Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (2024)

Published: · Modified: by Marita Sinden · Leave a Comment

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Apfelmus is probably one of the most popular German sauces as it is versatile, and, for many, brings back childhood memories of German dishes such as pfannkuchen (German pancakes), milchreis (German Rice Pudding), Griesbrei and kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes). This German spiced apple sauce is quick and easy to make.

Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (1)

What is Apfelmus?

Apfelmus is a German condiment with is served with sweet and savoury dishes alike. Literally, you would translate it as "Apple Mush". Apfel is the German word for Apple and "mus" is the term for a dish with a pulpy consistency for example puree or mash.

Other terms used in Germany to describe this apple sauce are "Apfelbrei" (apple porridge) or "Apfelkompott" (apple compote). Although, Apfelkompott refers to a more chunky apple sauce.

How to make homemade Apfelmus

This spiced apple sauce uses vanilla flavour to give the sauce a unique German taste. Vanilla is a very popular spice in German desserts: see German Vanilla Sauce or German Vanilla Pudding for example.

Ingredients:

  • apples
  • water
  • vanilla beans, vanilla extract (affiliate link) or vanilla sugar
  • sugar (optional you can leave it out completely)
  • cinnamon stick (affiliate link)can be substituted with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (affiliate link) powder
  • lemon juice

German Apple Sauce Recipe Steps

  1. Prepare by peeling, and coring the apple. Quarter and slice into 2 cm chunks.
  2. Place all apples with the water, vanilla extract (affiliate link), cinnamon and lemon juice in the pot and bring to a boil on low to medium heat for approx 15-20 minutes.
  3. Stir occasionally to avoid the bottom of the pan from burning. Once the apples have softened and fallen apart remove the cinnamon stick (affiliate link) and vanilla beans (if using).
  4. You can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to puree the apple sauce to the desired consistency.
  5. Leave to cool or serve immediately.

Alternative cooking methods

In a crockpot (affiliate link) / slow cooker (affiliate link): Place all ingredients into the cooker. Set the cooker to high heat and leave it to boil for approx 4 hours.

In a pressure cooker: Place all ingredients into the pressure cooker, and cook for 5 minutes with high pressure.

What do Germans serve with Apple Sauce?

Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (2)

Apfelmus is one of the most popular condiments in Germany - whether savoury or sweet. Here are some popular dishes

  1. Karoffelpuffer with Apfelmus (German Potato Pancakes)
  2. Milchreis with Apple Sauce
  3. Yoghurt with Apple Sauce
  4. Roast pork with Apfelmus
  5. Sauerbraten with Apfelmus
  6. Apple cake with German apple sauce
  7. Pfannkuchen (pancakes) with apple sauce
  8. Himmel und Erde (a dish of mashed potatos with German apple sauce)
  9. Käsespätzle and Apfelmus
  10. Apple sauce is also a very popular topping for German waffles
Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (3)

How to store Apfelmus?

How long does homemade apple sauce keep?

Once the apple sauce has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to three days.

Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (4)

How to make canned apple sauce

If you have decided to prepare the compote in larger quantities you may store them in jars, but you will need to sterilize the jars first. Remove all the labels and place them and the lid separately in a saucepan with boiling water. The apple sauce has to be poured into the glass while still hot. Then screw the lid on and place it upside down. The hot air inside will retract and make the jar airtight. Don't forget to label the glasses with the month and year you made them.

Store the jars in a cool, dry place. They do not need to be stored in the fridge. They should last up to a year.

Can you freeze homemade apple sauce?

Yes, apple sauce is very suitable for freezing. Freeze them either in freezer bags or airtight plastic containers. If you want to freeze them in glass jars, then only fill them ¾. Liquid expands when frozen and if there is not enough space the glass might burst. It is always a good idea to sterilise the glasses by placing them in boiling water before filling them up.

Another idea is to pour the Apfelmus into the jar and only lightly screw on the lid. Once it is frozen you can tighten the lid.

Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (5)

Did you try this recipe?

