Dive into the comforting flavors of fall with this Chunky French Applesauce, a rustic and delightful twist on classic applesauce. Made with a medley of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp apples, this recipe combines natural fruit sweetness with a hint of cinnamon warmth, a splash of vanilla, and a touch of citrus brightness from fresh lemon juice. The apples are slowly simmered to tender perfection, then lightly mashed to create a satisfyingly chunky texture that sets this French-inspired applesauce apart. Ready in just 40 minutes, itβs a versatile treat that can be served warm, chilled, or at room temperature. Whether enjoyed as a side dish, dessert topping, or snack on its own, this homemade applesauce is an irresistibly cozy addition to your table. Perfect for fall recipes and beyond, itβs as easy to make as it is to love!
Peel the apples, then core and roughly chop them into chunks. Aim for quarter-inch to half-inch pieces to ensure a rustic, chunky texture.
Place the chopped apples in a large saucepan. Add the lemon juice, water, granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and a pinch of salt.
Stir the mixture to evenly combine the ingredients. Place the saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover the saucepan with a lid and cook for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Check the apples for tenderness. They should be soft enough to mash slightly but still hold their shape. If not, continue cooking for another 5 minutes.
Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the vanilla extract. Use a wooden spoon or potato masher to lightly mash about half of the apples to create a chunky consistency.
Taste the applesauce and adjust sweetness with additional sugar if needed. Let it cool slightly before serving.
Serve warm, room temperature, or chilled. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Calories |
863 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 2.3 g | 3% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.4 g | 2% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 159 mg | 7% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 224.9 g | 82% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 33.1 g | 118% | |
| Total Sugars | 178.5 g | ||
| Protein | 3.8 g | 8% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 104 mg | 8% | |
| Iron | 1.6 mg | 9% | |
| Potassium | 1479 mg | 31% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.