Chunky Gluten-Free Apple Sauce
Gluten-free apple sauce is a wonderfully simple yet delightful recipe that’s a breeze to prepare and is utterly scrumptious.
I love using it in my apple muffins and sometimes even sneak it into my apple crumble for an extra burst of flavour.
It’s a fantastic way to make the most of a bounty of apples, which are truly one of nature’s sweetest treasures.
Apples are not only versatile and nutritious, but they also add a touch of warmth and comfort to any dish.
Whether you’re looking to reduce food waste or simply want to indulge in the rich taste of the season, this apple sauce is the perfect solution.
It’s a great way to preserve the essence of those delicious apples and enjoy them all year round!
Table of Contents
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Versatile Ingredient: Gluten-free apple sauce can be used in baking to add fluffiness and moisture to bread. It can substitute eggs or oil in vegan baking and is effective with sourdough and yeast bread. Recipes like gluten-free applesauce cake and muffins use applesauce as a healthier alternative to fats.
Allergy-Friendly: Many apple sauce recipes are naturally gluten-free and free of the top 9 allergens, making it a versatile and safe addition to meals for those with dietary restrictions.
Nutritious and Healthy: Apple sauce is low in calories and fat-free, containing beneficial vitamins and minerals. Apples are packed with fibre, which aids digestion and helps you feel full.
Source of Antioxidants: Applesauce contains antioxidants called phytochemicals, which may help reduce the risk of cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.
Versatile Condiment: Beyond using apple sauce in baking, you can add it to cheese boards, use it as a topping on breakfast dishes, or spread it on sandwiches.
Ingredients
- 4 Bramley apples
- 2-4 tablespoons of water
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional) or nutmeg
- 75 g golden sugar
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Wash, core, and chop the apples into one-inch cubes. You can peel them if you prefer a smoother sauce, but leaving the skins on will give it a lovely pink hue and extra fibre.
- Cook the Apples: Place the apple cubes in a heavy-bottom pot with the water. Bring to a boil, then cover and simmer over medium heat until the apples are soft and translucent, stirring occasionally. This should take about 20-25 minutes.
- Mash the Apples: Use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash the apples to your desired consistency. If you prefer a smoother sauce, transfer it to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth.
- Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar. Stir well to combine.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness or spice level as needed.
- Cool and Store: Let the applesauce cool slightly before transferring it to a jar. Refrigerate for a few hours before serving. Enjoy warm or chilled!
What to serve with Gluten-free Apple Sauce
Gluten-free apple sauce is incredibly versatile and can be paired with a variety of dishes to enhance their flavour and texture. Here are some ideas for things to serve with gluten-free apple sauce:
Gluten-Free Baked Goods: Use it in recipes like gluten-free apple muffins, cakes, or breads. It adds moisture and a delicious apple flavour.
Pancakes and Waffles: Mix it into pancake or waffle batter for a moist and flavorful breakfast treat. Top with powdered sugar, maple syrup, or fresh fruit.
Yoghurt or Oatmeal: Add a spoonful to yoghurt or oatmeal for a sweet and nutritious breakfast or snack.
Cheese Platter: Serve it alongside cheese and crackers for a sweet and savoury combination.
Pork or Chicken: Use it as a topping for grilled pork chops or chicken breasts for a sweet and tangy glaze.
Ice Cream: Mix it into vanilla ice cream for a delicious apple ice cream flavour.
Crepes: Fill crepes with apple sauce and top with whipped cream or powdered sugar for a delightful dessert.
Cinnamon Rolls: Spread it on cinnamon rolls before adding the cinnamon sugar topping for an extra layer of flavour.
Ready to make your gluten-free apple sauce? Then let’s go
Tasty Gluten-Free Apple Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Heavy iron based pan
- Hob
- 1-2 Medium Glass Jars
- Measuring Scales
- Tablespoon
Ingredients
- 4 Large Bramley cooking apples
- 75 g Golden castor sugar
- 1/2 tsp Ground cinnamon or nutmeg
- 2-4 tbsp Water
Instructions
- Peel and chop the Bramley apple into bite-sized pieces.
- Cook the apples until they are soft in 2-4 tablespoons of water.
- Add in the golden castor sugar and stir in until dissolved.
- Stir in the cinnamon or nutmeg.
- Spoon the hot apple sauce into hot sterilised jars and label.
- The apple sauce will keep unopened for up to 6 months. Once opened keep it in the refrigerator and eat within three weeks.
Nutrition
For more yummy apple recipes click below 👇
- Gluten-free marrow chutney
- Gluten-free spicy pumpkin and apple chutney
- Gluten-free apple cake
- Gluten-free apple & custard dessert pots
Gluten-Free Apple Sauce recipe tips
Choose the Right Apples
Select a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavour. Bramley apples are particularly recommended for their tart-sweet taste.
Peel or Not to Peel
Peeling the apples will result in a smoother sauce while leaving the skins on adds fibre and a lovely pink hue.
Adjust Consistency
For a chunkier sauce, mash the apples with a fork or potato masher. For a smoother sauce, blend them in a blender or food processor.
Optional Spices and Sweeteners
Add cinnamon or other spices to taste. If desired, use sugar or honey to sweeten it, but consider leaving it unsweetened for a healthier option.
Cooking Methods
Cook the apples on the stovetop or use a slow cooker for convenience. Stovetop cooking takes about 20-25 minutes, while slow cookers take 3-6 hours.
Storage
Once cooled, store the apple sauce in the refrigerator to keep it fresh for several days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Applesauce Naturally Gluten-Free?
Yes, applesauce made from 100% apples is naturally gluten-free. However, some store-bought versions may contain additives that could include gluten, so it’s important to check the ingredients.
Can I Use Applesauce in Gluten-Free Baking?
Yes, applesauce is a great ingredient in gluten-free baking. It can be used to add moisture and replace oils in some recipes.
How Do I Ensure Homemade Applesauce Remains Gluten-Free?
Simply use apples and avoid adding any gluten-containing ingredients. You can also use a slow cooker or stovetop method to prepare it.
Is Store-Bought Applesauce Gluten-Free?
Most store-bought applesauce brands, like Waitrose, are gluten-free. However, always check the ingredients to ensure no gluten-containing additives are used.
Can I Freeze Gluten-Free Apple Sauce?
Yes, you can freeze gluten-free apple sauce. It’s a great way to preserve it for later use in recipes or as a topping. Pop it into an airtight container.
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Becky Terrell ✍️
Hi, I am Becky. I am a passionate recipe maker and having been a coeliac (celiac) for 30+ years I focus on gluten-free recipes. My blog is my online cookbook of gluten-free tasty recipes. You can follow me on X: @beckygwg
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