Homemade Baby Applesauce No Sugar

This homemade baby applesauce requires just two simple ingredients and comes together in minutes. Skip the store-bought versions with their added sugars and preservatives and make this naturally sweet, smooth puree that babies love. The natural sweetness of fresh apples creates the perfect first food for your little one or a healthy snack for children of any age.

I started making this applesauce when my daughter began solids, and it quickly became a pantry staple in our home. Now my toddler still requests it as an afternoon snack or alongside dinner.

Ingredients

• 1 pound apples: Variety matters for flavor profile. Sweet options like Gala, Fuji or Honeycrisp create naturally sweet sauce without added sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice: Preserves the color and adds a touch of brightness without making it sour
• 2 tablespoons water: Just enough to create steam and help apples break down

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the apples:

Peel, core and chop the apples into evenly sized chunks. For babies just starting solids, removing the peels creates the smoothest texture. For older babies with more eating experience, leaving peels on adds beneficial fiber.

Create the cooking base:

Place chopped apples in a saucepan with a tight-fitting lid. Add the lemon juice and water. The small amount of liquid helps create steam while the lemon prevents browning.

Simmer to perfection:

Bring mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low. Cover and cook until apples are completely tender and easily pierced with a fork, about 15-20 minutes. Check occasionally and stir to prevent sticking.

Blend to desired consistency:

Allow apples to cool slightly, then transfer to a blender or food processor along with any cooking liquid. For younger babies, puree until completely smooth. For older babies and toddlers, pulse to maintain some texture if desired.

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The first time I served this to my daughter, her eyes lit up at the natural sweetness. Even now as a picky toddler, she never turns down "mama's special applesauce" and I love knowing exactly what goes into it.

Storage Tips

This applesauce keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days in an airtight container. For longer storage, freeze in silicone ice cube trays then transfer frozen cubes to freezer bags. Each cube is approximately 1 ounce, making portion control simple. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently warm from frozen.

Flavor Variations

As your baby grows, introduce gentle spices to expand their palate. Try adding a pinch of cinnamon, which not only tastes delicious but supports digestion. Other wonderful additions include a dash of cardamom, nutmeg, or vanilla extract. Start with very small amounts and gradually increase as your baby becomes accustomed to new flavors.

Serving Suggestions

For babies just starting solids, serve plain at room temperature. Older babies might enjoy it mixed with plain whole milk yogurt or oatmeal for breakfast. Toddlers love applesauce as a dip for whole grain toast sticks or as a natural sweetener stirred into overnight oats. I often use this applesauce to replace oil in baking recipes for a healthier muffin or quick bread option.

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Texture Progression

For babies just beginning their solid food journey around 4-6 months, blend until completely smooth. As they develop, around 8-10 months, leave some small soft chunks to encourage chewing skills. By toddlerhood, a chunkier applesauce helps continue developing important oral motor skills while still being easy to eat.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use any type of apple?

Yes, you can use any variety, but sweeter apples like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp work best for natural sweetness.

→ Do I need to peel the apples?

No, peeling is optional. For smoother applesauce, peel the apples; for chunkier sauce, leave the peel on.

→ How can I add more flavor?

You can add spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, or vanilla extract to enhance the flavor of the applesauce.

→ What if I don’t have a blender?

You can mash the cooked apples with a fork or potato masher for a chunkier texture.

→ How should I store homemade applesauce?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for longer storage.