjoy more texture.
Does the cinnamon overpower the fruit flavors?
Not at all! The cinnamon adds a gentle warmth that complements rather than overwhelms the fruits. You can adjust the amount to make it more subtle if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe is one of those treasures that proves simple ingredients can deliver big flavor and comfort. It’s perfect for sharing with family or treating yourself anytime you crave that fresh, fruity goodness. I encourage you to give it a try and enjoy the smiles it brings around your table!
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Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 0h 15m
- Cook Time: 0h 25m
- Total Time: 0h 40m
- Yield: About 4 cups
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Sweet Homemade Strawberry Applesauce combines fresh apples and strawberries to create a naturally sweet and flavorful fruit sauce. Perfect as a snack, dessert, or a healthy topping, this recipe balances the tartness of apples with the vibrant sweetness of strawberries enhanced by cinnamon and vanilla. Easy to make on the stovetop, it results in a smooth, luscious sauce that can be enjoyed warm or chilled.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 6 large apples (preferably Gala or Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 2 cups fresh strawberries, hulled and chopped
Liquids & Flavorings
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A pinch of salt
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces to ensure they cook evenly and blend smoothly.
- Prepare Strawberries: Hull and chop the strawberries into pieces similar in size to the apples for uniform cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large pot, mix the chopped apples, strawberries, and water together to begin the cooking process.
- Simmer Fruit Mixture: Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, allowing the fruits to start softening.
- Cook Covered on Low Heat: Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for about 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally until the apples are tender and strawberries break down.
- Add Sweeteners and Spices: Remove the lid and stir in the sugar, ground cinnamon, vanilla extract, and a pinch of salt to infuse flavors.
- Blend the Sauce: Use an immersion blender directly in the pot to blend the mixture until smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot fruit mixture to a blender or food processor and blend.
- Adjust Sweetness: Taste the applesauce and add extra sugar if a sweeter flavor is desired, stirring well to combine.
- Cool and Store: Let the sauce cool to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
Notes
- Choose firm but ripe apples like Gala or Fuji for a naturally sweet flavor and good texture.
- Adjust sugar according to the sweetness of your fruit and personal preference.
- For a chunkier texture, pulse the blender less or mash with a fork instead of fully blending.
- Store the applesauce in the refrigerator for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free and vegetarian naturally.
