A rich and comforting apple sauce made with tender apples, butter, cinnamon, and nutmeg, perfect for fall or any time you’re craving a cozy treat.

6 large apples (use a mix of sweet and tart, such as Granny Smith and Fuji), peeled, cored, and chopped

1/4 cup unsalted butter

1/2 cup brown sugar, packed

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 cup water

1 tablespoon lemon juice

Pinch of salt

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In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat until it begins to bubble.
Add the chopped apples to the saucepan and stir to coat them well with the melted butter.
Sprinkle the brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt over the apples. Stir to combine.
Pour the water into the saucepan and stir again. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low.
Cover the saucepan and cook the apples for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and begin to break down.
Once the apples are soft, remove the lid and use a wooden spoon or potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, use an immersion blender.
Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice, mixing well.
Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning, adding more sugar or spices as needed.
Serve the apple sauce warm or allow it to cool completely before storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

Add extra spices like ground cloves or allspice for a more complex flavor.

For a smoother apple sauce, use an immersion blender or food processor to puree the apples after they’ve softened.

For extra texture, add raisins or dried cranberries while simmering the apples.

You can substitute brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different sweetener.

Store the apple sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.