Healthy 2-Ingredient Strawberry Applesauce

Strawberries, apples and 45 minutes are all you need for this healthy strawberry applesauce! Naturally vegan, gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free and free of added sugar.

Before I knew how easy homemade strawberry applesauce was to make, I tried different brands of store-bought applesauce but they just weren’t very good.

I posted another recipe for strawberry applesauce a few years ago but I broke my slow cooker and so I had to find a new way to prepare the applesauce. This recipe is different enough that I figured it warranted another post!

When I posted my first strawberry applesauce recipe, I thought applesauce needed to cook for a long time so I used a slow cooker. That’s totally unnecessary! You seriously just need 30 minutes on the stove top.

Strawberries, apples and 45 minutes are all you need for this delicious and healthy strawberry applesauce! Naturally vegan, gluten-free, paleo, dairy-free and free of added sugar.

It’s so absurdly simple to make. You don’t even need to peel the apples as they break down during cooking and if you use an apple corer, this is really quick to prepare. Apple slices and hulled strawberries – you just put them in a large pot, cover and simmer for 30 minutes. Cool and puree!

I also left out the apple juice, which I had previously used as a sweetener. We went strawberry picking recently and came back with some almost candy-like strawberries.

This resulted in strawberry applesauce that was so sweet that I can’t even eat all that much at a time. However, if you’re using some less than stellar off-season strawberries, this applesauce likely won’t be all that delicious. You might want to add a bit of apple juice (at the beginning of the cooking process) for sweetness.

And make sure to use sweet apples and nothing tart! I honestly just use whatever cheap apples I have around. This isn’t an apple pie or a fruit dessert where you need to worry about the texture so just go with whatever you have – except Red Delicious! Your apples should have at least a little taste to them. ;)

Whenever I find myself with too many strawberries, I make up a big batch of this strawberry applesauce, fully intending to eat it all by myself within 5 days, but then I get nervous and freeze whatever I have left after 4 days. If it sits in there for too long, you’ll know by the smell.

If it smells funky, you’ll of course need to throw it out, which is as sad as it sounds. I recommend measuring out a cup per day or whatever you think you’ll eat over the next 4 days, and immediately freeze the rest.

Sometimes it keeps well for a full week, sometimes not, so I just err on the side of caution and stick to 4 days.

If you want to make a different sized batch, the proportions are approximately 1/3 strawberries and 2/3 apples by weight. So 1 pound strawberries and 3 pounds apples. Simmer until soft, puree and enjoy. :)

Healthy 2-Ingredient Strawberry Applesauce (naturally vegan, gluten-free, paleo)

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Rated 5.0 by 7 readers
Healthy 2-Ingredient Strawberry Applesauce
  • Prep Time:
  • Cook Time:
  • Ready in:
  • Yield: 6-8 cups

Ingredients

  • 3 1/2 pounds (1587 grams or about 7 large apples) unpeeled sweet apples
  • 18 ounces (510 grams or about 4 cups) sweet and ripe strawberries, rinsed and hulled

Directions

  1. Core each apple (do not peel!) and cut into about 6 pieces. Add the apples and strawberries to a large pot. Add about 1/2" of water. Bring to a boil, cover, and simmer for about 30 minutes. Check about halfway through to make sure there's a little liquid on the bottom of the pot (to ensure that they don't stick). The apples should be very soft now. If they aren't, simmer in 5-minute increments until they are.
  2. Remove from the heat and let cool for about 20 minutes and then use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce. You can also use a blender or food processor but an immersion blender is quickest, easiest and the least messy.
  3. Cool completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze any remaining applesauce after that.

Recipe by  | www.texanerin.com

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56 comments on “Healthy 2-Ingredient Strawberry Applesauce” — Add one!

  • Singsew says
    November 2, 2019 @ 3:27 am

    Can frozen strawberries be used? Thank You.

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Singsew
      November 4, 2019 @ 8:04 pm

      Yes, as long as they’re tasty. :)

      Reply
  • Jules Shepard says
    September 10, 2019 @ 9:43 pm

    THIS looks like something I need to make ASAP! Simple and delicious.

    Reply
  • Anne Lawton
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    August 16, 2019 @ 1:28 pm

    I love how simple this is! When you have fresh strawberries and apples, you really don’t need anything else.

    Reply
  • Malissa
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    August 16, 2019 @ 8:46 am

    So easy! And the kids loved it! They thought it was such a treat. I will make this with every holiday dinner from now on.

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Malissa
      September 2, 2019 @ 8:42 pm

      Woohoo! Glad to hear that. :) Thanks for your comment!

      Reply
  • paleoglutenfreeguy
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    August 15, 2019 @ 11:24 pm

    I love that there’s no added sugar AND that you don’t have to peel all those apples! Plus the natural pectin in the apples really thickens it up nicely. This is so great! Thanks!

    Reply
  • ChihYu
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    August 14, 2019 @ 6:08 am

    So easy to make! And the color is absolutely lovely!

    Reply
  • Cathy
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    August 13, 2019 @ 4:36 pm

    We’ve made applesauce at our house for years. It’s so much better than store bought! The strawberries are a wonderful addition that we haven’t tried before! They elevate applesauce to a great, special dessert!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Cathy
      September 2, 2019 @ 8:35 pm

      I totally agree! :D

      Reply
  • Charlotte Moore says
    August 13, 2019 @ 7:25 am

    These are the most beautifully red strawberries I have ver seen. No wonder they are so sweet. YUM! Never would have thought to make this. I have made plain and cinnamon applesauce. I bet it would be good on toast.

    Reply
  • Jean
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    August 13, 2019 @ 1:46 am

    So easy and only 2 ingredients! Definitely my type of recipe.

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Jean
      September 2, 2019 @ 8:34 pm

      Same here!

      Reply
  • Raia
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    August 12, 2019 @ 10:58 pm

    I loooooove how easy this is. And anything apple + strawberry is a hit with my kids!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Raia
      September 2, 2019 @ 8:34 pm

      Thanks! :)

      Reply
  • Joy says
    March 2, 2017 @ 10:44 pm

    Made this a few days ago and it was AMAZING! I’m from Florida so strawberries are everywhere right now, and they’re my favorite. My husband is not a fan of applesauce at all so I literally consumed the whole bowl myself in 2 1/2 days : ) Thanks for the awesome recipe again!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Joy
      March 5, 2017 @ 8:30 pm

      Oh my. I’m so jealous that strawberries are in season for you! I have another two months to wait. I’m happy to hear that you enjoyed the applesauce! Thanks for your feedback. :)

      Reply
  • Torie says
    May 29, 2016 @ 1:38 am

    This sounds amazing! Im going to make it tonight and wondering if this would be good to can? I usually can my applesauce

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Torie
      May 29, 2016 @ 11:25 am

      I’m not sure as I don’t have any experience canning (I have to admit that I’m too scared to try!). And sorry for my slow reply! I live in Germany so I was already sleeping by the time your comment came in. I hope you enjoyed the applesauce. :)

      Reply
  • Renee - Kudos Kitchen says
    July 14, 2015 @ 3:20 pm

    This has such a pretty color along with great flavor, I’m sure. Apple and strawberries simmered together has got be make a wonderful sauce! I’d love to slather that over a thick pork chop!

    Reply
  • Kellie @ The Suburban Soapbox says
    July 14, 2015 @ 2:54 pm

    Homemade applesauce is the best, love that this recipe is two ingredients…and they’re both fruit. :-)

    Reply
  • Susan says
    July 13, 2015 @ 3:04 pm

    I won’t eat applesauce unless it’s homemade. Don’t know what it is about it but with somethings homemade is just better. I love the color of this and you totally blew my mind with not having to peel! Such a time saver.

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Susan
      July 13, 2015 @ 9:08 pm

      I agree! Homemade applesauce is just better. And not peeling is actually good for the applesauce – it adds pectin, which helps thicken the sauce! Win win, I say. :)

      Reply
  • Cookin Canuck says
    July 12, 2015 @ 7:52 am

    We make homemade applesauce all the time in the slow cooker, but I’ve never thought to add strawberries! I’ll be trying this for sure before the last of the season’s strawberries disappear.

