
It’s officially apple season.
What better way to welcome it in than with a healthy, sweet, delicious applesauce recipe?
Considering it’s been unusually warm this month (90 degrees in September? really?) I thought I’d try a simple raw applesauce to eliminate the simmering.
This applesauce is perfect on its own but you can use it in baking as well. I like to add it to smoothies and pancakes.
You can use any variety of apple you have on hand though some are better for applesauce than others. Firmer apples make for chunkier and fuller applesauce while juicy apples make runnier applesauce. If you grow your own apples, this is a great starter for making fruit leathers to store for winter.
Why RAW Applesauce?
Cooked homemade applesauce is infinitely better than store bought but raw applesauce tops them all.
Not only is it delicious (think apple cider in solid form), raw applesauce contains all of the benefits of fresh apples, like digestive enzymes and naturally occurring good bacteria.
By keeping the peels on you’re also adding fiber, vitamins, and minerals (as most of those are in the skin). Plus, peeling apples is no fun so it makes your life easier!
Raw Applesauce Recipe
This raw applesauce is a perfect treat for a warm fall day.
Ingredients:
- 2 apples (organic preferably)
- 1 tbs. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional if using immediately)
- 1 soaked Medjool date or 1 tbs. maple syrup (optional)
- a few pinches of cinnamon and ginger (optional)
Directions:
Roughly chop the apples and add them to a food processor or high powered blender.
Add lemon juice or ACV and Medjool date or maple syrup and spices if using and process until your desired consistency.
Add water 1 tsp. at a time if needed for consistency.
This will keep in your refrigerator for about a week if you add lemon juice or ACV. If you don’t, use it right away as it will start to brown and “turn”.

Raw Applesauce
A simple and delicious raw applesauce recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 apples (organic preferably)
- 1 tbs. apple cider vinegar or lemon juice (optional if using immediately)
- 1 soaked Medjool date or 1 tbs. maple syrup (optional)
- a few pinches of cinnamon and ginger (optional)
Instructions
- Roughly chop the apples and add them to a food processor or high powered blender.
- Add lemon juice or ACV and medjool date or maple syrup and spices if using and process until your desired consistency.
- Add water 1 tsp. at a time if needed for consistency.
- This will keep in your refrigerator for about a week if you add lemon juice or ACV. If you don't, use it right away as it will start to brown and "turn".
How to Use Raw Applesauce
You can use raw applesauce in the same way you use cooked applesauce.
- Eat it with a spoon
- Add it to baked goods in place of sweetener, eggs, or fat
- Use it to make healthy gummy snacks or fruit leather
- Top your favorite pancakes with it
- Add it to a smoothie
The list goes on and on! Here are a few recipes to get your ideas flowing:
Apples and Bacon Loaded Sweet Potato (AIP)
This awesome recipe combines sweet and savory while still being AIP friendly (which means it’s GF, DF, and Paleo too!).
The Perfect 1st Birthday Cupcake :: Grain, Nut, Egg, & Refined Sugar Free
As QC’s first birthday approaches I’m thinking about healthy birthday cakes and this one definitely fits the bill.
Zucchini Apple Muffins (Gluten/Grain-free, Paleo, SCD-legal)
Zucchini and apple pair off in this real food version of the classic zucchini muffin.

Slow Cooker Applesauce Chicken
A super simple recipe that anyone could make, this dish is filling and healthy. Be creative and add your favorite fruit or root vegetables.
Banana Applesauce Skillet Bread with Apple Chunks & Flaxseed
I love the idea of skillet bread. It’s so rustic and pioneer-y. This recipe is easy and allergy-friendly.
Have you ever tried raw applesauce? What’s your favorite way to eat it?

Loove raw applesauce – I make 6 apples twice a week and I usually have some with my babies’ meal time. I’m curious what the word “turn” means and also wondering why stores don’t sell raw. Just curious if anyone knows!
By “turn” I mean turn alcoholic :) That may be why stores don’t sell it raw.
Do you have any suggestions for how to make it thicker without cooking it? It was too watery so my young one didn’t like it.
You could let it sit in a colander for some of the juice to run off. I think it also depends on the kind of apple you use.
I’ve been using raw applesauce for months now. Without lemon and cider, just apples :) and it makes a difference on vegan cakes and muffins! Also i am not using sodas or baking powders so apple sauce is really a great help. 💜
Great to hear!
Is there a way to can this? I usually put it in my freezer, but im running out of room.
You can certainly can applesauce, but to do so requires cooking to sterilize it and get the jars to seal. There is no way to can applesauce and keep it raw.
Looks so good. Probably a silly question, but do I need to peel them before putting them into the food processor or do you leave the peels on?
Thank you!
I think you could do it either way, but if you wanted the applesauce to be as close to store-bought as possible, I’d peel the apples.
What’s the best apple to use for this raw apple sauce please?
Em