Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Applesauce

This Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Applesauce is a delightful twist on a classic, combining the tartness of rhubarb and the sweetness of strawberries with the comforting flavour of apples. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious way to enjoy seasonal produce. Homemade applesauce is so much better than store-bought, and this vibrant version is sure to become a family favourite.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Applesauce is a winner for so many reasons! It’s incredibly straightforward to make, requiring minimal prep and cook time. The combination of sweet strawberries, tart rhubarb, and comforting apples creates a balanced and irresistible flavour. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed as a side for savoury meals, a healthy breakfast topping, or a delicious snack. Plus, making it at home means you can control the sweetness and avoid any unwanted additives. The vibrant pink hue is also visually appealing, making it a great way to brighten up any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound apples (about 3-4 medium), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 pound rhubarb (about 2 cups), trimmed and chopped
• 1 cup fresh or frozen strawberries
• 1/2 cup water
• 1/4 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional, for brightness)
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a large saucepan or pot, combine the chopped apples, chopped rhubarb, strawberries, and water.
2. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, or until the fruit is tender and broken down. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
4. Remove the pot from the heat. Stir in the sugar, lemon juice (if using), and cinnamon (if using). Stir until the sugar is dissolved.
5. For a smoother applesauce, mash the fruit with a potato masher or use an immersion blender. For a chunkier texture, leave as is.
6. Taste and adjust sweetness if needed by adding more sugar.
7. Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving or transferring it to storage containers.

Expert Tips / Pro Tips

For the best texture and flavour, use a mix of apple varieties. A combination of tart apples like Granny Smith and sweeter apples like Gala or Fuji will give a more complex taste to your applesauce. If your rhubarb is very fibrous, you can peel the stalks before chopping them. When adding sugar, it’s always best to start with less and add more to your liking, as the sweetness from the strawberries can vary. Don’t overcook the fruit; aim for tender but not mushy, especially if you prefer a slightly chunkier applesauce.

Variations & Substitutions

To boost the flavour, consider adding a splash of vanilla extract along with the sugar. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg. If you don’t have fresh rhubarb, you can use frozen rhubarb; you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly. For a sweeter sauce, you can increase the sugar or use honey or maple syrup as a sweetener. If you prefer a less sweet version, you can reduce or omit the sugar entirely, letting the natural sweetness of the fruit shine through.

Serving Suggestions

This Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Applesauce is incredibly versatile. It makes a fantastic side dish for pork roast, chicken, or other savoury meats. It’s also a wonderful topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, or yogurt. Enjoy it warm for a comforting treat or chilled as a refreshing snack. It can even be blended into smoothies for a fruity boost.

Storage, Freezing & Reheating

Store homemade applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the applesauce. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave. Thawed applesauce can be enjoyed warm or cold.

Nutrition Information

FAQ

Can I make this applesauce without sugar?

Yes, you can make this applesauce without added sugar. The strawberries and apples will provide natural sweetness, and the rhubarb offers a tart balance. You can taste and adjust as needed, or omit the sugar entirely for a sugar-free version.

How do I prevent the rhubarb from being too stringy?

If your rhubarb stalks are particularly fibrous, it helps to peel them before chopping. This removes the tough outer layer and results in a more tender texture in your applesauce.

What kind of apples are best for this recipe?

A mix of sweet and tart apples works best. Consider using varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp for sweetness, combined with Granny Smith for tartness. This creates a more balanced flavour profile.

My applesauce is too thin, how can I thicken it?

If the applesauce is thinner than you prefer after cooking, you can simmer it uncovered for a few extra minutes to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can slightly mash or blend the fruit to release more pectin, which will help thicken it.

Easy Strawberry Rhubarb Applesauce

A delightful and easy-to-make homemade applesauce with the perfect balance of sweet strawberries and tart rhubarb.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 6 cups

Course: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack

Cuisine: American, Homemade

Calories: 80100

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Ingredients

• 4 lbs apples a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
• 2 cups rhubarb fresh or frozen, chopped
• 1 cup strawberries fresh or frozen, hulled
• 1/2 cup granulated sugar or to taste
• 1/4 cup water plus more if needed
• 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed, optional

Method

 

Instructions

1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, rhubarb, strawberries, granulated sugar, and water.
2. Stir everything together to ensure the fruit is evenly distributed.
3. Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples and rhubarb are very tender.
4. Stir occasionally and add a splash more water if the mixture seems too dry.
5. Once tender, remove the pot from the heat. If desired, stir in the cinnamon and lemon juice.
6. Mash the mixture with a potato masher for a chunkier applesauce, or use an immersion blender or transfer to a regular blender for a smoother consistency. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
7. Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary, adding more sugar if desired.
8. Let the applesauce cool completely before serving or transferring to airtight containers for storage in the refrigerator.

Notes

This homemade applesauce is best served warm or chilled. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers.