Apfelmus
German Applesauce
A smooth, sweet, and comforting German applesauce, perfect as a side dish or topping. This recipe includes all the classic elements for a balanced flavor.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 kg Apples(Approximately 6-8 medium apples. A mix of sweet and tart varieties (like Gala, Fuji, Braeburn, or Granny Smith) works best for balanced flavor.)
- 100 g Granulated Sugar(Adjust to taste. You can use brown sugar for a richer flavor.)
- 1/2 tsp Ground Cinnamon(Or to taste. A small pinch of ground cloves can also be added.)
- 1 tbsp Fresh Lemon Juice(Adds brightness and helps prevent browning.)
- 100 ml Water(About 1/2 cup. Add more if a thinner consistency is desired.)
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the apples: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch (2.5 cm) pieces. Aim for uniform size for even cooking.
⏱️ 20 minutes - 2
Simmer the apples: In a large saucepan or pot, combine the chopped apples, water, and lemon juice. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer gently. Cook for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and easily pierced with a fork. The mixture should be bubbling gently.
⏱️ 20-25 minutes - 3
Mash or blend: Once the apples are soft, remove the pot from the heat. For a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender and process until smooth. For a chunkier texture, use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples directly in the pot. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
⏱️ 5 minutes - 4
Season the applesauce: Stir in the sugar and cinnamon. Continue stirring until the sugar is dissolved. Taste and adjust sweetness or cinnamon as needed. If the applesauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of water until the desired consistency is reached.
⏱️ 2 minutes - 5
Cool and serve: Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. It can be served warm, at room temperature, or chilled.
⏱️ 10-15 minutes (cooling)
💡 Pro Tips
- ✓Apfelmus is a classic accompaniment to Kartoffelpuffer (German potato pancakes).
- ✓Serve warm as a comforting side dish or chilled as a light dessert.
- ✓Experiment with different apple varieties for nuanced flavor profiles. A mix of sweet and tart apples is recommended.
- ✓For a richer flavor, consider using brown sugar instead of white sugar.
✨ Twist Ideas
Inspiration for your own version of this recipe
- Chunky Apfelmus: Mash the apples with a potato masher or fork instead of blending for a rustic, chunky texture.
- Spiced Apfelmus: Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or a small piece of a cinnamon stick during simmering for extra spice.
- Unsweetened Apfelmus: Omit the sugar entirely if you prefer a purely tart applesauce, especially if using very sweet apples.