Sugar-Free Applesauce (Only 3 Ingredients)

Things are beginning to become 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.

Why You’ll Love This 

• This recipe is 100% approachable. I used easy-to-find ingredients: apples, dates, and cinnamon. 
• We’re using only plant-based ingredients. This also means this recipe is refined sugar-free, gluten-free, dairy-free, and packed with fiber. 
• Takes just 20 minutes to make! Serve warm or chilled. 
• It’s the perfect autumn or holiday dish that can be served with your favorite Thanksgiving side dishes. 

If you’re used to store-bought applesauce (I see you Mott’s applesauce), you’re in for a treat. This one has a nice balance of sweetness and a profound 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. 

If your dates are on the hard and dry side, be sure to soften them up!

Ingredients & Substitutions

• Fuji Apples – I used fuji apples in this recipe. I prefer the variety because they are incredibly sweet and juicy – making for great applesauce! However, feel free to use other apple types including Gala, Granny Smith, Pippin, and Mcintosh. 
• Dates – The dates in this recipe will help bring in some sweetness. Dates are optional and can be skipped or limited. Additionally, you can switch out the dates for other refined sugar-free options, like stevia. 
• Cinnamon –  Add more or less, depending on how you feel about cinnamon. Other spices that work well in homemade applesauce include nutmeg, allspice, or ginger. 

A splash of lemon juice or vinegar can enhance the flavor by adding some tart.  

How To Make 3-Ingredient Applesauce

Grab your 3 ingredients, a saucepan/pot, and now we’re halfway done with making homemade refined sugar-free applesauce. 

1. Chop apples, removing the stem, core, and seeds.
2. Add all ingredients into a saucepan and bring to a boil. 
3. Once at a boil, reduce to a simmer and cook for 20 minutes. 
4. Finally, blend cooked apples until smooth. 

What To Eat With Homemade Applesauce

Homemade applesauce is great on its own, but it can be added to baked goods to replace fat. It also goes great with oatmeal, muffins, or pancakes. 

Recipe FAQs

Is Applesauce Gluten-Free

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.

Do You Serve Applesauce Hot or Cold

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.

Essentially, it’s up to you on how you prefer your applesauce. Personally? I love a bowl of warm applesauce on a chilly evening.

How To Store 

Once the applesauce has cooled down, cover/wrap tightly and store in an airtight container, jar, or reusable silicone bags for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. 

Or, freeze. 

Recipe Tips 

1. To reduce the sweetness in this recipe, go for fewer dates or go completely without them.  
2. For more of a tart flavor, add a touch of lemon juice or vinegar. 
3. I used fuji apples for this recipe, but other recommended apples include Gala, Granny Smith, Mcintosh, and Golden Delicious. 

More plant-based desserts & sweets 

• Chia Seed Pumpkin Muffins 
• Oat Bran Pancakes 
• Cinnamon Date Paste
• Chocolate Chia Seed Pudding

Tried 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.

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.