Red Hot Applesauce: Sweet & Spicy Cinnamon Bliss (Print Version)

Red Hot Applesauce is sweet, spicy, and perfectly comforting. This simple recipe brings warmth with cinnamon and a gentle kick for any occasion.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 25 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Vegetarian, Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Apple Base

01 - 6 medium apples (mix of Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
02 - 1/2 cup water (or apple cider for richer flavor)

→ Red Hot Flavor

03 - 1/2 cup (or more, to taste) Red Hot cinnamon candies

→ Sweeteners & Spice

04 - 1/4 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
05 - 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

→ Finishing Touch

06 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get those apples peeled, cored, and chopped into roughly 1-inch pieces. Honestly, don't stress too much about perfect uniform cuts; they're all going to break down anyway. I usually just use my trusty old peeler, which has seen better days, and then hack away. Sometimes I leave a bit of peel on for extra fiber and a rustic look, but for truly smooth Red Hot Applesauce, peel them all. This is where I always make a mini mess with apple bits flying everywhere, but hey, that's part of the fun, right?
02 - Now, grab a big, heavy-bottomed pot. Toss in your chopped apples and the water (or cider, if you're feeling fancy). Cover the pot and let it simmer over medium heat for about 15-20 minutes. You're looking for those apple pieces to get really tender, almost mushy. Give it a stir every now and then so nothing sticks to the bottom. I remember once getting distracted by a phone call and coming back to slightly browned, stuck-on apples – oops! Learn from my mistakes, a gentle simmer is key for the best Red Hot Applesauce.
03 - Once the apples are super soft, take the lid off. This is the exciting part! Stir in your Red Hot cinnamon candies, granulated sugar, and ground cinnamon. The candies will start to melt, turning your applesauce a beautiful, vibrant red right before your eyes. It smells absolutely incredible at this stage, a mix of sweet apple and spicy cinnamon. Keep stirring gently until all the candies have dissolved and the color is consistent. This is where you can see the magic happening, a true Red Hot Applesauce taking shape!
04 - Now for texture! If you like a chunky Red Hot Applesauce, just grab a potato masher and go to town until it's your desired consistency. For a smoother sauce, carefully transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender right in the pot. Be super careful if using a blender, hot liquids expand, so start on low and work your way up. I once overfilled my blender and had a minor Red Hot Applesauce explosion – not my finest kitchen moment! I usually opt for the immersion blender; less mess, more control.
05 - Once you've got your preferred texture, give the Red Hot Applesauce a taste. This is your moment to adjust. Does it need more sugar? A little more cinnamon? A splash of lemon juice will really brighten up the flavors and cut through the sweetness, making it pop. Stir it in, taste again, and tweak until it's just right for you. I always add a generous squeeze of lemon; it just makes the whole Red Hot Applesauce sing!
06 - Let your glorious Red Hot Applesauce cool down a bit before serving. It's fantastic warm, straight from the pot, or chilled. The flavors actually deepen a little as it cools, honestly. Transfer it to jars or a serving bowl. It should be a beautiful, glossy red with that unmistakable sweet and spicy aroma. I love seeing the steam rise from a fresh batch; it just screams comfort. Get ready for some happy faces, this Red Hot Applesauce is a winner!

# Notes:

01 - My personal trick for perfectly smooth Red Hot Applesauce is to use an immersion blender right in the pot after adding the candies.
02 - How I store leftovers so they stay fresh for days is in small, airtight glass jars in the fridge.
03 - That one time I swapped apples and it kinda worked was using all Gala, but it was a bit too sweet and soft for my taste.
04 - My favorite way to serve this Red Hot Applesauce is warm with a sprinkle of toasted pecans.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot with lid
02 - potato masher or immersion blender
03 - peeler
04 - cutting board
05 - knife

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 150-200
Total Fat: 0-1g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 0-1g

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