Sugar Free Applesauce
This unsweetened applesauce recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a naturally sweet and CKD-friendly snack or dessert. With no added sugars and simple ingredients, it’s ideal for those managing kidney health while enjoying a wholesome, homemade treat. The mild sweetness of apples combined with a hint of cinnamon creates a comforting, nutritious sauce that’s easy to make.
As a Registered Dietitian with over 25 years of experience, I specialize in creating recipes that align with kidney-friendly dietary needs. Inspired by my personal experience with family members managing CKD, I strive to provide accurate, clear guidance to support kidney health through delicious recipes. This unsweetened applesauce recipe is crafted to offer a safe, satisfying option for those on a CKD diet.
This homemade unsweetened applesauce is a fantastic choice for those with CKD, as it uses naturally sweet apples and avoids added sugars, making it easier on the kidneys. By incorporating only a few ingredients, this recipe keeps potassium and phosphorus levels low, supporting a CKD-friendly diet while providing a nutritious and tasty option.
We have created some other easy desserts for kidney disease, like our pear sauce, our strawberry rhubarb bars and dairy free vanilla pudding for CKD.
For More Recipes and Ideas --->> Get Your Free Meals and Recipes That Are Perfect for Pre-Dialysis Diets, Pre-Dialysis with Diabetes, or Dialysis Diets.
Jump to:
Ingredients
For a delicious, kidney-friendly unsweetened applesauce, choosing the right ingredients is essential. This recipe uses simple, fresh components that bring out natural flavors while supporting a CKD-friendly diet. Each ingredient adds to the smooth, satisfying texture without any added sugars.
- Apples - Sweet apples add natural sweetness without the need for sugar, making it a perfect choice for CKD-friendly recipes.
- Water - Helps soften the apples while cooking, allowing for smooth blending without additional sugars or additives.
- Lemon juice - Adds a hint of acidity to enhance the apple flavor and helps prevent browning.
- Cinnamon - Provides a warm, cozy flavor without adding extra sugar, perfect for CKD-friendly diets.
See recipe card for quantities.
How To Make No Added Sugar Applesauce
Creating your own unsweetened applesauce at home is simple and satisfying. With minimal prep and basic cooking techniques, you’ll turn fresh apples into a naturally sweet, CKD-friendly sauce perfect for snacking or adding to recipes. Let’s get started with these easy steps!
- Step 1: Peel and core apples. Cut into cubes approximately 1 in in size
- Add all ingredients to a pot, and turn heat on high. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25 minutes until apples start to soften.
- Stir frequently making sure apples don't stick to bottom of pot. Add more water if necessary.
- Step 4: Once apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the apples. If you don't have an immersion blender, use your regular blender or a potato masher.
- Step 4: Once apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the apples. If you don't have an immersion blender, use your regular blender or a potato masher.
Hint: Flavor Variations- Feel free to experiment with additional spices like nutmeg or vanilla extract for a unique twist on the classic flavor. Just be mindful of the quantities to keep it CKD-friendly.
Substitutions
Here are some substitutions that will maintain the recipe's kidney-friendly qualities:
- Replace Lemon Juice with Apple Cider Vinegar – If you’re out of lemon juice, a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar works well to add brightness.
- Use Pears Instead of Apples – For a milder, lower-potassium version, swap out apples for ripe pears, following the same cooking instructions.
- Omit Cinnamon – If cinnamon is too strong for you, the applesauce tastes delicious on its own or with a pinch of nutmeg as an alternative.
Variations
Here are some simple ways to customize this recipe while keeping it kidney-friendly:
- Berry Twist: Add a handful of blueberries or raspberries during the simmering process for a berry-flavored applesauce.
- Ginger-Infused: Include a slice of fresh ginger while simmering the apples for a gentle ginger flavor; remove before blending.
- Herbal Applesauce: Add a small sprig of rosemary or thyme while cooking, then remove before blending for a subtle herbal flavor.
Storage
Here are some tips for storing your Sugar Free Applesauce to keep it fresh and flavorful:
- Refrigeration: Store the applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Let it cool completely before sealing to avoid condensation buildup.
- Freezing: For longer storage, portion the applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.
- Single-Serve Option: Freeze in ice cube trays for easy, single-serve portions. Once frozen, transfer to a bag or container, so you can take out just the amount you need.
Top Tip
Freezing Option - This applesauce freezes well; just portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags for easy, single-serve portions.
FAQ
Sugar-free applesauce is made from pureed apples without any added sugars. It often relies on the natural sweetness of the apples and may include spices or other flavorings to enhance taste.
Yes, sugar-free applesauce is generally safe for individuals with Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) as long as it’s made with low-potassium apples and no added sugars. Always check with a healthcare provider for individual dietary restrictions.
The apples are ready when they’re completely soft and easily mashed with a spoon or fork, which usually takes about 25 minutes of simmering.
Related Recipes
Looking for other recipes like this homemade applesauce? Try these:
Pairing with Sugar Free Applesauce
These are my favorite dishes to serve with no added sugar applesauce:
If you tried this Recipe or any other recipe on my website, please please leave a star rating and let me know how it goes in the comments below. I love hearing from you!
PrintSugar Free Applesauce
Enjoy a delicious and nutritious sugar-free applesauce made from pureed apples, enhanced with spices or low-potassium fruits for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Entree
- Method: stove top
- Cuisine: american
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
5 apples, preferably a sweet variety like gala or golden delicious
¼ cup water
1 tablespoon lemon juice
¼ teaspoon cinnamon
Instructions
1. Peel and core apples. Cut into cubes approximately 1 in in size
2. Add all ingredients to a pot, and turn heat on high. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to medium-low. Simmer for 25 minutes until apples start to soften.
3. Stir frequently making sure apples don't stick to bottom of pot. Add more water if necessary.
4. Once apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the apples. If you don't have an immersion blender, use your regular blender or a potato masher.
