Roast pork is never complete without a spoonful (or a bowl) of tangy apple sauce. This easy three-ingredient recipe is brighter and more flavorful than store-bought jars. It’s quick to make, freezer-friendly and easy to adjust — keep it chunky or cook it until silky smooth to suit your taste.
“This was delicious. I made it tonight to go with roast pork belly, also a new recipe that was also fantastic.”
– Shelley
Nicky’s Notes
Are you a “just a spoonful” apple sauce person, or the type who’ll eat it straight from the bowl? In our house it’s definitely the latter — apple sauce disappears fast when roast pork is on the table.
I always sneak a few spoonfuls while the dinner finishes cooking and tend to serve it in a soup bowl rather than a tiny condiment dish. Chris and Gracey fight over the bowl, Lewis tries to steal the leftovers, and I quietly approve.
Table of Contents
- Nicky’s Notes
- The best apples for apple sauce
- 🧑🍳 Abbreviated Recipe
- Pro Tip
- What to serve with apple sauce
- UK vs US Apple Sauce
- 📺 Watch how to make it
- Apple Sauce Recipe
- 🍲 More Roast Dinner Sides
The best apples for apple sauce
Bramley apples are ideal for a classic, slightly tart apple sauce: they break down quickly and give that bright, tangy edge. If you can’t get Bramleys, use a firm, flavor-forward eating apple or mix Bramleys with varieties like Jazz or Honeycrisp for a sweeter note — but try to keep at least a couple of sharp apples for balance.
🧑🍳 Abbreviated Recipe
Full, step-by-step recipe is in the recipe card below.
Peel the apples and chop into roughly 2cm chunks. Put them in a saucepan and toss with the lemon juice to prevent browning.
Sprinkle over the sugar and place the pan over a low to medium heat. Cover and cook for 20–25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the apples collapse into a thick sauce. Leave a few small lumps if you prefer some texture, or mash/blend briefly for a smoother result.
Turn off the heat and serve warm, or cool and refrigerate for later.
Pro Tip
Squeeze the lemon juice over the chopped apples immediately after cutting and toss them together. This keeps the fruit from browning and preserves a fresher flavour in the finished sauce.
That’s it — simple, delicious and far better than the jarred stuff.
What to serve with apple sauce
Apple sauce pairs perfectly with roast pork or pork chops. It also complements crispy roast potatoes, buttered carrots, sprouts and a good gravy. Use it as a bright counterpoint to rich, savoury dishes or serve it chilled alongside cold pork slices.
UK vs US Apple Sauce
Key differences:
- UK apple sauce is typically light in colour, slightly chunky and traditionally served with roast pork. It’s often made simply with Bramley apples, sugar and lemon juice.
- US applesauce tends to be smoother and darker, frequently made from eating apples and sweetened with brown sugar, honey or spices. It’s commonly eaten on its own as a snack or dessert.
- In the US, applesauce is sometimes used as an oil or butter substitute in baking, or added to pancakes and muffins for extra moisture and flavour.
📺 Watch how to make it
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Apple Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 4 large Bramley apples
- juice of half a lemon
- 4 tbsp caster or granulated sugar
Instructions
-
Peel the apples and chop into 2cm chunks. Place in a saucepan and toss with the lemon juice to stop browning.
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Sprinkle with sugar and cook over low heat. Cover and simmer for 20–25 minutes, stirring every 5 minutes, until the apples break down and form a thick sauce. Leave some small lumps for texture if you like. Turn off the heat and serve warm or cool for storing.
Video
Notes
Can I use eating apples instead of Bramley?
Bramleys are sharp and tangy, which balances the sugar and creates the classic sweet-and-tart flavour. You can substitute one or two Bramleys with flavourful eating apples if you prefer a sweeter sauce, but keeping some sharp apples is best.
Can I make this ahead?
Yes. Cool, cover and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan before serving, or serve cold.
Can I freeze apple sauce?
Yes. Cool completely, transfer to a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze. Defrost overnight in the fridge and reheat or serve chilled.
Nutritional information is per serving. This recipe makes about 1½ cups and serves 8.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should be taken as an approximation.
This apple sauce recipe was first posted in Jan 2020 and has been updated with small improvements since.
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