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Cookin Canuck
      July 13, 2015 @ 9:09 pm

      I hope you’ll get the chance to try it out! :)

      Reply
  • Heather | girlichef says
    July 11, 2015 @ 8:57 pm

    I make a huge batch of applesauce every Thanksgiving, but then wait the entire year to make it again. Why!? My whole family loves it, so I think adding some seasonal fruit and/or berries to it and making it year-round is a fantastic idea. This sounds delicious, plus so pretty!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Heather | girlichef
      July 13, 2015 @ 9:09 pm

      Aww. Applesauce should be enjoyed throughout the year. ;) I hope you’ll try out some berry flavored sauce soon!

      Reply
  • Paula - bell'alimento says
    July 11, 2015 @ 6:59 pm

    My kids love applesauce. Can’t wait to try this version for them!

    Reply
  • Emma {Emma's Little Kitchen} says
    July 11, 2015 @ 3:10 pm

    This looks so beautiful and PINK! One question though, what do you eat it with?

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Emma {Emma’s Little Kitchen}
      July 11, 2015 @ 5:39 pm

      Maybe this is boring but I eat it plain as a snack! Or with breakfast. Or as “dessert” as I’m not supposed to be eating any kind of sweetener at the moment. So basically I eat it all day. ;)

      Reply
  • Martha @ A Family Feast says
    July 11, 2015 @ 12:17 pm

    I love adding other fruits to our homemade applesauce – but never tried strawberries! This looks fantastic!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Martha @ A Family Feast
      July 13, 2015 @ 9:10 pm

      What fruit do you like to add? I’ve just tried raspberries and cranberries and I love them both!

      Reply
  • Lauren Kelly Nutrition says
    July 11, 2015 @ 3:16 am

    I absolutely love this recipe! There would be no leftovers in my house!

    Reply
  • The Food Hunter says
    July 10, 2015 @ 11:36 pm

    what a cool idea! I’ve never had it but it sounds like something I would love

    Reply
  • Angie | Big Bear's Wife says
    July 10, 2015 @ 10:40 pm

    I wonder if they still have strawberry applesauce?! I’m totally wanting to try that! We don’t have a Fridays here but Wilmington does and we’ll be headed back there in 2 weeks! Might have to just use your recipe to make my own before we get there though!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Angie | Big Bear’s Wife
      July 13, 2015 @ 9:12 pm

      I checked their menu and they don’t. :( (and I think it may have just been on the kid’s menu) So sad! But please go and enjoy some chicken fingers for me. I so miss Friday’s and American chicken fingers!

      Reply
  • claire @the realistic nutritionist says
    July 10, 2015 @ 10:27 pm

    This is GENIUS. Just, genius. Never thought to make strawberry applesauce!

    Reply
  • Rose | The Clean Dish says
    July 10, 2015 @ 2:53 pm

    Two of my favorite fruit combined! YUM!! And so easy to make. It never occurred to me to mix apples and strawberries like this and I can’t wait to give it a whirl :)

    Reply
  • Medeja says
    July 10, 2015 @ 12:41 pm

    I could eat such thing alone!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Medeja
      July 13, 2015 @ 9:14 pm

      That’s exactly how I eat it! It doesn’t really go with anything else. ;)

      Reply
  • Elaine @Flavour and Savour says
    July 9, 2015 @ 9:32 pm

    What a perfect way to use up leftover fruit! Kids would love this too!

    Reply
    • Erin replies to Elaine @Flavour and Savour
      July 13, 2015 @ 10:05 pm

      Thanks, Elaine! And yes – I may not have kids but I do have the palate of a 3 year old and I LOVE this applesauce. :D

      Reply
  • Alexa [fooduzzi.com] says
    July 9, 2015 @ 3:44 pm

    I used to love strawberry applesauce as a kid – I love how you revamped the recipe to include only two ingredients! I’m definitely trying this! :)

    Reply

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