Roasted Applesauce (No Sugar Added)

Roasted applesauce | Photo: Shauna Burke

Roasting the apples brings out their natural sweetness—no additional sugar needed, though if you find you want it sweeter you could add a spoonful of brown sugar to the food processor while the apples are still warm and pulse a few times to combine. Serve this warm or cover and refrigerate for about a week.

makes about 4 cups

Ingredients

10-12 small, sweet red apples such as Gala or Fuji, cores and stems removed
1/4 cup water
2 teaspoons fresh lemon or orange juice
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, diced small
1/2 - 3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon, to taste
1/4 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground nutmeg, to taste
pinch of kosher salt

Instructions

Preheat oven to 425°F.

Place apples into a 9” x 13” baking dish or a deep sheet pan, along with the water and citrus juice. Sprinkle a pinch of salt over the apples and distribute the small chunks of butter throughout. Bake until the apples are very soft, about 40 minutes.

Transfer apple mixture to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until it’s your desired consistency—I do about 10 short pulses for a chunky consistency.

Stir in the spices, to taste, and serve warm or keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week.