Candy Apple Applesauce: Prepare to experience a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the county fair, no matter the season! Imagine the comforting warmth of homemade applesauce, infused with the irresistible sweetness and tangy crunch of a classic candy apple. It’s a delightful twist on a beloved childhood treat, and trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
Applesauce itself boasts a rich history, dating back centuries as a simple and wholesome way to preserve the bounty of the apple harvest. From colonial kitchens to modern-day pantries, it has remained a staple, offering a comforting and nutritious side dish or snack. But we’re not stopping at ordinary applesauce today! We’re elevating it to a whole new level of deliciousness.
What makes this Candy Apple Applesauce so special? It’s the perfect balance of sweet, tart, and subtly spiced flavors. The creamy texture of the applesauce, combined with the delightful candy-like notes, creates a truly addictive experience. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make, requiring just a handful of ingredients and minimal effort. Whether you’re looking for a fun and festive treat for the kids or a nostalgic indulgence for yourself, this recipe is guaranteed to be a crowd-pleaser. Get ready to fall in love with this unique and utterly delicious twist on a classic!
Ingredients:
- 6 medium-sized apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup red cinnamon candies (such as Red Hots)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for extra richness)
Preparing the Applesauce Base
- First things first, let’s get those apples ready! Peel, core, and chop your apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise; they’ll be cooked down anyway. I like to use a mix of apple varieties for a more complex flavor, but sticking to one type works just fine too.
- Now, in a medium-sized saucepan, combine the chopped apples, water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, red cinnamon candies, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. The lemon juice helps to prevent the apples from browning and also adds a nice little tang to balance the sweetness.
- Give everything a good stir to make sure the spices and sugars are evenly distributed.
Cooking the Applesauce
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it cook for about 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily mashed. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and burning. The cinnamon candies will melt and infuse the applesauce with that signature candy apple flavor.
- Check the apples periodically. If the mixture seems too dry, add a tablespoon or two of water. If it seems too watery, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate.
- Once the apples are cooked through, remove the saucepan from the heat.
Creating the Perfect Texture
- Now, for the texture! You have a couple of options here, depending on your preference. For a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture until it’s completely smooth. Be careful when using an immersion blender in a hot liquid start on low speed to avoid splattering.
- Alternatively, you can use a potato masher for a chunkier applesauce. This is my personal favorite, as it gives the applesauce a rustic, homemade feel. Simply mash the apples until they reach your desired consistency.
- If you don’t have either of those tools, you can carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor. Be sure to vent the lid to allow steam to escape, and blend in batches to avoid overflowing.
- If you opted for the butter or coconut oil, now is the time to stir it in. This will add a touch of richness and a lovely sheen to the applesauce.
Adjusting the Sweetness and Spices
- Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness and spices to your liking. If it’s not sweet enough, add a little more sugar (either granulated or brown). If you want a more intense cinnamon flavor, add a pinch more ground cinnamon.
- Remember that the flavor will intensify as the applesauce cools, so it’s best to err on the side of caution when adding more spices.
Cooling and Storing
- Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. It can be enjoyed warm or cold.
- To store, transfer the applesauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- You can also freeze the applesauce for longer storage. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace for expansion. It will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.
Serving Suggestions
- Enjoy your Candy Apple Applesauce as a snack, side dish, or dessert. It’s delicious on its own, or you can get creative with toppings.
- Try topping it with a dollop of whipped cream or yogurt, a sprinkle of granola, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
- It’s also a great addition to breakfast. Serve it with pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
- For a more decadent treat, use it as a filling for apple pies or tarts.
- My personal favorite is to serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. The combination of warm applesauce and cold ice cream is simply irresistible!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Candy Apple Applesauce
- Choosing the Right Apples: The type of apples you use will greatly affect the flavor and texture of your applesauce. I recommend using a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best results. Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn are all great choices. Granny Smith apples can also be used for a more tart flavor.
- Adjusting the Sweetness: The amount of sugar you need will depend on the sweetness of your apples. Taste the apples before adding any sugar, and adjust the amount accordingly. If you’re using very sweet apples, you may not need to add any sugar at all.
- Controlling the Consistency: If you prefer a thinner applesauce, add more water during the cooking process. If you prefer a thicker applesauce, remove the lid for the last few minutes of cooking to allow some of the excess liquid to evaporate. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to thicken the applesauce.
- Adding Extra Flavor: Get creative with your spices! In addition to cinnamon and nutmeg, you can also add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or ginger. A splash of vanilla extract or apple cider vinegar can also add a nice depth of flavor.
- Making it Vegan: To make this recipe vegan, simply omit the butter or use coconut oil instead.
- Using a Slow Cooker: You can also make this applesauce in a slow cooker. Combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Mash or blend the applesauce before serving.
- Preventing Burning: To prevent the applesauce from burning, stir it frequently during the cooking process. If you’re using a heavy-bottomed saucepan, the risk of burning is reduced.
- Dealing with Lumps: If your applesauce has lumps, you can try blending it with an immersion blender or transferring it to a regular blender or food processor. You can also strain the applesauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Making Ahead: This applesauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Serving Warm vs. Cold: While I personally love it warm, this applesauce is delicious both warm and cold. Experiment to see which you prefer!
Troubleshooting Common Issues
- Applesauce is too tart: Add more sugar, a little at a time, until you reach your desired sweetness. A touch of honey or maple syrup can also help balance the tartness.
