Gluten-Free Apple Sauce: A Sweet Discovery
Growing up in South Africa, apple sauce wasn’t a common staple in my home. You might spot it during the festive season, but it was usually expensive and felt like a luxury.
A few years ago, I started making jams, marmalades, and chutneys to sell at local markets. Customers often asked, “Do you make apple sauce?” That question sparked my curiosity. I searched for recipes and found an excellent one on The Pioneer Woman’s website. From that moment, I was hooked.
Why I Love Apple Sauce
I’ve experimented with apple sauce recipes for years, and it’s become a favourite in my kitchen. I adore apples—their natural sweetness and versatility—and apple sauce is the perfect way to enjoy them. One of my guilty pleasures? Pairing warm apple sauce with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Pure comfort!
Why Make Apple Sauce at Home?
- Affordable & Fresh – No preservatives, just wholesome goodness.
- Customisable – Adjust sweetness and spices to suit your taste.
- Versatile – Use it in baking, as a dessert topping, or as a side dish.
Tips for Perfect Apple Sauce
- Choose sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala for natural flavour.
- Add cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, festive twist.
- Store in airtight jars and refrigerate for up to a week.
Serving Ideas
- Pair with ice cream for a decadent treat.
- Use as a natural sweetener in gluten-free baking.
- Serve alongside roast meats or pancakes.
Why It’s Great for Gluten-Free Diets
Apple sauce is naturally gluten-free and works as a binder in baking, making it a fantastic alternative to eggs or oil in certain recipes.
Ideas, Advice and Suggestions
Apples peeled and cored – Any apples will work for this recipe; you can even use older apples from your fridge. Feel free to mix different types of apples since they will be pureed. The apples should be peeled, cored, and chopped before use.
Apple cider between 250ml and 330ml –Apple cider is my preferred choice, but apple juice is a suitable substitute if desired. Be aware that using more liquid may require a longer cooking time for the apple sauce. It’s important to note that while most apple ciders are gluten-free, some may contain gluten, so always check the ingredient label.
Lemon Juice – Freshly squeezed or bottled.
Brown sugar – If you don’t have brown sugar, the same amount of white sugar or maple syrup can be used as a substitute; however, brown sugar contributes a distinct flavor.
Cinnamon and spices – Experiment with different spices to discover your preferred flavors, but be cautious with the quantity of nutmeg you add.
Homemade Apple Sauce
Course: Sides6.5
cups25
minutes1
hour2433
kcal1
hour25
minutesA delightful and easy-to-make applesauce, perfect for a variety of uses. Adjusted to be gluten-free!
Ingredients
3kg apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 8 slices
330ml (1 bottle) apple cider (1 cup 250ml will also work)
Juice of 1 lemon (50ml)
¾ cups (165g) brown sugar, packed
¼ tsp. cinnamon, more or less to taste
2 pinches Nutmeg
Pinch of mixed spice
Optional ingredients: Nutmeg, maple syrup, allspice to taste
Directions
- Combine all ingredients in a large pot and cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for 25 minutes.
- Carefully puree in a food processor or blender (don’t fill too full; split into two portions if needed) until smooth.
- Store in the fridge and serve by itself, over pork chops, over ice cream, over pancakes… or anywhere applesauce is wanted!
Notes
- If you prefer a single spice ½ teaspoon of cinnamon will be sufficient.
Apple juice can be used as a substitute for apple cider. - If you prefer a chunky sauce, blitz it less in the food processor
Origin of the Recipe
Leave a Reply