Around here, we love simple, wholesome recipes that bring comfort and joy. This sugar-free vegan applesauce is one of those easy homemade treats that feels fresh and nourishing. It’s perfect as a snack, a baking ingredient, or a cozy side to your favorite dishes. Making your own applesauce means you skip the refined sugar and get all the natural sweetness straight from the fruit and dates.
If you usually reach for store-bought applesauce, wait until you try this homemade version. It has a fresher taste and richer apple flavor that’s hard to beat. Plus, it’s vegan, sugar-free, and packed with fiber, so it’s as healthy as it is delicious. Whether you want it warm on a chilly day or cold and refreshing, this applesauce fits right into any plant-based meal plan.
This recipe comes together in about 20 minutes with just a few simple ingredients you probably already have. It’s a great way to add wholesome goodness to your day without fuss or refined sugars.
Jump to:
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple and wholesome. This sugar-free vegan applesauce uses just a handful of whole-food ingredients you can easily find. It is a straightforward recipe that does not require special tools or hard-to-find items. The end result is fresh and flavorful without any processed ingredients.
- Naturally sweetened. Dates add gentle sweetness without any refined sugar or artificial sweeteners. They blend smoothly into the applesauce, creating a rich depth of flavor. You can easily adjust the amount of dates depending on your preference for sweetness.
- Quick and versatile. Ready in about 20 minutes, enjoy it warm, chilled, or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for busy schedules. It is a recipe that works for snacks, sides, and even desserts.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- Fuji apples: Fuji apples are naturally sweet and juicy, which makes them an excellent choice for creating a smooth and flavorful applesauce. Their sweetness means you can use fewer added sweeteners, keeping the recipe sugar-free and wholesome. If you prefer a more tart flavor, you can substitute Fuji apples with Granny Smith or mix different varieties like Gala or McIntosh for a balanced taste.
- Dates: Dates bring a warm, caramel-like sweetness to the applesauce while keeping it free from refined sugar. They also add a bit of thickness and body to the sauce, making it feel richer. If dates are unavailable or you prefer a lighter sweetness, you can replace them with stevia, monk fruit, or skip them entirely for a more tart applesauce.
- Cinnamon: Cinnamon is the classic spice for applesauce, adding a warm and comforting flavor that pairs perfectly with apples. It can be adjusted to taste, whether you prefer a strong cinnamon note or just a hint. You can also swap cinnamon for nutmeg, ginger, or allspice for a different flavor profile that still complements the apples.
Step-By-Step Recipe
- Prep the apples: Chop the apples into even-sized chunks, removing the cores and seeds but leaving the skin on to boost fiber and nutrients. Keeping the skin also adds a slightly rustic texture and deeper color to the finished applesauce. Be sure to work with fresh, firm apples for the best results.
- Cook: Add the apples, chopped dates, cinnamon, and water to a medium saucepan and stir to combine. Place over medium-high heat until the mixture comes to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover with a lid and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and can be easily pierced with a fork.
- Blend: Once the apples are fully cooked, carefully transfer the mixture and its liquid to a blender. Blend until completely smooth for a creamy applesauce or pulse a few times if you prefer it chunkier. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice before serving.
Tips for the Best Applesauce
- Pick sweeter apples: Choosing naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala allows you to make a sugar-free applesauce without sacrificing flavor. The natural sweetness means you can skip refined sugars entirely. For a tart balance, add a few Granny Smith apples to the mix.
- Experiment with spices: Cinnamon is classic, but adding nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of clove can elevate your applesauce to something special. This is a great way to adjust the flavor to suit different seasons or occasions. Start small with new spices so they do not overpower the apples.
- Adjust sweetness naturally: If you prefer a less sweet applesauce, reduce or omit the dates altogether. You can also brighten the flavor with a splash of lemon juice, which adds freshness and cuts through the sweetness. Taste before blending so you can adjust accordingly.
Adjust sweetness naturally: If you prefer a less sweet applesauce, reduce or omit the dates altogether. You can also brighten the flavor with a splash of lemon juice, which adds freshness and cuts through the sweetness. Taste before blending so you can adjust accordingly.
Quick and versatile. Ready in about 20 minutes, enjoy it warm, chilled, or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes. This flexibility makes it an excellent choice for busy schedules. It is a recipe that works for snacks, sides, and even desserts.
What To Serve With Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce is wonderfully versatile and can be enjoyed in countless ways. For breakfast, it can be served alongside oatmeal, spread onto toast, or spooned over vegan pancakes or waffles for a naturally sweet topping. It works beautifully as a side to savory dishes like roasted vegetables, plant-based sausages, or holiday mains, where its sweetness balances richer flavors.
You can also stir it into plain yogurt or layer it in a parfait with granola for a quick and healthy snack. In baking, use it as a fat substitute in muffins, breads, and cakes to keep them moist without oil. Kids love it as a dip for whole-grain crackers or as a cool treat on a hot day.
Whether you enjoy it on its own or as part of a meal, this sugar-free vegan applesauce fits into just about any menu.
How to Store Homemade Applesauce
Once cooled, place the applesauce into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions using jars, freezer-safe containers, or silicone bags. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before enjoying, and stir well to restore its smooth consistency.
More Vegan Fall Dessert Recipes
Did you try out this sugar-free vegan 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!
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Applesauce
This homemade applesauce is gluten-free. We're only using 3 plant-based ingredients: apples, dates, and cinnamon - all of which are naturally gluten-free.
Applesauce can be served warm, right when it's done cooking. Or, allow the applesauce to cool down to room temperature, or store in the fridge for a chilled applesauce.
Yes! Applesauce is naturally vegan when made with just apples and water, like in this recipe. Some store-bought versions might contain non-vegan ingredients like honey or preservatives, so always check the label if you're not making it at home.
Absolutely! Homemade applesauce freezes really well. Once it cools, just portion it into freezer-safe bags, leave some space for it to expand, and lay the bags flat in the freezer. It will stay good for up to 6 months when frozen.
Homemade applesauce lasts in the fridge for about 7-10 days. Make sure you store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh, and label it with the date so you know how long it’s been in there.
Did you try out this sugar-free vegan 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!
Sugar-Free Vegan Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 Fuji apples chopped
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
- ⅓ cup medjool dates pitted + chopped (about 70 grams)
- ½ cup water
Instructions
- Chop the apples into chunks, leaving the skin on, and remove the core, seeds, and stem.
- In a saucepan or Dutch oven over high heat, combine the chopped apples, ground cinnamon, dates, and water, then stir well.
- Bring to a boil, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for about 20 minutes until the apples are soft and fork-tender.
- Transfer the cooked apples and liquid to a blender and blend until smooth.
Notes
- To make this recipe less sweet, simply use fewer dates or skip them altogether.
- If you prefer a tangier taste, add a small splash of lemon juice or vinegar.
- While I used Fuji apples here, other great options include Gala, Granny Smith, McIntosh, and Golden Delicious.
Nutrition
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.
Trader Joe's Grocery List (Plant-Based & Vegan)
Leave a Reply