Apple Puree takes little effort to make and can be used in a variety of ways. It is delicious warm, spiced with cinnamon, ginger or star anise, or chilled with some natural yoghurt.
Apple puree (sauce) is my absolute favourite recipe to make in large batches so that its always on hand. My kids enjoy it hot with their breakfast oatmeal or on ice cream for dessert. They also like eating it cold by the spoonful or swirled into yogurt as a tasty snack.
In any baking recipe that already calls for a fruit or vegetable purée, applesauce can be swapped in quite freely. There will be slight changes in the outcome because different purées have different densities and water contents, but the overall result will be satisfactory.
Step by Step Instructions
You can make apple puree by baking, slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming or simmering the apples on the stove. My preferred method is cooking on the stovetop.
- Peel and core the apples. Peel, core, and chop the apples into large chunks.
- Transfer the apples to a large pan. Add a little water (just enough to help them steam) and cinnamon (optional or sub for other spices.)
- Cover and Simmer. Simmer the apples for approximately 15 minutes. The apples should be very soft and starting to break up.
- Puree. Puree in a food processor, blender or by using a stick blender. Alternatively, if you would prefer a chunkier sauce then you can mash with a fork or potato masher.
Apple puree isnt just for babies! Here are some other suggestions for what to use it in.
- Baking Apple puree can be used as a replacement for fat or eggs in baking. It can also be used to naturally sweeten baked goods. Ive used it in these Carrot and Apple Muffins and Porridge Fingers
- Swirl into porridge A couple of spoonfuls of puree will take your porridge to the next level of deliciousness.
- Swirl into Yoghurt Use it to naturally sweeten some plain yoghurt like in this apple yogurt recipe.
- Spread it on Toast Along with Nut Butter If you havent tried this then I seriously recommend it.
- A Sauce For pancakes, waffles or ice-cream.
- Enjoy with Savoury Dishes Apple pairs perfectly with pork to create a flavour duo that’s hard to argue with. My kids love when I pair fruit with savoury dishes!
- Add to Smoothies Add some to smoothies or (for the adults only) cocktails.
Apple puree is cooked apples that are pureed until even textured and smooth.
Apple puree is essentially applesauce. They are prepared in the same way but the finishing touches can differ. The puree is always smooth but applesauce can be a variety of textures from chunky to smooth.
Refrigerator Place in an airtight container and store overnight. If you wish to store it for longer you can add some lemon juice when cooking the apples.Freezer Freezing is my preferred method of storage as you can freeze it in small amounts and take it out as needed. Pour the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid. (Flexible ice cube trays work best as it is easier to pop out the frozen cubes.) Once they’re fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place the frozen cubes into a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer.
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Reasons to Love this Puree
- Versatile: Apple puree can be used in a variety of dishes, including desserts, smoothies, baking and sauces for meat dishes.
- Easy to Make: Making apple puree is incredibly easy and requires only apples, a touch of water and optional spices to flavour it.
- Nutritious: Homemade apple sauce is a great source of fibre, vitamins and minerals.
- Freezer Friendly: Make in batches soo you always have some to hand.
- Cost-effective: Apples are readily available and relatively inexpensive, making it an affordable option for those on a budget.
For the full recipe, with ingredient amounts, scroll to the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Apples – Each apple variety has a different colour, texture, and taste and reacts differently to heat. The best apples for puree are those that are sweet with flesh that breaks down easily. However, I generally believe that it is down to personal preference and/or what you are looking to pair your apple sauce with. Our favourite apples are Kanzi and Pink Lady and as we have these in our house most often, this is what I generally make apple puree with. Other great options include McIntosh, Cortland, Fuji, Golden Delicious, Jazz, Royal Gala and Jonathan.
- Cinnamon – This is optional, you can miss it out or replace it with a different spice. Depending on how you wish to use your puree, ginger, nutmeg, star anise and vanilla all work well.
- Sweeteners – A lot of apple sauce/apple puree recipes call for the addition of sugar or another sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey. Personally, I do not think there is any need for sugar in apple puree, especially if you use delicious sweet apples. I have not added any to this recipe and strongly recommend you do not add if making for a baby or toddler.
What can be used as an alternative for Applesauce?
FAQ
Is applesauce the same as apple puree?
What can I use instead of apple puree?
How does applesauce affect baking?
How much applesauce equals 1 apple?
Can you use pureed apples instead of applesauce?
Pureed apples can be used in place of applesauce in a 1:1 ratio. Pros: This is simply homemade applesauce, so the flavour will be extremely similar to store bought applesauce. Because it’s homemade, it won’t have any additives or sweeteners added. So, it’s an even better bet for your health. Cons:
Is unsweetened applesauce healthy?
Yes. Unsweetened applesauce is healthy and provides vitamins, minerals and antioxidants. Here is a very simple homemade recipe: 4 apples + juice of 1 small lemon + cinnamon to taste + 1 glass of water. After cleaning the apples, let them cook in a glass of water over medium heat, add the juice of one lemon and cinnamon to taste, cover and let it cook for 20 minutes, then just blend everything in the blender and you’re done.
Can you use avocado puree instead of applesauce?
Avocado puree is rich in healthy fats and provides a creamy texture to your baked goods. Its flavor is rather mild but can be slightly noticeable. How to make it work: For each cup of applesauce, substitute 1 cup of avocado puree. It’s best to puree the avocado first for a smoother texture. 8. Coconut Cream
What is the difference between applesauce and puree?
One tbsp. of applesauce replaces 1 tbsp. of liquid fat. Apple puree works better for this than chunkier applesauce — a smooth puree changes the texture of baked goods less than an uneven sauce. Recipes made with applesauce instead of fat may take longer to bake and the natural sweetness of the apples means some bakers may choose to use less sugar.