- Applesauce is too sweet: Add a squeeze of lemon juice or a pinch of salt to balance the sweetness. You can also add a tart apple, like Granny Smith, to the mixture.
- Applesauce is too thin: Cook the applesauce uncovered for a longer period to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of cold water and stir it into the applesauce. Cook for a few more minutes until thickened.
- Applesauce is too thick: Add a little water or apple juice, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency.
- Applesauce is bland: Add more spices, such as cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves. A splash of vanilla extract or a pinch of salt can also enhance the flavor.
- Applesauce is burnt: Unfortunately, if the applesauce is significantly burnt, it’s best to discard it. However, if only a small portion is burnt, you can carefully remove the unburnt applesauce from the pot, avoiding the burnt bits at the bottom. Transfer the unburnt applesauce to a clean pot and continue with the recipe.
- Applesauce is grainy: This can happen if the apples are not cooked long enough. Continue cooking the applesauce until the apples are very soft and easily mashed. You can also blend the applesauce to create a smoother texture.
- Cinnamon candies didn’t melt completely: This can happen if the heat is too low or if the applesauce is not stirred frequently enough. Increase the heat slightly and stir more often to ensure the candies melt completely. You can also use a mortar and pestle
Conclusion:
This Candy Apple Applesauce isn’t just another applesauce recipe; it’s a nostalgic trip to the county fair in a bowl! The warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon and apple are perfectly balanced with a hint of caramel sweetness, creating a truly irresistible treat. I know you might be thinking, “Applesauce? Really?” But trust me, this is applesauce elevated to a whole new level. It’s the kind of dish that will have everyone, from picky toddlers to discerning adults, reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds!).
Why is this a must-try? Because it’s incredibly easy to make, requires minimal ingredients, and delivers maximum flavor. It’s a fantastic way to use up a surplus of apples, and it’s a healthier alternative to traditional candy apples, allowing you to enjoy those beloved flavors without the guilt. Plus, the aroma that fills your kitchen while it simmers is simply divine a true sensory experience!
But the best part? The versatility! This Candy Apple Applesauce is delicious served warm or cold. For a cozy autumn dessert, try topping it with a dollop of whipped cream and a sprinkle of crushed graham crackers. Or, for a lighter option, enjoy it straight from the fridge as a refreshing snack. It’s also fantastic as a side dish with pork chops or roasted chicken, adding a touch of sweetness and warmth to your savory meals.
Looking for variations? Get creative! Add a splash of apple cider vinegar for a tangier flavor. Stir in some chopped pecans or walnuts for added texture and nutty goodness. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of ginger. You could even blend in a cooked sweet potato for extra nutrients and a richer, creamier texture. The possibilities are endless!
I’ve personally made this recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. It’s become a staple in my household, especially during the fall season. I love how it brings back memories of childhood and creates new ones with my own family. It’s a simple pleasure that I truly cherish.
So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some music, and get ready to create some magic in your kitchen. I promise you won’t be disappointed. This Candy Apple Applesauce is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe and experience the deliciousness for yourself! Once you’ve made it, please come back and share your thoughts in the comments below. I’d love to hear about your experience, any variations you tried, and how much you enjoyed it. Did your family love it? Did you find a new favorite way to serve it? Your feedback is invaluable and helps inspire others to give this recipe a try. Happy cooking!
Candy Apple Applesauce: The Ultimate Guide & Recipe
Homemade Candy Apple Applesauce! Combines apple pie and candy apple flavors. Easy snack, side, or dessert.
Ingredients
- 6 medium apples (Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/4 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup red cinnamon candies (Red Hots)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
- Optional: 1 tablespoon butter or coconut oil (for extra richness)
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, combine chopped apples, water, granulated sugar, brown sugar, red cinnamon candies, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and salt. Stir well.
- Cook Applesauce: Place saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until apples are very soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Add water if too dry, remove lid if too watery.
- Create Texture:
- Smooth: Use an immersion blender until smooth.
- Chunky: Use a potato masher to desired consistency.
- Blender/Food Processor: Carefully transfer to a blender or food processor, vent the lid, and blend in batches.
- Add Richness (Optional): Stir in butter or coconut oil.
- Adjust Sweetness and Spices: Taste and add more sugar or spices as needed. Remember flavors intensify as it cools.
- Cool and Serve: Allow to cool slightly before serving. Enjoy warm or cold.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 5 days.
- Freeze: Portion into freezer-safe containers/bags, leaving headspace. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
Notes
- Apple Varieties: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor.
- Sweetness: Adjust sugar based on the sweetness of your apples.
- Consistency: Add more water for thinner applesauce, remove lid for thicker.
- Extra Flavor: Add a pinch of ground cloves, allspice, or ginger. A splash of vanilla extract or apple cider vinegar can also add a nice depth of flavor.
- Vegan: Omit butter or use coconut oil.
- Slow Cooker: Combine all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. Mash or blend the applesauce before serving.
- Preventing Burning: To prevent the applesauce from burning, stir it frequently during the cooking process. If you’re using a heavy-bottomed saucepan, the risk of burning is reduced.
- Dealing with Lumps: If your applesauce has lumps, you can try blending it with an immersion blender or transferring it to a regular blender or food processor. You can also strain the applesauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any lumps.
- Make Ahead: Can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It can also be frozen for longer storage.
- Serving Warm vs. Cold: While I personally love it warm, this applesauce is delicious both warm and cold. Experiment to see which you prefer!
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