Vibrant Pink Lady Applesauce: My Simple Stove-Top Method (Print Version)

Make vibrant Pink Lady Applesauce at home! This easy recipe uses fresh apples for a naturally sweet, comforting treat. Perfect for snacks or desserts.

# 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 - 3 lbs Pink Lady apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
02 - 1/2 cup water

→ Flavor Boosters

03 - 2 cinnamon sticks
04 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

→ Subtle Sweeteners

05 - 1-2 tablespoons maple syrup (optional, to taste)

→ Optional Add-ins

06 - Pinch of salt
07 - Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
08 - 1-2 whole cloves (optional)

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, first things first, let's get those beautiful Pink Lady apples ready! Wash them well, then peel, core, and chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don't worry too much about perfection here; a little rustic charm is part of the fun. I usually just use a regular vegetable peeler and a paring knife. This is where my kitchen often gets a little messy, with apple peels everywhere, but it's all part of the process, right? Just try to keep the pieces somewhat uniform so they cook evenly.
02 - Now, grab a large, heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in your chopped apples, the water, and those lovely cinnamon sticks. Give it a good stir. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Once it starts bubbling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 15-20 minutes. This is where the magic starts to happen; the apples will soften, and your kitchen will start smelling absolutely divine. Just make sure it's not boiling too vigorously; we want a gentle cook, not a frantic one!
03 - After about 15 minutes, check on your apples. They should be super tender, easily mashable with a fork. If they're still a bit firm, just pop the lid back on and let them simmer for another 5-10 minutes. Honestly, sometimes it takes a bit longer, depending on the apples. This is usually when I sneak a little taste, just to see how the sweetness is coming along. Don't be shy about it!
04 - Once those apples are perfectly tender, remove the pot from the heat. Take out the cinnamon sticks—you've gotten all the flavor you need from them. Now, grab a potato masher or a fork and start mashing the apples to your desired consistency. I like mine a bit chunky, but if you prefer it silky smooth, you can use an immersion blender. Stir in the fresh lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and if your apples need it, a drizzle of maple syrup. Taste and adjust! This is YOUR applesauce, make it perfect for you.
05 - Let your glorious Pink Lady Applesauce cool down completely in the pot. As it cools, it'll thicken up a bit, reaching that ideal applesauce consistency. I usually just leave it on the counter, uncovered, for an hour or so. Sometimes, I forget about it and come back to a perfectly cooled, ready-to-eat batch. It's a nice, low-stress step, honestly, which I appreciate after a busy day.
06 - Once it's cooled, transfer your homemade Pink Lady Applesauce to airtight containers. You can store it in the fridge for up to a week. I usually make a big batch, because it disappears so quickly in my house! It's so satisfying to have a jar of this vibrant, homemade goodness ready for breakfast or a quick snack. It just looks so cheerful in the fridge, all pink and inviting.

# Notes:

01 - If your apples are very ripe, you might not need any added maple syrup, so taste first!
02 - For longer storage, this applesauce freezes beautifully in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
03 - Swap Pink Lady apples for Honeycrisp or Fuji for a similar sweet-tart profile if you can't find them.
04 - Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for a truly comforting breakfast.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large heavy-bottomed pot
02 - vegetable peeler
03 - paring knife
04 - potato masher (or immersion blender)
05 - airtight containers

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 120
Total Fat: 0.5g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 0.5g

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