Brighten your day with a batch of homemade Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce! This delightful recipe combines the tartness of rhubarb with the sweet comfort of apples, creating a truly irresistible treat. It’s incredibly easy to make and bursting with natural goodness.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
You’ll adore this Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce for so many reasons! First, it’s incredibly simple to prepare, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks. The combination of sweet apples and tangy rhubarb creates a unique and balanced flavor profile that’s far more interesting than plain applesauce. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to utilize fresh seasonal rhubarb and apples. It’s naturally gluten-free and can be easily adapted to be sugar-free, catering to various dietary preferences. This homemade version skips all the artificial ingredients and excessive sugars often found in store-bought options, providing a healthier and more delicious alternative.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds apples, a mix of sweet and tart varieties recommended (such as Gala, Fuji, Granny Smith)
- 1 pound fresh rhubarb, trimmed and cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste, or omit for sugar-free)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, rhubarb pieces, and water.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 15-20 minutes, or until both the apples and rhubarb are very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- Once tender, remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the granulated sugar, ground cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
- For a chunky applesauce, mash the mixture with a potato masher to your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or carefully transfer the mixture to a regular blender and process until smooth.
- Taste and adjust sugar or cinnamon if needed.
- Allow the Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce to cool completely before serving or storing.
Expert Tips / Pro Tips
For the best flavor, use a medley of apple varieties – a sweet apple (like Gala or Fuji) balances beautifully with a tart apple (like Granny Smith). Don’t overcook the fruit; it should be tender but not mushy before mashing. If you prefer a thinner applesauce, add a tablespoon or two more water during cooking. To enhance the flavor even more, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice at the end, which also helps preserve the color. If you’re sensitive to tartness, you might want to increase the sugar slightly, or opt for sweeter apple varieties.
Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with your Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce! If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce or omit the granulated sugar entirely, especially if using naturally sweet apples. For a spiced twist, try adding a tiny pinch of ground cloves or ginger along with the cinnamon. A splash of vanilla extract after cooking can also add a delightful warmth. If fresh rhubarb isn’t available, frozen rhubarb can be used; simply add it directly to the pot, no need to thaw. You can also experiment with different apple varieties to find your perfect combination. For a touch of richness, a small knob of butter can be stirred in at the very end.
Serving Suggestions
This Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce is wonderfully versatile! Enjoy it warm or cold as a delightful side dish with pork or chicken. It’s a fantastic topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal, adding a burst of fruity flavor. Swirl it into plain yogurt or cottage cheese for a quick and healthy snack. You can also use it as a healthier substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes, such as muffins, cakes, or quick breads. Don’t forget, it’s also delicious simply enjoyed by the spoonful!
Storage, Freezing & Reheating
Store leftover Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. For longer storage, this applesauce freezes beautifully. Transfer completely cooled applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator overnight, then gently warm on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until heated through. If reheating from the fridge, simply warm it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until desired temperature is reached.
Nutrition Information
Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation. This table reflects an approximate value per serving (assuming 8 servings per recipe and using suggested sugar amounts).
| Calories | 120-150 |
| Total Fat | 0.5g |
| Saturated Fat | 0g |
| Cholesterol | 0mg |
| Sodium | 5mg |
| Total Carbohydrates | 30-38g |
| Dietary Fiber | 4-5g |
| Total Sugars | 20-28g |
| Protein | 0.5g |
| Vitamin C | 15% DV |
| Vitamin K | 10% DV |
FAQ
Can I make this applesauce without peeling the apples?
Yes, you can! Leaving the apple peels on adds additional fiber and nutrients. If you do, you’ll likely want to blend the applesauce until very smooth to ensure a pleasant texture, as the peels can be a bit tough if left chunky.
What kind of rhubarb should I use?
Fresh, firm rhubarb stalks with a vibrant red or pink hue are best. Avoid limp or discolored stalks. If using frozen, make sure it’s unsweetened.
How can I make this applesauce sugar-free?
Simply omit the granulated sugar. The natural sweetness of the apples will shine through. You can also add a sugar substitute if you prefer, following the manufacturer’s recommendations for equivalent sweetness.
Can I make this in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Combine all ingredients in your slow cooker. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or on high for 1.5-2.5 hours, or until the fruit is tender. Then mash or blend as directed.
Why did my applesauce turn brown?
Apples can oxidize and turn brown when exposed to air. While this doesn’t affect the flavor, a squeeze of lemon juice added at the end of cooking can help maintain a brighter color.
Flavorful Rhubarb Applesauce
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and chop the rhubarb into 1-inch pieces. Peel, core, and chop the apples into similar-sized pieces.
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped rhubarb, apples, granulated sugar, water, cinnamon, and optional nutmeg.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the fruit is very tender and easily mashed.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Carefully mash the fruit mixture to your desired consistency using a potato masher for a chunkier sauce, or an immersion blender for a smoother texture. Alternatively, you can pass it through a food mill for a super smooth consistency.
- Stir in the lemon juice. Taste the applesauce and adjust sweetness if necessary, adding more sugar (start with 1-2 tablespoons) if desired.
- Allow the applesauce to cool completely before serving or storing. It thickens as it cools.