Easy Red Hot Applesauce: Sweet & Spicy Recipe (Print Version)
Spicy applesauce with a kick! This easy recipe combines sweet apples with cinnamon candies for a vibrant, flavorful side dish or dessert. Quick to make.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ The Apple Core
01 -
1 1/2 lbs Gala apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
02 -
1 1/2 lbs Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
03 -
1/2 cup apple cider
→ Red Hot Ember
04 -
1/2 cup Red Hots cinnamon candies
05 -
1 tsp ground cinnamon
06 -
1/4 tsp ground ginger
→ Sweet & Spicy Symphony
07 -
1/4 cup granulated sugar
08 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
09 -
1 tsp pure vanilla extract
10 -
1/4 tsp fine sea salt
11 -
1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
12 -
1/8 tsp ground cloves
→ Bright Finish
13 -
1 tbsp Red Hots cinnamon candies, for garnish
14 -
Pinch of ground cinnamon, for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Peel, core, and chop 1 1/2 lbs Gala apples and 1 1/2 lbs Granny Smith apples into 1-inch pieces. This ensures even cooking for your Easy Red Hot Applesauce Recipe and a balanced sweet-tart flavor.
02 -
In a large pot, combine the chopped apples, 1/2 cup apple cider, 1/2 cup Red Hots cinnamon candies, 1 tsp ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp ground ginger, 1/4 cup granulated sugar, 1/4 tsp fine sea salt, 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg, and 1/8 tsp ground cloves.
03 -
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very tender and the Red Hots have dissolved, creating a vibrant color for this Easy Red Hot Applesauce Recipe.
04 -
Remove the pot from heat. For a chunky applesauce, mash the apples with a potato masher. For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer to a regular blender and process until desired smoothness is achieved.
05 -
Stir in 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp pure vanilla extract. Taste and adjust sweetness or spice if desired. This step balances the flavors of your Easy Red Hot Applesauce Recipe.
06 -
Allow the applesauce to cool slightly before serving. Garnish individual servings with 1 tbsp Red Hots cinnamon candies and a pinch of ground cinnamon for an extra pop of color and flavor.
# Notes:
01 -
Store leftover Easy Red Hot Applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days.
02 -
For a milder applesauce, reduce the amount of Red Hots cinnamon candies. For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
03 -
This applesauce is delicious served warm or cold, as a side dish, dessert topping, or even stirred into oatmeal or yogurt.
04 -
While Gala and Granny Smith offer a great balance, feel free to experiment with other apple varieties like Honeycrisp or Fuji for different flavor profiles.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot or Dutch oven
02 -
Vegetable peeler
03 -
Cutting board
04 -
Chef's knife
05 -
Measuring cups
06 -
Measuring spoons
07 -
Potato masher or immersion blender
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 239 kcal
Total Fat: 0 g
Total Carbohydrate: 61 g
Protein: 0 g