Spicy Red Hot Applesauce with Cinnamon Candy Kick (Print Version)

Make this vibrant Red Hot Applesauce! A nostalgic recipe with a spicy cinnamon kick, perfect for snacks or sides. Easy, comforting, and so flavorful.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 45 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Apple Base

01 - 6 medium sweet apples (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 - 1/2 cup water or apple cider
03 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Spicy Sweeteners

04 - 1/2 cup Red Hot candies (or more, to taste)
05 - 1-2 tablespoons light brown sugar (optional, for extra sweetness)

→ Flavor Enhancers

06 - Pinch of salt

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples ready! Peel them, core them, and then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't stress too much about perfect uniform sizes; a little variation is fine, they’ll all break down eventually. I usually just go for a quick, rustic chop. This is where I always make a little mess on the counter, honestly, apple peels everywhere!
02 - Toss your chopped apples into a medium pot. Pour in the water or apple cider, then add the lemon juice and that tiny pinch of salt. Bring it to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let those apples soften for about 15-20 minutes. You want them tender, but not completely mushy just yet.
03 - Now for the fun part! Stir in your Red Hot candies and the optional brown sugar. Keep stirring gently as the candies melt; you'll see the applesauce start to turn that gorgeous, vibrant red color. It smells so wonderfully spicy-sweet at this stage, I didn't expect that the first time I made this Red Hot Applesauce!
04 - Once the candies are fully dissolved and the apples are really tender, remove the pot from the heat. Grab a potato masher or a fork and mash the apples to your desired consistency. I like mine a little chunky, but if you prefer it super smooth, you can use an immersion blender. Be careful here; it’s hot!
05 - Return the pot to low heat and let the Red Hot Applesauce simmer uncovered for another 5-10 minutes, stirring occasionally. This helps to deepen the flavors and cook off any excess liquid. You'll notice it thickens up a bit, and the cinnamon aroma becomes even more intense. This is where the magic really happens!
06 - Remove your beautiful Red Hot Applesauce from the heat and let it cool down a bit before serving. The flavors really meld as it cools. It’s fantastic warm, but honestly, I think it’s even better chilled. The color is just stunning, and that spicy kick is so inviting.

# Notes:

01 - Always stir consistently after adding the Red Hots; those candies can stick and burn if left unattended.
02 - Don't overcook the apples before adding the candies, or they'll turn to mush too quickly.
03 - For the best Red Hot Applesauce, taste and adjust sweetness before cooling completely.
04 - Serving this warm with a dollop of whipped cream is a simple, delightful dessert.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Medium pot
02 - potato masher or fork (optional immersion blender)
03 - cutting board
04 - knife

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 0g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 0g

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