If you’ve ever wanted a refreshing twist on a classic comfort food, look no further than this Easy Mint Apple Sauce From Scratch in a Jar Recipe. It combines the sweet, natural goodness of apples with a bright pop of fresh mint, creating a sauce that is as vibrant in flavor as it is simple to make. Perfect for breakfasts, snacks, or as an unexpected companion to savory dishes, this recipe transforms humble ingredients into a delightful treat that you can proudly jar and share.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering just a few straightforward ingredients can lead to incredible homemade goodness. Each one plays a crucial role: the apples provide a rich fruity base, mint adds freshness, and lemon juice balances sweetness with a little zing, making this sauce a standout.
- Fresh Apples: Choose 4-6 medium apples peeled, cored, and chopped for a naturally sweet and smooth texture.
- Fresh Mint Leaves: About 1/4 cup packed and finely chopped to infuse the sauce with a cooling, aromatic touch.
- Granulated Sugar: Between 1/4 to 1/2 cup, adjustable to your preferred sweetness for perfect balance.
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed to brighten all the flavors and keep the sauce vibrant.
- Water: 1/2 cup to help soften the apples as they cook down gently.
- Ground Cinnamon (Optional): Just a pinch for a hint of warm spice that complements the mint beautifully.
How to Make Easy Mint Apple Sauce From Scratch in a Jar Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by washing, peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small cubes. This ensures they’ll cook evenly and soften quickly. Then, rinse and finely chop the fresh mint leaves so their flavor can gently infuse the sauce during cooking.
Step 2: Combine Apples, Water, and Lemon Juice
Place the chopped apples, water, and freshly squeezed lemon juice into a large saucepan. The lemon juice not only brightens the flavor but also helps preserve the color of the apples as they cook down.
Step 3: Simmer Until Tender
Set your saucepan over medium heat and bring everything to a gentle simmer. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the apples to soften. This should take about 10 minutes, but use your judgment—the apples should be tender and easy to mash.
Step 4: Mash to Your Desired Consistency
Remove the pan from heat and mash the apples right in the pot. You can create a chunky sauce or a smoother texture depending on your preference. Either way, it will be flavorful and fresh.
Step 5: Add Sugar and Mint
Return the saucepan to low heat, stirring in the granulated sugar and finely chopped mint leaves. The mint will infuse the warm apples with its bright, herbal notes that set this sauce apart from traditional apple sauces.
Step 6: Add Cinnamon and Simmer
If you like, sprinkle in a pinch of ground cinnamon for a subtle warmth. Let the sauce simmer gently for another 5 minutes, allowing all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Cool and Jar
Once your sauce has developed its vibrant flavor, remove it from heat and let it cool slightly. Ladle the sauce into sterilized jars, seal them, and allow to come to room temperature before refrigerating. This step ensures freshness and safety for storage.
How to Serve Easy Mint Apple Sauce From Scratch in a Jar Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh mint leaves or a light dusting of cinnamon on top adds visual appeal and an extra hint of flavor. These simple garnishes make serving feel special and inviting.
Side Dishes
This mint apple sauce pairs wonderfully with pork chops, roasted chicken, or even as a sweet, tangy companion to grilled vegetables. It also shines as a topping for oatmeal or yogurt during breakfast — versatile and delicious!
Creative Ways to Present
Try layering this sauce with granola and whipped cream for an easy parfait or swirl it into pancake batter for a minty twist. You can even serve it chilled alongside cheese platters or as a refreshing dip for fruit slices.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your homemade mint apple sauce in airtight jars in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors actually deepen over time, giving you more deliciousness to look forward to after the first day.
Freezing
Freezing is a great option if you want to enjoy this sauce later. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headspace—then freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to serve.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth. Avoid boiling to preserve the delicate mint flavor and fresh apple notes.
FAQs
Can I use different types of apples in this recipe?
Absolutely! Mix sweet and tart apples like Fuji and Granny Smith for a more complex flavor or stick to your favorite variety to customize the sauce to your taste.
Is fresh mint necessary, or can I use dried mint?
Fresh mint is best here because it provides a bright, clean flavor that dried mint can’t quite match. However, if dried mint is all you have, use it sparingly to avoid bitterness.
How do I make the sauce smoother?
Simply use a blender or food processor after cooking and mashing to achieve a silky texture. Otherwise, use a potato masher for a chunkier style.
Can I omit sugar for a healthier version?
Yes, you can reduce or skip the sugar if you prefer a more natural sweetness. Keep in mind the taste might be more tart depending on your apples, so adjust to your liking.
How long does the sauce last in the refrigerator?
Stored properly in a sealed jar, it keeps well for up to one week, during which the flavors meld beautifully.
Final Thoughts
Making this Easy Mint Apple Sauce From Scratch in a Jar Recipe is a joyful and straightforward way to enjoy a fresh twist on a beloved classic. Its vibrant flavors and simple ingredients make it a versatile addition to your kitchen repertoire. I encourage you to try it soon—you’ll be amazed how this humble sauce can elevate your meals and snacks with such a fresh, homemade touch.
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Easy Mint Apple Sauce From Scratch in a Jar Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 to 4.4 servings
- Category: Sauces & Condiments
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Easy Mint Apple Sauce is a fresh, homemade condiment combining tender simmered apples with bright mint and a hint of cinnamon. Perfectly balanced with lemon juice and adjustable sweetness, it’s a refreshing twist on classic apple sauce served chilled or as a complement to savory dishes.
Ingredients
Apples
- 4–6 medium fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped into small pieces
Herbs & Flavorings
- 1/4 cup fresh mint leaves, packed and finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 pinch ground cinnamon (optional)
Sweeteners & Liquids
- 1/4 to 1/2 cup granulated sugar, adjust to sweetness preference
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small cubes. Rinse and finely chop the mint leaves to ensure freshness and easy blending into the sauce.
- Combine Initial Ingredients: In a large saucepan, add the chopped apples, water, and lemon juice all together. This liquid mixture will help cook the apples evenly.
- Simmer Apples: Place the saucepan over medium heat, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning at the bottom.
- Check Texture: After about 10 minutes, test the apples to confirm they are tender and can be easily mashed, indicating they are fully cooked and softened.
- Mash Apples: Remove the saucepan from heat and mash the apples to your preferred texture, whether chunky or smooth, to suit your taste.
- Add Flavorings: Return the saucepan to low heat and stir in the sugar and chopped mint leaves thoroughly to integrate the sweetness and fresh herb flavor.
- Simmer with Cinnamon: If desired, add a pinch of ground cinnamon and let the apple sauce simmer gently for an additional 5 minutes to infuse the subtle spice.
- Cool and Store: Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before transferring it into sterilized jars using a ladle.
- Seal and Refrigerate: Seal the jars tightly and allow them to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate to preserve freshness and flavor. The sauce is ready to enjoy once chilled.
Notes
- Adjust sugar quantity depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal taste preferences.
- Use fresh mint for the best flavor; dried mint will alter the taste significantly.
- This apple sauce can be served cold or at room temperature and pairs well with pork dishes, desserts, or simply on its own.
- Store in the refrigerator and consume within one week for optimal freshness.
- For a smoother texture, use an immersion blender after mashing the apples.
