Ree Drummond, famously known as The Pioneer Woman, has captured hearts with her approachable style and delicious recipes. While I’m not one to religiously follow celebrity chefs, Ree is an exception, especially when it comes to her delightful desserts and comforting home-style cooking. Recently, I was searching for the perfect homemade applesauce recipe – something simple yet bursting with flavor – and naturally, I turned to Ree Drummond. As expected, she delivered an applesauce recipe that’s so good, it could easily double as dessert!
This Pioneer Woman Applesauce recipe boasts a coveted five-star rating on FoodNetwork.com, accompanied by glowing reviews, and for good reason. Discovering just how effortlessly you can create this incredibly tasty applesauce will likely make you rethink ever buying store-bought versions again.
Why This Pioneer Woman Applesauce Recipe Stands Out
What makes Ree Drummond’s applesauce so special? It’s the perfect balance of simplicity and flavor. Using mixed apple varieties creates a depth of taste that single-apple sauces often lack. The touch of brown sugar and cinnamon adds warmth and sweetness without being overpowering. This recipe is a testament to Ree’s knack for taking classic comfort food and elevating it just enough to make it truly exceptional. Plus, making applesauce from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and sweetness, ensuring a healthier and more flavorful result compared to many store-bought options that can be loaded with preservatives and added sugars.
Ingredients for Pioneer Woman’s Homemade Applesauce
Before you begin, gather these simple ingredients for your Pioneer Woman inspired applesauce:
- 6 pounds apples, mixed varieties (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and cut into eighths
- 1 cup apple juice or water
- Juice of 1/2 a lemon
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (adjust to your taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Pioneer Woman Applesauce
Follow these easy steps to create your own batch of delicious homemade applesauce:
- Combine Ingredients: In a large saucepan, combine the prepared apples, apple juice (or water), and lemon juice.
- Simmer Apples: Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and simmer gently until the apples are completely soft and tender, approximately 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Sweeten and Spice: Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the light brown sugar until it is fully melted and incorporated into the applesauce. Add the ground cinnamon and stir again to distribute evenly.
- Puree to Perfection: For a smooth applesauce, puree the mixture using a food processor or blender. If using a blender, remember Ree Drummond’s tip: let the mixture cool slightly for about five minutes before blending. Fill the blender only halfway, secure the lid leaving a corner open, cover with a kitchen towel, and pulse until you achieve your desired consistency. For a chunkier applesauce, you can use a potato masher instead of a blender or food processor.
- Cool and Store: Allow the applesauce to cool completely before serving. If you’re not serving immediately, refrigerate it in an airtight container. Homemade applesauce will keep in the refrigerator for about a week.
Tips for the Best Homemade Applesauce
- Apple Variety is Key: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different apple combinations. Using a mix of sweet and tart apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Granny Smith will give your applesauce a more complex and balanced flavor.
- Adjust Sweetness: The 1/2 cup of brown sugar is a guideline. Taste your applesauce after simmering and adjust the amount of sugar to your preference, depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal taste. You can also use other sweeteners like maple syrup or honey.
- Spice it Up: Cinnamon is classic, but feel free to add other warm spices like nutmeg, cloves, or ginger for a unique twist. A pinch of allspice can also add depth.
- Texture Preference: If you prefer a super smooth applesauce, blend it for longer. For a rustic, chunkier texture, blend less or use a potato masher. You can also leave some chunks for added texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Enjoy your Pioneer Woman applesauce warm or cold. It’s delicious on its own, as a side dish, or as a topping for yogurt, oatmeal, pancakes, or even pork chops.
Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade applesauce with this easy and flavorful Pioneer Woman recipe. You’ll be amazed at how much better it is than store-bought, and it’s a perfect way to enjoy the flavors of fall any time of year!
