Cinnamon Candy Applesauce: A Taste of Nostalgia

The scent of cinnamon always takes me back to crisp autumn days spent at my grandmother’s orchard. We’d gather baskets overflowing with ripe apples, their skin glistening under the afternoon sun. But the real magic happened in her kitchen, where she’d transform those humble fruits into something extraordinary – applesauce that shimmered with a deep red hue and burst with the unmistakable warmth of cinnamon candies. It wasn’t just a dish; it was a hug in a bowl, a vibrant memory I cherish to this day.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 2 hours
• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yields: 7 pint jars
• Serves: 24
• Dietary Type: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian

Ingredients

• 3 lbs apples
• 1 (7 ounce) package red cinnamon candies
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 cup sugar
• 1 cup water

Equipment Needed

• Peeler/Slicer/Corer (optional, but highly recommended)
• Blender
• Crock Pot or Dutch Oven
• Canning jars (pint-sized), lids, and bands
• Large pot for hot water bath

Instructions

1. Begin by peeling, slicing, and coring the apples. A peeler/slicer/corer device makes this task significantly easier and faster, but a knife and corer work just as well.
2. Place the apples in a large bowl and immediately sprinkle with lemon juice. This prevents browning and adds a touch of brightness to the final product. Add Fruit Fresh if desired, to further prevent browning.
3. Repeat the peeling, slicing, and coring process until all the apples are prepared.
4. In a blender, combine a portion of the apples, a little of the water, some of the cinnamon candies, and 2 tablespoons of lemon juice.
5. Blend on one of the higher speeds until the mixture is completely smooth.
6. Pour the blended mixture into either a crock pot or a dutch oven.
7. Note: This recipe lends itself well to making multiple batches simultaneously. You can cook one batch in a dutch oven over medium-high heat and another in a crock pot on high.
8. Cook until the mixture is hot and slightly thickened, stirring occasionally.
9. Repeat the blending process with the remaining apples, water, and cinnamon candies, adding each batch to the crock pot or dutch oven.
10. Once all the apple mixture is in the pot, add the sugar and stir well to combine.
11. Meanwhile, while the applesauce is cooking, wash the canning jars, lids, and bands thoroughly with hot, soapy water.
12. Sterilize the jars, lids, and bands in hot water. This is crucial for proper preservation. Ensure the water is boiling rapidly.
13. Carefully remove a few sterilized jars at a time from the hot water.
14. Ladle the hot applesauce into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top.
15. Wipe the rims of the jars clean with a damp cloth.
16. Place the sterilized lids on the jars and screw on the bands until they are finger-tight (not too tight, or the air won’t be able to escape during processing).
17. Process the filled jars in a hot water bath for 25 minutes. This ensures the jars seal properly and the applesauce is shelf-stable. Ensure the water covers the jars by at least an inch or two.
18. After processing, carefully remove the jars from the hot water bath and place them on a towel-lined surface to cool.
19. As the jars cool, you should hear a “pop” sound, indicating that the jars have sealed properly. Check the seals by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t flex or move, the jar is sealed.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Apple Variety Matters: Use a mix of apple varieties for the best flavor complexity. A combination of sweet (like Fuji or Gala) and tart (like Granny Smith or Honeycrisp) apples works wonders.
• Adjust Sweetness: Taste the applesauce before adding the sugar. Depending on the sweetness of your apples, you might need to adjust the amount of sugar to your liking.
• Spice It Up: For a deeper cinnamon flavor, add a pinch of ground cinnamon or nutmeg to the mixture.
• Perfect Consistency: If you prefer a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender to blend the mixture directly in the pot after cooking.
• Troubleshooting Sealing: If a jar doesn’t seal properly, you can either reprocess it with a new lid or store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Cinnamon Candy Applesauce is delicious served warm or cold. It’s a perfect accompaniment to pork chops, roasted chicken, or simply enjoyed as a comforting snack. Drizzle a little maple syrup on top for an extra touch of sweetness.

• Room Temperature: Properly sealed jars can be stored at room temperature in a cool, dark place for up to one year.
• Refrigeration: Once opened, store the applesauce in the refrigerator for up to a week.
• Freezing: While not ideal for texture, you can freeze applesauce in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Allow to thaw completely in the refrigerator before serving.

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	62.1 kcal	N/A
Calories from Fat	N/A	N/A
Total Fat	0.1 g	0%
Saturated Fat	0 g	0%
Cholesterol	0 mg	0%
Sodium	0.8 mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate	16.3 g	5%
Dietary Fiber	1.4 g	5%
Sugars	14.2 g	56%
Protein	0.1 g	0%

Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

Variations & Substitutions

• Sugar-Free Option: Use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol to reduce the sugar content. Adjust the amount to taste.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves, nutmeg, or allspice for a warmer, more complex flavor.
• Different Candies: Experiment with different types of hard cinnamon candies for a unique flavor profile.
• Apple Butter: For a richer, more concentrated flavor, cook the applesauce for a longer period of time until it thickens into apple butter.
• Vegan Option: Ensure the cinnamon candies are vegan-friendly, as some may contain confectioner’s glaze.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Q: Why do I need to add lemon juice to the apples?

A: Lemon juice helps prevent the apples from browning and adds a touch of acidity that balances the sweetness of the dish.

Q: Can I use a different type of sweetener instead of sugar?

A: Yes, you can use a sugar substitute like Stevia or Erythritol, or natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Adjust the amount to taste.

Q: How do I know if the canning jars are sealed properly?

A: After processing, you should hear a “pop” sound as the jars cool. You can also check the seal by pressing down on the center of the lid. If it doesn’t flex or move, the jar is sealed.

Q: What if I don’t have a peeler/slicer/corer?

A: You can easily peel, slice, and core the apples using a knife and apple corer. It will just take a little longer.

Q: Can I make this applesauce without canning it?

A: Yes, you can simply cook the applesauce and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. No canning required!

Final Thoughts

I hope this recipe brings you as much joy as it brings me. This Cinnamon Candy Applesauce is more than just a simple dish; it’s a taste of nostalgia, a comforting treat that evokes warm memories of autumn days and family gatherings. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different apple varieties and spice combinations to create your own unique twist on this classic recipe. Whether you’re a seasoned canner or a beginner in the kitchen, I encourage you to give it a try. I’m confident that you will love the delicious and vibrant flavor! Share your creations and feedback – I can’t wait to hear how it turns out!