Apple Puree (Apple Sauce)

Apple Puree takes little effort to make and can be used in a variety of ways. It is delicious warm, spiced with cinnamon, ginger or star anise, or chilled with some natural yoghurt.

What is Apple Puree?

Apple puree is cooked apples that are pureed until even textured and smooth.

What is the Difference Between Apple Puree and Applesauce?

Apple puree is essentially applesauce. They are prepared in the same way but the finishing touches can differ. The puree is always smooth but applesauce can be a variety of textures from chunky to smooth.

How to Make Apple Puree

You can make apple puree by baking, slow cooking, pressure cooking, steaming or simmering the apples on the stove. My preferred method is cooking on the stovetop.

1. Peel and core the apples. Peel, core, and chop the apples into large chunks.
2. Transfer the apples to a large pan. Add a little water (just enough to help them steam) and cinnamon (optional or sub for other spices.)
3. Cover and Simmer.  Simmer the apples for approximately 15 minutes. The apples should be very soft and starting to break up.
4. Puree. Puree in a food processor on by using a blender. Alternatively, if you would prefer a chunkier sauce then you can mash with a fork or potato masher.

Apple Puree Cooking Tips

APPLE VARIETY: Each apple variety has a different colour, texture, taste adn reacts differently to heat. The best apples for puree are those that are sweet with a flesh that breaks down easily.

However, I generally believe that it is down to personal preference and/or what you are looking to pair your apple sauce with.

My favourite apple is Pink Lady so this is what I use most often. Other great options include

• McIntosh
• Cortland
• Fuji
• Golden Delicious
• Jazz
• Royal Gala
• Jonathan

SWEETENERS: A lot of apple sauce/apple puree recipes call for the addition of sugar or another sweetener, such as maple syrup or honey.

Personally, I do not think there is any need for sugar in apple puree, especially if you use delicious sweet apples. I have not added any to this recipe and strongly recommend you do not add if making for a baby.

SPICES: I have added cinnamon to this recipe but this is optional, you can miss it out or replace it with a different spice. Depending on how you wish to use your puree, ginger, nutmeg, star anise and vanilla all work well.

Apple Puree for Babies

Apple puree is commonly used as an early baby food because it is nutritious and easy to digest. It can be enjoyed by itself or mixed with a range of other purees.

Some suggestions include

• Oatmeal
• Banana
• Avocado
• Sweet Potato
• Carrots
• Squash
• Chicken
• Blueberries
• Yoghurt

What to Use Apple Puree For

Apple puree isn’t just for babies! Here are some other suggestions for what to use it in.

• Baking – Apple puree can be used as a replacement for fat or eggs in baking. It can also be used to naturally sweeten baked goods. I’ve used it in these Carrot and Apple Muffins and Porridge Fingers
• Swirl into porridge – A couple of spoonfuls of puree will take your porridge to the next level of deliciousness.
• Swirl into Yoghurt – Use it to naturally sweeten some plain yoghurt – YUM!
• Spread it on Toast Along with Nut Butter – If you haven’t tried this then I seriously recommend it.
• A Sauce – For pancakes, waffles or ice-cream.
• Enjoy with Savoury Dishes – Apple pairs perfectly with pork to create a flavour duo that’s hard to argue with. My kids love when I pair fruit with savoury dishes!
• Add to Smoothies – Add some to smoothies or (for the adults only) cocktails.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigerator 

Place in an airtight container and store overnight. If you wish to store longer you can add some lemon juice when cooking the apples.

• Freezer  

Freezing is my prefered method of storage as you can freeze in small amounts and take out as needed.

Pour the puree into ice-cube trays and freeze until solid. (Flexible ice cube trays work best as it is easier to pop out the frozen cubes.)

Once they’re fully frozen, quickly pop them all out and place the frozen cubes into a freezer bag or container and return to the freezer.

You May Also Like

• Apples for Babies
• Strawberry Puree
• Mango Puree
• Peach Puree

Have you tried this recipe? I’d love to read your feedback, please rate and leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram.