Homemade Spiced Applesauce (Bulk Canning)
Transform your apple harvest into delicious, homemade spiced applesauce that you can enjoy throughout the year. This easy step-by-step guide will teach you how to safely can your applesauce, preserving the vibrant flavors of fall for your family. Perfect for lunchtime snacks, desserts, or even as a side dish, this bulk recipe yields 60 servings, making it ideal for family gatherings and meal prep. Plus, discover how to make delightful apple leather from any leftover applesauce, a nutritious treat for kids and adults alike!
60
Servings
167
Calories
5
Ingredients
Ingredients
Apples
20 lbs (Cored and quartered)
Sugar
2-4 cups (To taste)
Cinnamon
2 teaspoons (Ground)
Water
1-2 cups (To achieve desired consistency)
Lemon Juice
1/4 cup (If using sweeter apples)
Instructions
1
Start by washing your canning jars thoroughly and placing them in a preheated 200°F oven to sterilize.
2
Fill a hot water canner three-quarters full and bring it to a gentle boil.
3
Steam the quartered apples in a large pot or steamer until the skins begin to split, indicating they are soft.
4
Pass the softened apples through a sauce maker to achieve a smooth texture, retaining the seeds and skins. Alternatively, peel and core the apples, steam until mushy, and press them through a strainer or ricer.
5
Transfer the sauced apples to a very large pot, adding sugar to taste. For tart varieties, you may need up to 4 cups of sugar.
6
If using sweeter apples, mix in lemon juice to enhance flavor; begin with a quarter cup and adjust as desired.
7
Incorporate water until the applesauce reaches a consistency slightly thinner than your preference, as it will thicken after canning.
8
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.
9
While the applesauce is boiling, heat a small saucepan with boiling water and place brand-new canning lids inside to prepare them for sealing.
10
Using a ladle, pour the HOT applesauce into HOT jars, leaving a 1/4 inch headspace at the top. Wipe the rim of each jar clean with a damp cloth.
11
Seal each jar quickly with a HOT lid and screw on the rings firmly. It’s advisable to process about 4 jars at a time, especially without assistance.
12
Once you have a batch ready, process the jars in the boiling hot water canner according to your elevation: 15 minutes for 0-1000 feet, 20 minutes for 1001-3000 feet, 25 minutes for 3001-6000 feet, and add 5 minutes for quart jars.
13
Carefully remove the jars from the canner and place them on a cooling rack. Allow them to cool completely. You can test the seals by pressing down on the center of each lid; it should not pop back.
14
After the jars have cooled, slightly loosen or remove the rings, label them with contents and date, and store in a cool, dry place.
15
To make delicious apple leather, spread any leftover applesauce evenly on a cookie sheet lined with plastic wrap. Dry in an oven set to 180°F for 12+ hours or use a dehydrator according to manufacturer instructions. Store the leather in the refrigerator for up to one year.
Nutrition Information
42
Carbs
0.8
Protein
2.5
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the yield of this bulk canning recipe?
This recipe yields approximately 60 servings of homemade spiced applesauce.
How many pounds of apples are needed for this recipe?
You will need 20 lbs of apples, which should be cored and quartered before starting.
What temperature should I use to sterilize the canning jars?
The jars should be placed in a preheated oven at 200°F to be thoroughly sterilized.
How do I soften the apples for the sauce?
Steam the quartered apples in a large pot or steamer until the skins begin to split, indicating they are soft.
What equipment can I use to create a smooth sauce texture?
You can use a sauce maker to process softened apples with skins and seeds, or use a strainer or ricer if you have already peeled and cored them.
How much sugar should be added to the applesauce?
The recipe suggests 2 to 4 cups of sugar depending on the tartness of the apples and your personal taste preference.
Why is lemon juice included in the ingredients?
Lemon juice is used to enhance the flavor, particularly when using sweeter apple varieties.
How much water should I add to the mixture?
Add 1 to 2 cups of water until the sauce is slightly thinner than your preferred consistency, as it will thicken during the canning process.
What spice is used to flavor this applesauce?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon for a spiced flavor profile.
How much headspace should be left in the jars?
You should leave a 1/4 inch headspace at the top of each jar when filling with hot applesauce.
How do I prepare the canning lids?
Place brand-new lids in a small saucepan of boiling water while the applesauce is heating to prepare them for sealing.
What is the processing time for altitudes between 0-1000 feet?
The jars should be processed in a boiling hot water canner for 15 minutes at this altitude.
How long do I process the jars at 1001-3000 feet?
Process the jars for 20 minutes in the boiling hot water canner.
What is the canning time for altitudes between 3001-6000 feet?
The jars require 25 minutes of processing time in the water canner.
Does the size of the jar affect the processing time?
Yes, you should add an additional 5 minutes to the processing time if you are using quart jars.
How can I check if the jars have sealed properly?
Once cooled, press down on the center of each lid; if it does not pop back, the seal is successful.
How should the finished jars be stored?
Store the labeled jars in a cool, dry place after they have completely cooled and the seals have been verified.
Can I make a snack from the leftover applesauce?
Yes, you can make apple leather by spreading leftover sauce on a cookie sheet and drying it in a low-temperature oven or dehydrator.
What is the oven temperature for making apple leather?
The oven should be set to 180°F for at least 12 hours to dry the apple leather.
How long can apple leather be stored?
Apple leather can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one year.
What are the calories per serving of this applesauce?
Each serving contains approximately 167 calories.
How much fiber is in one serving?
There are 2.5 grams of fiber per serving.
Is there any fat or cholesterol in this recipe?
Based on the nutritional data provided, there is no significant fat or cholesterol content in this recipe.
What is the total carbohydrate count per serving?
One serving contains 42 grams of carbohydrates.
What category does this recipe fall into?
This recipe is categorized under Lunch/Snacks.
How many ingredients are required in total?
There are 5 primary ingredients: apples, sugar, cinnamon, water, and lemon juice.
Do I need to peel the apples before steaming?
No, you can steam them with the skins on and then pass them through a sauce maker to remove skins and seeds automatically.
How much protein does a serving of applesauce provide?
A single serving provides approximately 0.8 grams of protein.
Why is it recommended to process only 4 jars at a time?
Processing about 4 jars at a time is recommended to ensure you can seal them quickly while the sauce is still hot, especially if you are working alone.
Can this applesauce be used for family meal prep?
Yes, its large yield of 60 servings makes it ideal for bulk meal prep and long-term storage.