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More German Dessert Sauces

  • Quick Cherry Compote (Kirschgrütze or Heisse Kirschen)
  • Simple Rhubarb Compote (Rhabarberkompott)
  • Easy German Vanilla Sauce Recipe (Vanillesoße)
  • Rote Grütze (German Red Berry Pudding)

Recipe

Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (10)

Authentic Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce)

Marita

This is a recipe for Apfelmus - the German Apple Sauce that is a delicious condiment for many German dishes such as potato pancakes, pfannkuchen, rice pudding and pork.

5 from 2 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Course Side Dish

Cuisine German

Servings 8 people

Calories 83 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 kg apples 35 oz or 2.2 pounds
  • 100 ml water 3.3 fl oz.
  • 3 teaspoon vanilla extract can be substituted with 1 vanilla pod. Scratch out the pulp and add it to the apples.
  • 2 tablespoon sugar - this can be scaled up. The sweetness will depend on the type of apples you are using and how ripe they are.
  • 1 cinnamon stick (affiliate link) can be substituted with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (affiliate link) powder
  • 2 tablespoon lemon juice

Instructions

  • Prepare by peeling, and coring the apple. Quarter and slice into roughly 2 cm chunks.

    1 kg apples

  • Place all apples with the water, vanilla extract (affiliate link), sugar cinnamo,n and lemon juice in the pot and bring to boil on low to medium heat for approx 15-20 minutes.

    3 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link), 2 tablespoon sugar, 1 cinnamon stick (affiliate link), 2 tablespoon lemon juice, 100 ml water

  • Stir occasionally to avoid the bottom of the pan from burning. Once the apples have softened and fallen apart remove the cinnamon stick (affiliate link) and vanilla beans (if using).

  • You can use a potato masher or a immersion blender to puree the apple sauce to the desired consistency.

  • Leave to cool or serve immediately.

To cook in a crock pot

  • Place all ingredients into the cooker and set the cooker on high. Leave to boil for approx 4 hours. There is no need to stir the apples, as they cook slowly and the bottom does not burn.

To cook in a pressure cooker

  • Place all ingredients into the pressure cooker, and cook for 5 minutes with high pressure.

Notes

How to store:

Once the apple sauce has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to three days.

How to make canned apple sauce

If you have decided to prepare the compote in larger quantities you may store them in jars, but you will need to sterilize the jars first. Remove all the labels and place them and the lid separately in a saucepan with boiling water. The apple sauce has to be poured into the glass while still hot. Then screw the lid on and place it upside down. The hot air inside will retract and make the jar airtight. Don't forget to label the glasses with the month and year you made them.

Store the jars in a cool, dry place. They do not need to be stored in the fridge. They should last up to a year.

Freezing instructions

Freeze them either in freezer bags or airtight plastic containers. If you want to freeze them in glass jars, then only fill them ¾. Liquid expands when frozen and if there is not enough space the glass might burst. It is always a good idea to sterilize the glasses by placing them in boiling water before filling them up.

Another idea is to pour the Apfelmus into the jar and only lightly screw on the lid. Once it is frozen you can tighten the lid.

Nutrition

Calories: 83kcalCarbohydrates: 21gProtein: 0.4gFat: 0.2gSaturated Fat: 0.04gPolyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.01gSodium: 2mgPotassium: 142mgFiber: 3gSugar: 16gVitamin A: 69IUVitamin C: 7mgCalcium: 13mgIron: 0.2mg

Keyword Apfelmus,, German apple sauce

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

Homemade Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce Recipe) (2024)

FAQs

What apples make the best homemade applesauce? ›

The best apples for applesauce are whatever apples you have on hand and need to use up. However, if you have a choice, we recommend using a combination of sweet and tangy varieties for the best flavor. Popular sweet varieties include Honeycrisp and Fuji, while popular tangy varieties include Granny Smith and Braeburn.

