Easy Microwave Applesauce with Cinnamon

I make extra of this easy Microwave Applesauce so that I have tons to stuff in my face. And, of course, share with the kids. It’s genuinely one of my favorite recipes. Ever.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Applesauce Recipe

Fall is my favorite time to make this super delicious and easy Microwave Apple Sauce Recipe! But this recipe also works any time of year!

It is so easy and fresh and have I mentioned easy?

While it does take a few minutes to chop up the apples, once you put them in the microwave, your work is pretty much done.

Related: Braised Brussels Sprouts in Apple Juice

I usually make cinnamon applesauce in the microwave to serve with Christmas dinner. I make it a day or two ahead since it stores and reheats really well! You can also add it to Thanksgiving or Friendsgiving Menus.

I came across the recipe in Martha Stewart’s Everyday Food magazine, years ago, and have been making it ever since (with some minor alterations). Her Cinnamon Applesauce is also delish.

My kids LOVE this green apple applesauce as a simple side dish recipe and also a snack! 

Ingredients

This easy applesauce recipe calls for Granny Smith apples, which give it a nice tart flavor and have a really nice texture when cooked.

A little bit of fresh lemon juice brightens everything up. And spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves and ginger give it tons of flavor! 

What I love about making homemade applesauce is that you can control how much sugar you add! I try to get by with the least amount possible.

How to Make Microwave Applesauce

Step 1

Peel and chop the apples. Add them to a 2-quart microwave-safe dish with a cover.

Don’t forget to cut two extra apples for your kids. If you don’t they will take the ones that are meant for your recipe whenever you turn your back. I learned this the hard way.

Step 2

Add the ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, lemon juice, sugar and salt.

Step 3

Mix everything together then place the covered dish in the microwave. Cook on high for 5 minutes (about halfway).

Step 4

Mash the apples with a fork. I like to leave it really chunky though, but this is totally my personal preference.

Step 5

Cover, then cook in the microwave for another 5-10 minutes. You just want to make sure the apples are tender and cooked through.

And then you eat it. It is yummy warm but I think it is even better cold.

This applesauce is super tasty and aside from a little cutting and stirring is pretty hands-off.

The tart flavor from the green apples is absolutely crave-worthy!

How to Serve

This easy Microwave Applesauce Recipe with cinnamon is super versatile. Here are a few ways I like to serve it:

• As a delicious side dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
• It makes a tasty sweet snack
• Use it as a topping for baked treats or things like pancakes.
• It makes a great condiment for pork!!

It’s also the best applesauce to serve as a side dish for holiday meals.

Top Tips

• To make this recipe even faster, you can cut the apples smaller!
• If you don’t love a certain spice, just leave it out! You can truly make this quick applesauce recipe your own.
• If you want this to be silky smooth, you can use an immersion blender to get rid of any chunks.
• Don’t be afraid to use less or more sugar depending on how you like your apple sauce. You could also use a more natural sweetener like honey.
• Also, the sweetness (before adding sugar) will depend on how sweet the apples are and what type of apples you use.

Variations

• Add cranberries for another texture and a burst of fruit flavor.
• Add chopped pecans for some added crunch.
• Make this recipe with pears instead! They may need a little more cooking time, depending on the ripeness of the fruit.
• Want a little more texture and fiber? You can leave the peels on. Just know it will be chunky with bits of chewy skin.

Storing

In the Fridge

You can store homemade cinnamon applesauce in the fridge for about one week. It’s best to keep it in an air-tight container.

In the Freezer

You can freeze microwave applesauce if you prefer. It lasts for about 6 months. Allow the applesauce to cool to room temperature. Add it in about 2 cup portions to freezer bags (be sure to date them!). Squeeze out any excess air and lay flat in the freezer so they will fit better among your other items.

Once frozen, you can move them around your freezer where they fit best. To thaw frozen applesauce, just place a bag in the refrigerator over night. Then heat (gently) in the microwave to bring it to the temperature you would like to serve it at.

NOTE: If you plan on freezing the applesauce, consider leaving out the spices as they can lose their flavor in the freezer. Or, taste the cinnamon applesauce once it is thawed and see if you should add a little more flavor at that time.

Adapted from Martha

I adapted this recipe from Martha Stewart. I added a bunch of different spices that I love. Like ginger, and cloves. Not a major change but I’m sure Martha would still clutch her pearls at the mere suggestion.

In my opinion, there is always room for improvement. This is why I made Martha’s Microwave Applesauce Recipe better. OH SNAP! Yeah, I said it. 

Pin to save this delicious homemade applesauce recipe for later.