How to Can Applesauce

56 servings
1 hr 20 min

Learn how to make applesauce and can it to preserve it. Applesauce is very easy to make at home. I make mine without sugar, but you can add sugar if you want to.

Applesauce can be canned in a water bath canner, so you don't need a pressure canner. You can also make the applesauce and freeze it if you want to.

We use a lot of applesauce because I use it for oil in quick breads and some desserts. We also eat a lot of applesauce as a snack or side dish. I serve it with dinner for a quick and healthy side dish.

I use my food strainer because then I don't have to peel or core the apples. It makes the process so much easier!

Recipe details
  • 56  servings
  • Prep time: 1 Hours Cook time: 20 Minutes Total time: 1 hr 20 min
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Ingredients

  • 21 pounds of apples
  • 1/2 cup water
Instructions

Wash the apples. Peel and core them unless you are using a food strainer. Place sliced apples into lemon juice and water to prevent browning if desired.
Drain apple slices and place in a 10 quart pot. Add 1/2 cup water and heat until the apples are soft. This can take anywhere from 5 to 20 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent burning.
Mash the apples with a food strainer or use a potato masher or immersion blender. Taste the applesauce. Add 1/8 cup sugar per quart if desired. Return sauce to a boil. You can simmer to reduce water if needed.
Prepare canning jars. Fill to 1/2 inch head space and remove air bubbles. Add lids and rings.
Place jars in a water bath canner and cover with 1 to 2 inches of water. Process pints for 15 minutes and quarts for 20 minutes.
When time is up, turn off the heat and remove the lid from the canner. Let the jars sit in the canner for 5 minutes to cool. Then use the jar lifter to remove the jars and place on a towel or cooling rack. Let cool completely before testing the seals.
Cari @ Homesteading in Ohio
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Comments
  • Absolutely LOVE unsweetened applesauce. My SIL is the canning queen, but I have never canned anything myself without assistance. I am going to take the plunge and give it a try. Will do my initial test batch but cut your recipe in half. Will borrow her equipment and give it a try. Thanks for sharing.

  • Janet Janet on Sep 16, 2022

    Yeah, like the average person is going to cook up 21 pounds of apples! Seriously?

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