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 in white bowls

My kids love picking out applesauce pouches from the store, but those little containers can add up and they often include added sugars (which aren’t always needed for yummy applesauce). 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. 

You can serve this as a toddler snack, baby snack, or as a an easy side dish for any other meal. It’s great in a bowl with a spoon or served from a reusable pouch.

(You may also like my Strawberry Banana Bread, Berry Crisp or my Favorite Strawberry Recipes.)

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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!

strawberries in container and 4 apples

Ingredients You Need

This strawberry applesauce recipe is super simple. Here’s a look at what you need to make it.

Strawberries: I usually use fresh strawberries for this recipe, though frozen berries can work too if that’s what you have on hand (or find for less money).

Apples: You can really use any type of fresh apple in this recipe (or even frozen sliced apples). I would recommend not using a tart apple since we’re not adding any extra sweetener to balance that out. Try Gala, Pink Lady, Fuji, Honeycrisp, Jonagold, or Sweet Tango apples.

how to make strawberry applesauce step by step

Step-by-Step Instructions

Here’s a look at the basics of how to make this Strawberry Applesauce recipe. (Scroll down to the recipe card for all of the details.)

  1. Peel the skin from the apples. (photo 1)
  2. Dice the fruit and add to a medium or large pot. (photo 2)
  3. Add water just until it reaches the fruit. (photo 3)
  4. Simmer. (photo 4)
  5. Transfer to a blender. (photo 5)
  6. Blend until smooth. (photo 6)

Frequently Asked Questions

What apples are best for 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, or Sweet Tango.

Can I make strawberry applesauce 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!)

Do I need to peel the apple to make applesauce?

You can keep the peels 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. 

Do I have to remove the apple peels?

You can keep the peels 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. 

strawberry applesauce in squeeze pouch

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.

Serving Suggestions

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!

Best Tips for Success

  • 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.

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strawberry applesauce in white bowls

Easy Strawberry Applesauce

You can use any type of apple you like in this recipe.
5 from 6 votes
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Cuisine American
Course side
Calories 89kcal
Servings 6 (makes about 4 cups)

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
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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.

Nutrition

Calories: 89kcal, Carbohydrates: 23g, Protein: 1g, Fat: 1g, Saturated Fat: 1g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 1g, Sodium: 4mg, Potassium: 249mg, Fiber: 5g, Sugar: 17g, Vitamin A: 77IU, Vitamin C: 50mg, Calcium: 21mg, Iron: 1mg
Tried this recipe?Rate in the comments and tag @yummytoddlerfood on IG!

This post was first published June 2019.

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Comments

    1. 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).

  1. 5 stars
    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!

  2. 5 stars
    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.

  3. 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!