Carrot Applesauce
An apple a day is great, but applesauce makes it even sweeter—especially when you try my method for combining juicy apples with carrots! It’s smooth and delicious—and it’s also a perfect way to sneak in extra nutrients for kids of all ages (hello, 56-year-old husband, lol).
Plus, it’s so versatile! Enjoy it as a snack, a side dish, or even as a topping for oatmeal, pancakes, yogurt, or even my Sheet Pan Sweet Potato Latkes and Baked Latke Cups. With just three simple ingredients and no added sugar, it’s a cinch to prepare. You can customize the texture—go smooth for a classic applesauce vibe… or leave it slightly chunky for a rustic feel. And if you want a warm and spicy twist, add a sprinkle of cinnamon (and possibly nutmeg, too) while cooking.
I love using applesauce in baked goods to cut back on added sugar—it’s a secret weapon for infusing moisture and natural sweetness, along with a nutrient boost! This Carrot Applesauce works beautifully as a substitute for mashed banana in my Chocolate or Peaches & Cream Oatmeal Bakes, my Superfood Brownie Bites, Chocolate Energy Muffins, and Chocolate Pie. It’s a terrific ingredient for creating healthier treats with great flavor and texture—plus, it sneaks in an extra dose of fruits AND veggies!
As a registered dietitian and lover of all things delicious, I’m thrilled to share this nutritious recipe that checks all of my favorite boxes: easy, satisfying, and filled with feel-good ingredients. Whip up a big batch to enjoy now, and stash some in the freezer for busy days when you need a quick, healthy option.
Craving a touch of smoky sweetness? Try my BBQ Applesauce!
Carrot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds peeled and chopped carrots, about 5 cups
- 4 pounds apples, cored and chopped, leave the skin-on (about 10 cups)
- 3 cups water, divided (plus more if needed)
Instructions
- In a large pot, add ⅔ of the water (that's 2 cups if you're following the full recipe) and the chopped carrots. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Cover and cook for about 10 minutes or until the carrots are fork tender.
- Add the chopped apples and the remaining water to the pot (1 cup if you're following the full recipe). Cover and continue to simmer for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure the liquid hasn’t evaporated. If the liquid has fully evaporated, add more water (start with ½ cup and add more if needed) so the apples and carrots don’t burn.
- Once the apples and carrots are very tender, remove the pot from heat. Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a regular blender in batches) to puree until smooth.
Notes
- Add ½ to 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon to the pot when you add the apples for a warm, spiced flavor.
- Sweetness adjustments: This recipe is naturally sweet and I don’t add sweetener. But if you’d like it sweeter, you can certainly add a touch of honey or maple syrup after pureeing.
- For a chunkier texture, mash with a potato masher instead of pureeing fully.
This is such a simple recipe to make and it’s an easy, healthy snack. Plus, I love the combo of apples and carrots. I’ll never buy packaged applesauce again!
Hi Rylee, thanks for sharing your comments! We’re so glad you’re enjoying the recipe, and we agree…homemade applesauce is the best!
—Donna