How to Make Homemade Applesauce: Easy and Healthy Snack Ideas for Kids

A Nutritious Snack Guide

We’ve all been there—racing against time, trying to find something quick and healthy for the kids to snack on, but the cupboard is bare, and all the store-bought options are filled with who-knows-what. Enter homemade applesauce—your new best friend. Simple, wholesome, and surprisingly easy to make, applesauce is the snack that checks all the boxes. In this guide, we’ll break down how to make your own applesauce from scratch and offer some fun variations to keep your little ones coming back for more.

Why Homemade Applesauce?

Let’s be honest: store-bought applesauce can be convenient, but it often comes with added sugars and preservatives that you don’t need. Making applesauce at home gives you control over the ingredients—so you can skip the added junk and focus on clean, delicious snacks your kids will love. Plus, it’s easy. Really. We’re talking about a few apples, a pot, and a blender. That’s it.

The Basics: How to Make Homemade Applesauce

Making applesauce at home is almost as easy as pressing “start” on your microwave popcorn. Seriously. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredients:

• 8-10 apples (pick any kind you like, but Gala, Fuji, or Granny Smith are solid choices)
• 1/2 cup of water

Tools:

• Apple peeler (optional, but very handy)
• Steamer basket (or you can use a saucepan if you don’t have one)
• Large pot
• Food processor (or a good ol’ masher if you want a chunkier sauce)
• Reusable pouches (for the perfect on-the-go snack)

How to Do It:

1. Pick Your Apples: First things first—pick your apples. Gala or Fuji are sweet, while Granny Smith offers a little tartness. You do you.
2. Wash and Prep: Wash the apples thoroughly. If you like a smoother texture, peel them; if you want to keep things a little more rustic (and nutrient-packed), leave the skin on. Either way, core and chop them into small chunks.
3. Cook the Apples: Place those chopped apples in a steamer basket (or just throw them in a pot with ½ cup of water). Let them simmer over medium heat for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When they’re soft and mushy, they’re ready.
4. Blend It Up: Once your apples are soft, toss them in a food processor (or mash them with a potato masher if you prefer a chunkier applesauce). Blend it until smooth—add a little more water if it’s too thick for your liking.
5. Cool and Store: Let the applesauce cool, and then store it in the fridge. You can even pour it into reusable pouches (ChooMee pouches are perfect) to make snacks easy and mess-free.

Creative Applesauce Variations

Now that you’ve got the basics down, it’s time to have some fun with your applesauce! Here are a few simple ways to jazz it up:

1. Cinnamon Delight: Stir in a pinch of cinnamon while cooking for that warm, cozy flavor we all know and love. Plus, cinnamon comes with its own set of health benefits!
2. Berry Blast: Mix in fresh or frozen berries (think strawberries, blueberries, or raspberries) for a colorful, antioxidant-packed applesauce.
3. Nutty Crunch: For older kids who can safely enjoy nuts, throw in some chopped almonds or walnuts. Adds texture and healthy fats.
4. Tropical Twist: Want to escape the cold weather? Mix in tropical fruits like pineapple, mango, or banana for a sunny snack.

The Perks of Homemade Applesauce

I get it. You’re busy. But making applesauce doesn’t have to be a big project! It’s a quick way to ensure your kids get a healthy snack without all the sugar and preservatives. Plus, homemade applesauce is way more versatile than you might think. It’s a great standalone snack, a topping for oatmeal, a side with lunch, or even a base for other snacks like smoothies or fruit popsicles.

Keeping It Clean and Healthy

One of the best parts about homemade applesauce is that you control what goes in it. No hidden sugars, no weird additives—just fresh apples and whatever mix-ins you want. Choosing organic apples and skipping the processed ingredients makes your applesauce even cleaner and healthier for your kids.

Wrapping It Up: A Go-To Snack Your Kids Will Actually Enjoy

So there you have it—a nutritious, clean snack that you can feel good about offering your kids. Making applesauce at home is not only easy, but it’s also a great way to get your kids excited about fresh, healthy foods. You can get creative with flavors and textures, and the best part? It’s something you’ll feel good about serving.

Get your apples, fire up that pot, and let the applesauce adventure begin. Your kids will thank you for it—and you’ll be the snack hero of the day.

Apple Peeler

Steamer Basket

Food Processor

Pouch Filler

ChooMee Reusable Pouches

ChooMee Squeeze-Proof Pouch Tops