Not Just Plain Applesauce Recipe

Name: Not Just Plain Applesauce
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 6 apples, peeled and sliced; 3 ripe pears, peeled and sliced; splash apple cider; 2 cardamom pods; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; few gratings nutmeg; 2 pinches cloves; 1 pinch salt; splash maple syrup; 1 Meyer lemon, juiced; half splash Calvados; small pat butter

Servings: persons

6 apples, peeled and sliced
3 ripe pears, peeled and sliced
splash apple cider
2 cardamom pods
1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
few gratings nutmeg
2 pinches cloves
1 pinch salt
splash maple syrup
1 Meyer lemon, juiced
half splash Calvados
small pat butter

1
Put fruit into medium saucepan with cider to prevent sticking before the fruit starts to heat and become juicy. You can use water instead of cider and use all apples (apples and quince are also a nice combination but the quince needs to be pre cooked). Start cooking over medium heat.
2
Crush the cardamom pods in a mortar and pestle. Throw away the husks and crush the seeds. Stir into the fruit mixture. Add all the other ingredients except butter. Taste to be sure it's the right balance of flavors for your taste and the fruit mix. You can experiment with different sweeteners, spice mixtures and citrus juices.
3
When the sauce is soft and mashable, mash with a potato masher until the consistency is to your liking (I prefer a few lumps). Stir in a small lump of butter off the heat. It softens and silkens the flavors. Serve it up and enjoy!

kcal

Calories

Carbs

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

Saved locally in your browser — visible only to you.

How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 12 ingredients. The key ingredients include: 6 apples, peeled and sliced, 3 ripe pears, peeled and sliced, splash apple cider, 2 cardamom pods, and more.

Yes, Not Just Plain Applesauce falls under the General category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days. Reheat gently before serving.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Not Just Plain Applesauce

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions