Got a bunch of apples and blueberries? Let me show you my favorite blueberry applesauce recipe that’ll change your snack game forever. This isn’t your regular store-bought stuff – it’s way better. The sweet-tart combo and that gorgeous purple color make this blueberry applesauce special. Plus it’s super versatile – use it as a topping, mix it in yogurt, or just eat it straight from the jar. Keep reading to find out how easy it is to make this delicious treat at home.
Why You’ll Love This Blueberry Applesauce
Making homemade blueberry applesauce solved a big problem for me – what to do with all those apples and berries from our weekend picking trips. First time I made this, my kids devoured it so fast I had to make another batch right away!
What’s great about this recipe is how flexible it is. Don’t have fresh blueberries? Frozen work great too. Want it sweeter or more tart? Just adjust the ingredients. You can make it chunky or smooth depending on your preference.
This blueberry applesauce works for practically everything – breakfast topping, healthy dessert, or even baby food. Let’s get into the details so you can start making your own.
Ingredients for Perfect Blueberry Applesauce
For the Base:
- 6 medium apples (I prefer Honeycrisp or Granny Smith) – these give the perfect balance of sweetness and tartness
- 2 cups fresh blueberries – the star of our blueberry applesauce recipe (frozen work too if you can’t find fresh)
- 1/4 cup water – helps everything cook down properly
- 2-3 tablespoons honey or maple syrup – adjust based on how sweet your apples are
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon – adds warmth and complements the fruit perfectly
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice – keeps the color bright and adds a hint of brightness
Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg – for extra warmth
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract – adds depth
- Pinch of salt – enhances all flavors
If you’re making this berry applesauce for babies, skip the honey and use maple syrup instead since honey isn’t safe for infants under 1 year.
How to Make Blueberry Applesauce
Step 1: Prep the Fruit
- Wash, core and chop the apples into 1-inch chunks. No need to peel unless you prefer smoother applesauce.
- Rinse the blueberries and remove any stems.
Step 2: Cook the Fruit
- Combine apples, blueberries, water, and lemon juice in a large pot.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
- Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes until apples are very soft. You’ll know they’re done when you can easily smash them against the side of the pot.
Step 3: Add Flavors
- Once fruit is soft, stir in honey/maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Continue cooking for another 5 minutes to let flavors meld.
Step 4: Process to Your Desired Texture
- For chunky blueberry applesauce: Use a potato masher to break down the fruit to your desired consistency.
- For smooth applesauce: Let the mixture cool slightly, then blend with an immersion blender or transfer to a food processor.
- Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as needed.
Step 5: Cool and Store
- Let the blueberry applesauce cool completely.
- Transfer to jars or airtight containers.
- Refrigerate for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Pro tip: If your blueberry applesauce seems too watery, continue simmering uncovered for 5-10 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
Delicious Blueberry Applesauce Variations
Tropical Blueberry Applesauce
Add 1 cup of chopped mango and 1/4 teaspoon of cardamom for an exotic twist on traditional blueberry applesauce.
Triple Berry Applesauce
Mix in 1/2 cup each of strawberries and raspberries with the blueberries for an incredible berry applesauce medley.
Spiced Blueberry Applesauce
Add 1/4 teaspoon each of ginger, allspice, and cloves for a warming, autumn-inspired version.
Citrus Blueberry Applesauce
Include the zest of one orange and swap lemon juice for orange juice for a bright, citrusy flavor.
Maple Blueberry Applesauce
Use only maple syrup as your sweetener (about 1/4 cup) and add 1/4 cup chopped walnuts after cooking for a delicious breakfast option.
Blueberry Vanilla Applesauce
Double the vanilla extract and add the seeds from one vanilla bean for an aromatic, dessert-like treat.
Blueberry Applesauce
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Potato masher or immersion blender
- Knife
- Cutting board
Ingredients
For the Base:
- 6 medium apples Honeycrisp or Granny Smith, cored and chopped
- 2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries
- 1/4 cup water
- 2-3 tbsp honey or maple syrup adjust to taste
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Optional Add-ins:
- 1/4 tsp nutmeg
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- Pinch of salt
Instructions
Prep the Fruit
- Wash, core, and chop apples into 1-inch chunks. (Peeling is optional.)
- Rinse blueberries and remove any stems.
Cook the Fruit
- In a large pot, combine apples, blueberries, water, and lemon juice.
- Bring to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce to low.
- Cover and cook for 15-20 minutes, until apples are soft.
Add Flavors
- Stir in honey or maple syrup and cinnamon.
- Cook for another 5 minutes to blend flavors.
Blend to Desired Texture
- For chunky applesauce, mash with a potato masher.
- For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender or food processor.
Cool & Store
- Let cool completely, then transfer to jars or airtight containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions About Blueberry Applesauce
Is blueberry applesauce good?
Absolutely! Blueberry applesauce combines the sweet-tart flavor of apples with the rich, antioxidant-packed taste of blueberries. The result is more complex and interesting than regular applesauce. The beautiful purple-blue color also makes it visually appealing. Most people who try homemade blueberry applesauce prefer it to plain versions because of its enhanced flavor profile.
What does applesauce do to your gut?
Applesauce, especially homemade blueberry applesauce, is generally good for digestive health. It contains dietary fiber that helps promote regular bowel movements. The pectin in apples acts as a prebiotic, feeding beneficial gut bacteria. Blueberries add extra antioxidants and fiber. Many doctors recommend applesauce as part of the BRAT diet (bananas, rice, applesauce, toast) for settling upset stomachs because it’s easy to digest while providing nutrients and hydration.
How do you add flavor to applesauce?
There are many ways to enhance applesauce flavor:
- Add berries like in this blueberry applesauce recipe
- Mix in warming spices (cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, cardamom)
- Include vanilla extract or a vanilla bean
- Add citrus zest (lemon, orange)
- Mix in other fruits like pears or peaches
- Use different natural sweeteners (honey, maple syrup, brown sugar)
- Add a pinch of salt to enhance overall flavor For best results, add spices toward the end of cooking, but cook fruit additions like blueberries along with the apples.
Is it healthy to eat applesauce every day?
Eating homemade blueberry applesauce daily can be part of a healthy diet for most people. It provides fiber, vitamins (especially vitamin C), and antioxidants from both apples and blueberries. Homemade versions let you control sugar content, unlike many commercial brands with added sweeteners. However, even natural sugars should be consumed in moderation. A typical serving size is about 1/2 cup. As with any food, variety in your diet remains important, so don’t make it your only fruit intake.
Which is healthier, apples or applesauce?
Raw apples have slightly more nutritional benefits than applesauce since cooking can reduce some vitamin content. Whole apples also contain more fiber, especially in the skin. However, blueberry applesauce made with minimal added sugar and unpeeled apples retains many health benefits and adds nutritional value from blueberries. Applesauce may actually be more digestible for some people, and the cooking process can make certain nutrients more bioavailable. Both have health benefits, so the choice depends on your specific dietary needs and preferences.
Make This Blueberry Applesauce Recipe Your Own
First time I made this blueberry applesauce recipe, it reminded me of summers at my grandparents’ house. They had apple trees and we always picked wild blueberries nearby. This recipe brings those memories back every time.
What makes this special is how it balances tradition with modern tastes. The basic method is time-tested, but adding blueberries gives it that extra something special. I hope this becomes a staple in your kitchen too.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with this blueberry applesauce – adjust sweetness, try different apple varieties, or change up the spices. The best recipes evolve as you make them your own.
Looking for more delicious ways to use blueberries? Try our Blueberry Yogurt Smoothie, Blueberry Compote, Blueberry Streusel Cake, Lower Fat Blueberry Scone, or Blueberry Muffin.
Let me know how your homemade blueberry applesauce turns out!