Simmer fresh strawberries and apples together for this no-added-sugar Strawberry Applesauce. It’s ready in 30 minutes and is a healthy baby food puree toddlers will love too!
Strawberry Applesauce
My kids love picking out applesauce pouches from the store, but those little containers can add up and they often include added sugars. And since they particularly like the Strawberry Applesauce flavor, I thought I’d try making it at home. I’m so delighted to share this recipe which is both really easy to make and completely delicious.
Applesauce Recipe without Added Sugar
The natural sugars in the fruits cook down to make a plenty sweet homemade applesauce with a pretty pink hue. I was surprised by how pleasant the flavor was without anything added to the fruit and I think you will be too. It’s so satisfying to make a recipe with lots of yummy flavor using only two fresh ingredients!
Ingredients
This recipe is super simple and all you need to make it is a quart of fresh strawberries and 4 medium fresh apples.
What kind of apples are best in this applesauce?
You can really use any type of apple though I would recommend not using a tart apple since we’re not adding any extra sweetener to balance that out. Try these varieties of apples for this applesauce recipe:
- Gala
- Pink Lady
- Fuji
- Honeycrisp
- Jonagold
- Sweet Tango
Can I make this recipe using frozen strawberries?
You can use a 16 ounce bag of frozen strawberries if you prefer though I do like the flavor that the fresh berries add. (The kids may not notice one way or the other!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Here’s a look at the basics of how to make this recipe. (Scroll down to the recipe card for all of the details.)
- Peel the skin from the apples. (photo 1)
- Dice the fruit and add to a medium or large pot. (photo 2)
- Add water just until it reaches the fruit. (photo 3)
- Simmer. (photo 4)
- Transfer to a blender. (photo 5)
- Blend until smooth. (photo 6)
Do I have to remove the apple peels?
You can keep them on the apples if you want, though you’ll likely need to blend the mixture much longer to get a very smooth texture. So if your kids don’t mind more texture in their applesauce, you can leave them on. Otherwise, you can give the peels to older toddlers or kids as a snack, add them to a zip top freezer bag in the freezer and use them in future smoothies, or you can always compost them.
Homemade Applesauce Pouches
To keep our food budget in check and to make my toddler happy, I love to make a batch of this applesauce and serve it in reusable pouches. It’s easy to send to daycare, preschool, or school this way, and it’s so much less expensive than buying store-bought pouches.
What should I serve this unsweetened applesauce with?
We like it stirred into yogurt and oatmeal, in a reusable pouch as a snack, alongside any dinner that includes roasted chicken or turkey, or as part of a snacky lunch with cheese and crackers. It’s really versatile!
Tips for Making the Best Strawberry Applesauce
- Vary the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of cinnamon.
- Use fresh or frozen strawberries.
- Sweeten the applesauce with a little honey if desired.
- Serve warm or cold.
- To freeze, let cool completely and freeze in a zip top freezer bag with as much air removed as possible, laid flat. Or in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. The thawed mixture may separate a little so stir it up before serving.
- You can use any remaining liquid in the pot in smoothies or chill and add to your own sparkling water!
- You may also like my Strawberry Puree, my Strawberry Muffins, and my easy Strawberry Smoothie.
I’d love to hear what you think if you try this recipe, so please comment below with feedback.
Easy Strawberry Applesauce
Ingredients
- 16 ounce container fresh strawberries (about 3 heaping cups diced)
- 4 medium apples (about 6 cups diced; you can peel them if you prefer)
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Remove the stems from the berries, rinse, and dry lightly.
- Peel the apples. Slice the fruit from the core and roughly dice.
- Add berries and apples to a medium pot. Add 1 cup water.
- Heat over high heat to bring to a boil, then lower to medium heat and simmer for 30 minutes. Turn off heat and let cool for 5-10 minutes.
- Use a slotted spoon to transfer the fruit into a blender leaving the excess liquid behind. Blend until smooth.
- Serve warm or transfer to a airtight container and store in the fridge up to 5 days.
Notes
- Vary the flavor with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a dash of cinnamon.
- Sweeten the applesauce with a little honey if desired.
- Serve warm or cold.
- To freeze, let cool completely and freeze in a zip top freezer bag with as much air removed as possible, laid flat. Or in an airtight container. Thaw at room temperature or in the fridge. The thawed mixture may separate a little so stir it up before serving.
- You can use any remaining liquid in the pot in smoothies or chill and serve as natural juice.
- Instant Pot: Add ingredients to the pot. Seal and cook on HIGH for 5 minutes. Manually release and proceed with the recipe.
Would this keep in the freezer in reusable pouches?
Sure
Hi, could I do this in a crock pot?
Sure, I would guess about 7 hours on low.
I have a ton of frozen raspberries. Would that work instead of strawberries? Thank you.
They will work, but you will be able to taste/feel the seeds most likely (which may or may not be something your kids mind).
if i want add sugar how much would i add to it
Maybe 1/4 cup? You’d need to taste it and adjust since the sweetness of fruit varies.
Any ideas on using the excess liquid for another recipe?
I like to add it to smoothies or to sparkling water for myself!
I made it for my 14 month old and put them in reusable pouches. She loved them! My husband and I liked it too- didn’t even need to add any sweetener. We did add cinnamon though, thank you for the recipe!
Can I make this and can it to keep longer?
Sure!
I made this tonight I did strawberries blueberries and apples. But I put in some light brown sugar some regular sugar and vanilla extract and honey. It is very good if you want a sweet applesauce. I never go by directions I always add more stuff to whatever I make but it is usually delicious.
That sounds delicious!
This recipe was so easy to make!
My boys love strawberry applesauce.
I will making this every year, as it sure best paying
For it in the store! So much cheaper to make a big
Batch. I canned it so it last longer hoping it keeps.
Thank you!