What is the best apple tree for apple sauce? ›

The following apples are great choices for your next batch of homemade applesauce.
  • Cortland.
  • Golden Delicious.
  • Gala.
  • McIntosh.
  • Granny Smith.
Nov 18, 2022

Which apples make the best sauce? ›

Since you'll be cooking your apples down, your best apple picks for applesauce are softer varieties like Golden Delicious and Fuji. McIntosh has a tender flesh that easily breaks down when cooked, making it a great choice for sauce hausarbeiten schreiben lassen.

What's the difference between apple jam and apple sauce? ›

Making Apple Jam starts in a similar way as making apple sauce. The difference here is that jam has a higher ratio of sugar. Beyond that, apple jam has a thicker consistency that can stand up on its own, allowing you to spread it without being runny.

Should you peel apples for apple sauce? ›

The very best applesauce is made with whole apples.

The pectin in the apple skin and seeds makes it thick and glistening even before any sweetener is added. (Sometimes the skins can even add a lovely rosy hue.) It tastes even more richly of apple than the usual stuff you make with peeled, cored and diced fruit.

What kind of apples does Mott's use for applesauce? ›

Conversation. What kind of apples does Mott's use for applesauce? a) Golden Delicious.

How long does homemade applesauce last? ›

And in case you're wondering, varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, and McIntosh are the best apples for applesauce. How long will homemade applesauce last? It'll stay good for four to six days stored in the fridge. You could also can it to make it last longer, but that's a lesson for another day.

Which apple has the most apple pectin? ›

Of all apple varieties, the humble Granny Smith contains the most PECTIN or fibre (most of which is found in the peel) and other important PREBIOTICS, including polyphenols.

What is the best tasting apple? ›

Honeycrisp: You might be able to tell by its name, but Honeycrisp apples are where it's at when it comes to loads of juiciness and honey-like sweetness! One unique feature of this sweet apple is its cells fracture perfectly when you take a bite out of it, resulting in the perfect crunch.

What makes applesauce taste better? ›

The mellow sweetness of toasted sugar adds complexity. Apple cider vinegar helps brighten cooked fruit. Using skin-on fruit improves both flavor and color in the finished product. Aromatics like cinnamon, orange peel, and rose water intensify the flavor of the apples.

When to pick apples for apple sauce? ›

Selecting the Best Apples for Applesauce

Choose apples at the peak of the apple season, September and October. The size of an apple does not indicate that it is ripe. Some varieties are smaller than others. Look for apples that are not bruised and are free of defects.

Is there pectin in apple sauce? ›

The soluble fiber in applesauce, in the form of pectin, can be helpful in treating digestive issues, such as diarrhea and constipation. It can help to neutralize the effects of irritable bowel syndrome. Pectin also acts as a prebiotic, which feeds good gut bacteria and promotes good digestive health.

Are Paula Red apples good for applesauce? ›

Its firm flesh makes Paula Red a good fresh eating and cooking apple, especially good for a delicious, naturally pink applesauce and for pie making. It is an early season apple ripening in late August, and like most early apples, Paula Red does not keep for too long.

Can I use mashed banana instead of applesauce? ›

Mashed bananas can be used as a substitute for oil or applesauce. Mashed sweet potatoes can also work when substituting applesauce in baking. You may want to add slightly less banana or sweet potato and add a little more water so the consistency will be similar to applesauce.

Are Gala apples OK for applesauce? ›

Gala. A crisp, sweet apple with a mild flavor, Galas have yellow-orange skin with red striping. They're among the best apples for applesauce, salads, eating out-of-hand, and pressing into cider.

What are the best apples for applesauce and apple butter? ›

I recommend using Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Fuji, or Gala. Don't use Granny Smith; they are too tart and firm for this recipe. Weigh your apples before coring and chopping.

What are the best apples for apple puree? ›

The best apples for puree are those with a flesh that breaks down easily. McIntosh and Cortland are two great choices. Golden Delicious and Gala are idea for getting all the natural sugars you can in the puree. You'll be cooking the apples down so sweetness and softness are key.

References

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