This delectable homemade vegan applesauce recipe is not just delicious but also super easy to whip up. My recipe is made with a Mexican touch and will have your taste buds dancing with joy.

There’s also an unsweetened option, check out the recipe for more details. 

Homemade Vegan Applesauce

When it comes to homemade applesauce, the possibilities are endless. But one thing’s for sure: the flavor and freshness of your own homemade apple sauce can’t be beaten by store-bought versions. Plus, you get to control what goes into it – no added sugar, preservatives, or unwanted surprises.

My recipe is made in the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) for a hassle-free experience with minimal cleanup. Additionally, I swap out the sugar for a different sweetener to create a healthier applesauce recipe without sugar. You’ll get all the details and possible substitutions further down the article. 

Puré de Manzana

In Mexico we call applesauce “puré de manzana” or apple puree. 

Just like in other countries, here too we eat applesauce as a snack, dessert, a garnish for proteins, and also it’s quite popular as baby food.

With a couple of simple swaps, my applesauce recipe has some Mexican touches that I think you’re going to love. 

Choosing Apples for Applesauce

Traditionally applesauce is made with sweet apples like Fuji apple, Pink Lady apples, or Gala apples. For a bit of tartness, Granny Smith apples can be a great addition.

I make applesauce with whatever types of apples are in season at the time the craving strikes. As you can see this time, I used red delicious apples and the results are always great.

Homemade applesauce isn’t only a yummy healthy snack, but also a great way to use up extra apples lying around. 

Don’t forget that apple season is the best time to make this delightful homemade vegan applesauce, as the fruit is at its peak of flavor.

Instant Pot Applesauce

This kitchen gadget is a game-changer, making your cooking experience quick and easy with typically less cleanup too.

With the Instant Pot (or any electric pressure cooker) you won’t have to spend long hours stirring, waiting and keeping an eye on your applesauce! You can have your homemade vegan applesauce ready in about 30 minutes when you make it in an Instant Pot. 

​But don’t worry if you don’t have an one I’ll show you how to make it on the stovetop.

Vegan Applesauce Ingredients

With just a few simple ingredients you’ll be able to make healthy and delicious applesauce at home in no time. This recipe is easy and moves quickly so make sure we have all the ingredients on hand.

• Fresh Apples: I used red, you can use any variety you’d like and also do a mix of different types of sweet and tart apples if desired. 
• Water
• Canela: Mexican cinnamon is called “canela” and it’s the Ceylon cinnamon variety. It adds that warm, cozy flavor.
• Sweetener: See below.
• Salt: This helps bring out flavor in sweet and savory dishes. 

For the sweetener and if you want to give your applesauce a Mexican touch you can use either agave syrup or piloncillo, which is an unprocessed dark brown sugar with a molasses flavor. You could also use maple syrup instead or for honey is another option – but I understand some vegans don’t consume it. Coconut sugar would be another great alternative to refined sugar. 

I’ve never made applesauce with other sweeteners but monk fruit would be a good option.  

You can add a little bit of lemon juice to give a slight tartness to your applesauce. It’ll also help keep it from turning too brown or oxidizing. 

Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe

It’s incredibly easy to make this recipe an unsweetened applesauce one.

All you do is simply omit the sweetener. Here too you can choose a naturally sweet apple variety or a mix of different types of apples to control the taste and the sweetness of your homemade applesauce. 

How to Make Vegan Applesauce

Step 1: Thoroughly rinse and remove any stickers from the apples. Peel and core then slice into rough-size pieces. They don’t have to be perfectly uniform since we’re doing a more rustic homemade applesauce. 

Step 2: Place the apples, canella, salt, sweetener and water in the Instant Pot. Give them a good stir.

Step 3: Place the lid on the pressure cooker and set the pressure cooker valve to Sealing then press Pressure Cook, set to High and timer for 5 minutes.

Step 4: Once cooking time has completed, allow the pot to sit for 5 minutes. Then very carefully use a wooden spoon to turn valve to Venting. Allow all of the pressure to release then carefully remove the lid.

