Things are beginning to be a bit cozy as the fall breeze settles in – so of course, a warm bowl of homemade, 3-ingredient plant-based applesauce is on the autumn menu.
This recipe is 100% approachable. I used easy-to-find ingredients along with a heavy-bottomed dutch oven to evenly simmer the applesauce until tender and sweet.
By the way, if you’re starting a plant-based diet, be sure to check out our guide on how to eat healthy on a budget.

If you’re used to store-bought applesauce, you’re in for a treat. This one has a nice balance of sweetness and a deep apple flavor that you just don’t get from the packaged stuff.
Additionally, we’re only working with whole-food ingredients, with no processed sugar – just dates – making this autumn dessert a healthy one.
More Sweet Fall Recipes:
- Chia Seed Pumpkin Muffins
- Pumpkin Spice Oat Bran Pancakes
- Mashed Carrots With Cinnamon & Brown Sugar
If you need something savory for the fall season, go for a cozy fall soup.
Recipe Notes
- Although some recipes may call for peeling the apples, I keep them on. I like to use most of the apple to reduce food waste and to include healthy, plant-based fiber. For a more even mouthfeel, feel free to remove the apple peels.
- Use any high-speed blender. My favorites to use are the Oster blender and the Nutribullet. Most standard blenders will work, though.
- For this recipe, I decided to use deep-red fuji apples. However, other apple varieties that work for applesauce include granny smith, gala, and McIntosh. Note, some apples are sweeter than others. For example, granny smith apples aren’t as sweet as fuji, so you made need to add more dates.

What Can You Use Homemade Applesauce For?
Of course, applesauce can be enjoyed alone, however, if you want to mix things up – there are other uses for applesauce including topping them over oatmeal, serve over plant-based ice-cream, or spread a layer of it over peanut butter toast.
How To Store
Store your homemade cooked applesauce in an airtight container. They keep in the fridge for up to 5 days. Additionally, applesauce can be stored frozen in a freezer-safe container or glass mason jar for up 3 months.
The applesauce can be eaten chilled or warmed. If you prefer to have it warm, simply reheat in a small saucepan for a few minutes over low heat, stirring occasionally.


3-Ingredient Plant-Based Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 Fuji apples chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup medjool dates pitted + chopped (about 75 grams)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Chop the apples into chunks, leaving the skin on. Remove the core, seeds, and stem from the apples.
- Place a saucepan or dutch oven over high heat. Place chopped apples, ground cinnamon, dates, and water into a pot. Stir together.
- Once at a boil, reduce heat to low and simmer. Cover the pot with a lid and simmer apples for about 20 minutes, or until fork-tender and soft.
- Transfer cooked apples and its liquid into a blender. Blend until smooth.
Did you try out this 3-Ingredient Plant-Based Applesauce recipe?
Please leave a comment below, share it, rate it, or tag a picture @plantbasedandbroke on Instagram and hashtag it #plantbasedandbroke. Show off that creation with us.
Leave a Reply