Embarking on the journey of introducing solid foods to your little one is a special milestone, and what better way to start than with the wholesome goodness of homemade applesauce – THE baby food standard. Inexpensive, healthy, sweet and complementary to so many other fruits and vegetables, apples will be one of the stars in your babies diet. This recipe is packed with nutrients and free from additives and sugar so you can feel good about giving it to your baby.
Why Make Homemade Applesauce?
- Nutrient-Packed Goodness: Homemade applesauce is a treasure trove of essential vitamins and fiber, nurturing your baby’s growth and development.
- Pure Goodness: By making it at home, you’re in control – no added sugars or preservatives, just pure, natural goodness for your little ones.
- Endless Versatility: Beyond being a standalone treat for babies, homemade applesauce adds flair to other recipes, serving as a tasty topping, ingredient, or accompaniment.
How to Make Homemade Applesauce
The Ingredients:
- Apples: Any kind of apple will do! Fuji and Gala apples are especially sweet and delicious though.
- Cinnamon: Just a touch of cinnamon to give it a little zip, but you can leave it out if you want.
The Instructions:
- Peel and Core: Start by peeling and coring the apples. Keep in mind, leaving the skin on adds extra nutrients, but you can adjust based on your baby’s preference.
- Steam to Soften: Chop the apples into large chunks and place in a steamer pot over boiling water. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until fork tender.
- Purée: Place apples and cinnamon in a food processor and purée until smooth.
The Best Apples for Applesauce
You can use any apple for apple sauce! Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp and Golden Delicious are some of my favorite varieties. The most important part is that you use ripe apples, especially with this recipe since there isn’t any added sugar. Super ripe apples are more naturally sweet and will ensure you make the best homemade applesauce ever!
How to Store/Freeze Applesauce
- Refrigeration: If you’ve made a small batch that you plan to eat within a week or two, store the applesauce in airtight containers or jars in the refrigerator. Make sure to let the applesauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to the fridge. Properly sealed, refrigerated applesauce can stay fresh for up to two weeks.
- Freezing: For longer storage, consider freezing your homemade applesauce. Portion the applesauce into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. Label the containers with the date for easy tracking. Frozen applesauce can last for several months, maintaining its quality and flavor.
More Simple Baby Food Recipes
- Broccoli, Potato and Cheese Puree
- Spinach Banana Puree
- Pear Apple Butter
- Butternut Squash Puree
- Sweet Potato Coconut Puree
Recipes To Use Homemade Applesauce
- Potato Latkes
- Apple Applesauce Muffins
- Oatmeal On-The-Go Bars
- Spinach Cake Muffins
- Cinnamon Raisin Quick Bread
Making your own applesauce at home is super easy and cost effective. Why buy store-bought when you can just as easily make it at home and control what goes in it! Let me know in the comments what you think of this recipe and tag me on social media if you make it!
Images by Ivan Solis
Homemade Applesauce
Equipment
- Food Processor
Instructions
- Place chopped apples in a steamer pot over boiling water.
- Cook for 2-3 minutes or until fork tender.
- Place apples and cinnamon in a food processor and puree until smooth.
- Cool and serve.
can wee use mixer grinder instead of food processer…………..to make this receipe
I would love recipes for my 6 month old daughter! It would help me and my husband out tremendously!
Love all the recipes!
Simple, natural, and delicious! Thank you.
If you want to add other fruits to this applesauce like you buy in the squeeze pouches, do you have to cook them too? I’m thinking of blueberries, strawberries, raspberries, and pears.
Most pediatricians recommend waiting until about 8 months to introduce herbs and spices to babies! Whatever age you choose to do so, if they’re new to solids then you should follow the “3-4 day wait” rule between introducing new foods!
Lili-
From what I have read, most pediatricians advise that you can introduce herbs and spices to baby around 8 months.
And cinnamon isn’t harmful to the kid?
New mom starting 6month old son on solids. Thank you for the recipes