How to Make German Applesauce (Apfelmus)

Homemade applesauce? You’ll be surprised how easy it is.  This simple German Applesauce (also known as Apfelmus) will surely become your go-to quick applesauce recipe!  Serve it with your favorite pancakes this weekend!

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This got me hooked when we were living in Frankfurt. 

Granted, the ones in the supermarkets are quite good. But I feel that I can control the tanginess and the sweetness when I make it at home.

WHAT YOU NEED TO PREPARE CINNAMON APPLESAUCE

WHAT ARE THE BEST APPLES FOR APPLESAUCE?

Personally, I find that a mix of different types of apples yields the best flavor.

I’ve never liked my applesauce to be sweet – I prefer it to be tart and tangy.  So, I always use more green apples than red ones.

If you want to keep some chunks in your applesauce, make sure you use those firm and crispy ones like Fuji or Red Delicious apples.

HOW TO MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE

Start by preparing the apples.  You need to peel, core, and chop them into small, identical bits. 

Using a medium-sized saucepan, combine the apples, lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and five tablespoons of water (photo 1).

Turn the heat to medium-high, cover with a lid, and bring to a boil.

Adjust the heat to medium-low and simmer until the apples are soft.  It generally takes about 20 minutes.  Do not forget to mix regularly during this time (photo 2).

Remove the cinnamon stick (photo 3).

Take the saucepan off the heat and set aside for the apples to cool down.

Once your applesauce is cool enough, transfer it into a food processor or a blender to puree it (photo 4).

It’s up to you to decide on the consistency of your sauce.  If you prefer some chunks left, then stop before you get a smooth puree.

Serve immediately or store on sterilized jars and refrigerate for later use.

TIPS ON MAKING QUICK APPLESAUCE

• Chop the apples in uniform, small bits — it helps in cooking them at same time
• Adjust the seasoning while cooking the apples, especially if you’re adding other powdered spices. Do not wait until you have finished cooking to do it.
• Make sure the cooked apples have cooled down before you place it on a food processor or blender to start pureeing
• Store your homemade applesauce in sterilized containers and keep them refrigerated for no more than a week.

HOW TO SERVE CINNAMON APPLESAUCE?

With pancakes!  Or sometimes with sugar-coated donuts, or with a piece of toast.

But it’s not just for desserts, I’ve seen it served with boiled beef – although they did add some horseradish on the applesauce. 

Still, this is just the base flavor.  If you like to have a bit of kick, add some grated ginger, or if you want more fruity flavors, add some other fruit like a pear.  The possibilities are endless!

CAN’T GET ENOUGH OF GERMAN CUISINE?  THEN CHECK OUT 10+ German Dishes You Must Try

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How to Make German Applesauce (Apfelmus)

Have never tried making your own applesauce at home? It is sooo easy! This quick German Applesauce (also known as Apfelmus) will surely become your go-to homemade applesauce recipe!  Serve it with your favorite pancakes, or simply enjoy with a piece of toast for your next snack! (VIDEO ABOVE)

5 from 2 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: Sauces

Cuisine: German

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes minutes

Servings: 12

Calories: 55kcal

Author: Neriz

Equipment

• ▢
  Kitchen Knife
• ▢
  Chopping Board
• ▢
  Medium-Sized Saucepan
• ▢
  Food Processor
• ▢
  Blender (Stand Mixer)
• ▢
  Rubber Spatula
• ▢
  Mason Jars

Ingredients

• ▢ 1 kg apples
• ▢ 3 tbsp lemon juice
• ▢ 1/3 cup sugar
• ▢ 1/2 pc cinnamon stick

Instructions

PREPARING THE APPLES:

• Peel, core and chop the apples into small bits.  
• Keep the sizes equal to cook them all at the same time.

COOKING THE CINNAMON APPLESAUCE:

• Place chopped apples in a medium-sized saucepan.  Add lemon juice, sugar, cinnamon stick, and 5 tbsp water.  Mix to combine.  Cover with a lid and bring to a boil.
• Lower the heat and continue cooking until apples turned soft.  Mix occasionally.  It generally takes 15 to 20 minutes.
• Remove cinnamon stick and take the saucepan off the heat.  Set aside to cool down.

PUREEING HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE:

• Once the applesauce has cooled down, use a food processor or a blender to puree it.
• You don't have to puree the apples until they become smooth.  If you like it with chunks, then leave some.  Stop when you reach your desired texture for the applesauce.

SERVING & STORING APFELMUS:

• Transfer some into a serving bowl for immediate use.
• As for later use, pour the sauce into a sterilized mason jar and refrigerate.

Notes

• This recipe makes about two cups of cinnamon applesauce.
• Chop the apples in equal, small size to cook them all at the same time.
• Make sure the apples have cooled enough before you start pureeing in a blender or food processor
• For later use, store your homemade applesauce jar in the refrigerator for no more than a week.

Nutrition

Calories: 55kcal

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