Step 5: Use a stick blender or immersion blender or potato masher to mash down and puree your applesauce. Make sure to scrape down the sides of the pot incase any apple chunks or cinnamon remains. 

Step 6: Select Sauté setting on the pressure cooker and cook down to your desired texture. Just don’t cook for too long or you’ll end up with apple butter. 

Step 7: Allow to come to room temperature then serve or store in the fridge to serve cold later on. Enjoy!

​Notes: If you don’t have an immersion blender you could also puree the apples sauce in a food processor. Just wait for it to cool down slightly before processing so you don’t burn yourself. 

For a chunky applesauce use a potato masher and mash to desired texture. 

Vegan Stovetop Applesauce Recipe

If you don’t own an Instant Pot you can still make this applesauce recipe on the stovetop. 

Place all of your ingredients in a large saucepan then on the stove. Simmer over medium-low heat until the apple pieces are completely soft and broken down. Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until smooth, or a potato masher for a chunkier texture. Simmer again until the applesauce thickens up a bit more. 

Variations and Extra Tips

Feeling creative? Experiment with different types of apples to find your personal favorite blend. Some might prefer the sweetness of Fuji apples, while others love the tartness of Granny Smith, or a mixture of both type of apple. 

You can also adjust the level of sweetness to your liking. Some folks prefer no added sugar, letting the natural sugars of the apples shine.

If you’re looking to elevate your applesauce into a dessert, consider adding it as a topping to vegan pancakes, over vegan ice cream, or even using it as a filling for a delightful apple empanadas. To use as apple pie filling you’ll need to leave chunkier. 

Not a fan of the Instant Pot? No worries. You can make this applesauce on the stovetop or in a slow cooker too. It just might take a bit longer, but the result is equally delicious.

Can I use This Applesauce as a Fat Substitute in Baking?

Absolutely! This homemade applesauce is a fantastic fat substitute in various recipes, like vegan applesauce muffins. It adds moisture and a hint of apple flavor. In vegan or eggless baking, applesauce is used as one of the most popular egg substitutes. 

How Long does Homemade Vegan Applesauce Last?

When stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it should last around a week. If you want to extend its shelf life, consider freezing it in a freezer-friendly container.

Is This Applesauce Suitable for Kids?

Yes, it’s a great option for kids. It’s because you can control the level of sweetness from added sweeteners or skip the sweeteners entirely. Therefore making it a healthier alternative to store-bought applesauce.

What Does Vegan Homemade Applesauce Taste Like

This homemade applesauce taste like autumn, like a warm aromatic hug from apple season. 

How to Serve and How to Store Vegan Applesauce

You can serve your applesauce while it’s still a little warm sprinkled with a little bit more ground cinnamon over it. Enjoy it as a snack or dessert. 

You can use this applesauce in recipes that call for it, anything from sponge cake, to a fluffy muffin recipe. Another really delicious use for this applesauce is in these Fluffy Applesauce Pancakes by Michelle of Barefoot in The Pines.  Those are some of the most delicious pancakes you’ll make! 

You can also use your homemade applesauce to make vegan Applesauce Cake. Such a treat, especially during the cooler months of the year. 

​Did you ever watch reruns of the Brady Bunch? Remember Peter liked pork chops and applesauce. That apparently is quite a common pairing. But instead of meat we can do a vegan “porkchop” and serve our applesauce on the side. 

To store any leftover applesauce allow it to come to room temperature then store in the refrigerator for up to one week. You could also freeze it in freezer safe containers for a few months. Defrost in the fridge overnight. 

Homemade Vegan Applesauce Recipe

In the world of vegan cooking, homemade applesauce is not only a delicious snack but a versatile ingredient that can elevate your culinary creations, and this easy vegan recipe makes the best applesauce!

Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a dessert topping, or an ingredient in your favorite recipes, one thing’s for sure – you won’t ever go back to store-bought versions. So grab those apples and give this recipe a try, your taste buds will thank you!

Remember, the best part of making your own applesauce is not just the taste, but the satisfaction of creating something wholesome from scratch.  Happy cooking, enjoy and don’t forget to leave me a comment with a star rating when you try my recipes. 

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