This Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is a healthy, antioxidant-packed treat that’s as versatile as it is delicious. Made with sweet apples and wild blueberries, this applesauce can be enjoyed as a simple snack, mixed into Greek yogurt for a nutritious breakfast, or served as a sugar-free coulis over ice cream. It’s easy to make and can be adjusted to your preferred texture, from chunky to smooth. With its fresh, vibrant flavor, this applesauce is sure to be a hit with everyone!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This blueberry applesauce is the perfect combination of sweet, tart, and vanilla. The natural sweetness from the apples and blueberries is enhanced by the subtle vanilla flavor, making it a treat that’s healthy and satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it on its own or using it in a recipe, this applesauce is both versatile and packed with antioxidants. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make and can be stored for months, making it a great option for meal prep or a homemade gift!
Ingredients
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4 lb apples, peeled, quartered, and diced
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3 cups frozen wild blueberries
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¼ cup coconut sugar
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¼ cup water
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1 lemon (zested and juiced, about 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
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1 teaspoon vanilla extract
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¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
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Prepare the Apples: Peel each apple, quarter it, remove the core, and dice it into chunks. Place the apples into a colander and rinse under cold water.
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Cook the Apples and Blueberries: Place the prepared apples into a 6-quart Dutch oven or large pot. Add the frozen blueberries, coconut sugar, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla extract, and salt. Stir to combine.
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Simmer: Heat the mixture over medium-high heat until the liquid starts bubbling. Once it begins to bubble, cover the pot, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer. Stir occasionally until the apples are very soft and can be easily crushed with a fork (about 20-25 minutes).
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Puree the Sauce: Remove the lemon peels and use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce to your desired consistency—smooth or chunky. If the applesauce is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time to reach the desired texture. If it’s too thin, continue to simmer uncovered over medium-low heat until it firms up.
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Store: Once the applesauce reaches your preferred consistency, portion it into mason jars. Cool in the fridge, then transfer to the freezer for long-term storage. You can also can the applesauce using the water bath method to preserve it for up to a year.
Servings and Timing
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Prep Time: 30 minutes
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Cook Time: 30 minutes
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Total Time: 1 hour
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Servings: 16
Variations
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Sweetener Alternatives: If you prefer a different sweetener, you can substitute coconut sugar with maple syrup, honey, or stevia (adjust quantity to taste).
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Spices: Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for an extra warming flavor. Ground ginger also complements the blueberries nicely.
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Make it Vegan: This recipe is already vegan-friendly, but if you’re looking to make it even richer, you can swap in maple syrup or agave syrup for the coconut sugar.
Storage/Reheating
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Storage: Store the applesauce in mason jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. You can freeze it for up to 3 months, or use the water bath canning method to preserve it for up to 1 year.
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Reheating: To reheat, simply warm it up on the stove over low heat or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
FAQs
Can I use regular blueberries instead of wild blueberries?
Yes, you can use regular blueberries, but wild blueberries tend to have a more intense flavor and higher antioxidant content, making them ideal for this recipe.
How do I know when the applesauce is ready?
The apples are ready when they are soft enough to be easily mashed with the tines of a fork. The applesauce will thicken and become more concentrated the longer it simmers.
Can I make this applesauce without lemon?
The lemon adds brightness and balances the sweetness, but you can omit it if you prefer. If you do, you might want to increase the vanilla or add a little more sweetener.
Can I use a regular blender instead of an immersion blender?
Yes, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender in batches. Just be careful when blending hot liquids, as they can splatter.
Can I freeze the applesauce in plastic containers instead of mason jars?
Yes, you can freeze the applesauce in plastic containers or freezer bags. Just make sure to leave space for expansion as the applesauce freezes.
How long can I store the applesauce in the fridge?
The applesauce will last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge. For longer storage, you can freeze it for up to 3 months.
Can I add other fruits to this applesauce?
Yes! Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits, like pears or peaches, to the applesauce. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly if you use firmer fruits.
How can I make this applesauce sweeter?
If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, you can add more coconut sugar, maple syrup, or honey, depending on your taste preferences.
Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can! Simply combine the ingredients in the slow cooker, set it on low, and cook for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally. Blend to your desired consistency once it’s done.
Can I use a different sweetener besides coconut sugar?
Yes, you can use other sweeteners like honey, maple syrup, or even a sugar substitute like stevia. Just adjust the sweetness to your liking.
Conclusion
This Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is a delicious, healthy treat that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you enjoy it as a snack, a topping for yogurt or ice cream, or even as a coulis substitute, its natural sweetness and vibrant flavors make it a versatile addition to your kitchen. Easy to make, store, and enjoy, this applesauce is sure to become a staple in your home!
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Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 16 servings
Description
This Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce is a delightful, healthy treat made with apples, wild blueberries, and coconut sugar. It can be pureed to your preferred texture and enjoyed as a snack, breakfast, or topping for desserts.
Ingredients
4 lb apples, peeled, quartered, and diced
3 cups frozen wild blueberries
¼ cup coconut sugar
¼ cup water
1 lemon, zested and juiced (about 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
¼ teaspoon pink Himalayan sea salt
Instructions
Prepare the Apples: Peel each apple, quarter, remove the core, and dice into chunks. Rinse the diced apples under cold water using a colander.
Cook the Apples and Blueberries: Place the apples into a 6-quart Dutch oven or large pot. Add the blueberries, coconut sugar, water, lemon zest, lemon juice, vanilla, and salt. Stir to combine.
Simmer the Mixture: Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring the liquid to a bubble. Cover, reduce the heat to medium-low, and simmer, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and can be easily crushed with a fork (about 20-25 minutes).
Blend to Desired Consistency: Remove the lemon peels, then use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce to your desired texture, whether chunky or smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add water one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered over medium-low heat until it thickens to your liking.
Store and Preserve: Portion the applesauce into mason jars. Allow it to cool in the fridge, then transfer to the freezer or use the water bath method to can. Blueberry applesauce can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months, in the fridge for 2 weeks, or canned for at least one year.
Notes
Serve: This applesauce is perfect on its own, mixed into Greek yogurt for breakfast, or served as a topping over ice cream. It can also be used as a sugar-free coulis substitute when warmed and thinned.
Store: Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks, freeze for up to 3 months, or can for long-term storage.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Breakfast
- Cuisine: American
