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
Scale
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.