Applesauce is versatile and delicious – it’s something that can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
Martha Stewart has three distinctive applesauce recipes that we’re obsessed with!
Whether you prefer a classic applesauce or something just a little different, her recipes use fresh ingredients and show you how wonderful homemade applesauce can be.
Let’s dive in and learn how to make applesauce Martha Stewart-style.
Martha Stewart’s classic applesauce recipe starts with carefully selecting apples, including McIntosh, Gala, and Braeburn. This combination ensures a perfect balance of sweetness, acidity, and flavor.
The apples are peeled, cored, sliced, and then cooked with fresh lemon juice and a bit of water. This process softens the apples and allows their natural flavors to deepen and meld beautifully.
The lemon juice brightens the taste and preserves the vibrant color of the applesauce.
Martha suggests adding dark-brown sugar for those who enjoy a hint of richness. This optional ingredient enhances the natural sweetness of the apples with a subtle molasses undertone, providing a comforting, home-cooked taste.
After the apples have simmered and become tender, they are mashed to the desired consistency. This method allows for a smooth texture with small, tender apple chunks, offering a satisfying mouthfeel.
This classic applesauce is so easy to make – even for beginners – and can be served as a side dish, used as a topping for breakfast pancakes, or incorporated into various desserts.
Chunky applesauce is a delightful variation that features larger, tender chunks of apple, ideal for those who appreciate texture in their dishes.
This recipe combines Granny Smith and McIntosh apples, chosen for their complementary flavors and textures. Granny Smith apples offer a tartness that balances the sweet, mellow taste of McIntosh apples.
The process begins by peeling and cutting the apples into generous chunks, then cooking them with margarine or butter in a saucepan. This not only imparts a rich flavor but also contributes to the luxurious mouthfeel of the final product.
Cinnamon and sugar are added for warmth and sweetness, enhancing the natural flavors of the apples without overpowering them.
The apples are cooked until tender, allowing each piece to maintain its distinct shape and texture, providing a satisfying bite.
This chunky version is particularly enjoyable because it offers a robust apple flavor with each spoonful, making it a perfect companion for hearty meals or as a standalone treat.
Whether served warm or chilled, this applesauce makes an excellent side dish or a comforting snack. Its chunky texture and rich flavor profile make it a favorite for those looking to add a rustic touch to their culinary creations.
It’s also a great addition to the autumn and winter table, where the cinnamon-spiced aroma can be particularly comforting.
Pink applesauce, you say? Yes, we do! This dish is going to be a hit with kids, who appreciate a pop of color.
Martha Stewart’s recipe uses red-skinned McIntosh apples, which naturally infuse the sauce with a gorgeous pink hue. This not only makes the dish visually striking but also adds a layer of tartness that is distinctive to red-skinned varieties.
In this recipe, the apples are quartered and then tossed with lemon juice before cooking. The lemon juice is essential as it enhances the tart flavors and helps maintain the bright pink color throughout the cooking process.
A small amount of sugar is added to balance the tartness and bring out the natural sweetness of the apples.
The apples are then simmered gently, allowing them to break down into a sauce-like consistency. This slow cooking process helps develop the flavors and meld them together seamlessly.
After cooking, the apples are passed through a food mill or sieve, which removes the skins and ensures that the sauce retains its smooth texture.
This pink applesauce is an excellent choice for special occasions or when you want to add a splash of color and flavor to your meals. It pairs wonderfully with yogurt or pancakes or can be enjoyed on its own as a refreshing dessert.
Our Top Tips For Making Perfect Applesauce
Here are our top tips to ensure your applesauce is delicious every single time:
Choose the Right Apples: Select a mix of both sweet and tart apples. Sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala add natural sweetness, while tart varieties like Granny Smith provide a lively kick. Mixing apple types leads to a more complex flavor profile.
Experiment with Spices: Don’t hesitate to add spices. Cinnamon is a classic choice, but nutmeg, vanilla, or even a pinch of clove can add depth and warmth to your applesauce.
Watch the Water: Begin with a minimal amount of water to prevent sticking, as apples release their own juice while cooking. This results in a thicker, more flavorful sauce.
Control the Texture: For smoother applesauce, cook the apples longer and consider blending them. For a chunkier sauce, reduce the cooking time and mash the apples lightly with a fork.
Adjust the Sweetness: Taste your applesauce before adding sugar. Depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference, you might want less sugar or none at all.
Add a Splash of Lemon: A bit of lemon juice not only preserves the color of the applesauce but also enhances its flavor, adding a bright, fresh note.
Final Thoughts
Martha Stewart’s applesauce recipes are simple and delicious – we love her takes on this classic dish.
Whether you prefer the classic, chunky, or pink version, these recipes provide delicious ways to enjoy apples in different ways.
Try making these applesauce recipes at home, and we’re confident you’ll never go back to store-bought!
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes applesauce taste better?
Enhancing applesauce can be as simple as mixing apple varieties or adding spices like cinnamon.
Why do you put lemon juice in applesauce?
Lemon juice adds a fresh zing and keeps the applesauce from discoloring.
What combination of apples makes the best applesauce?
Combining sweet and tart apples, such as Fuji with Granny Smith, typically yields the most flavorful applesauce.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
Stored properly in an airtight container, homemade applesauce can last up to 10 days in the refrigerator.
I'm Barbara Hunt, the founder of WomenChefs.org. Being a mom of two, I understand the challenges of meal planning and the monotony it can bring.
That's why I created WomenChefs.org, a platform dedicated to showcasing the skills and delicious dishes crafted by amazing women. My goal is to provide a space where women can find delectable recipes that tantalize their taste buds and ignite their senses.
I hope you'll join me in exploring WomenChefs.org and discovering your next favorite recipe. Let's embrace culinary diversity and try something new together!
