Apfelmus is probably one of the most popular German sauces as it is versatile, and, for many, brings back childhood memories of German dishes such as pfannkuchen (German pancakes), milchreis (German Rice Pudding), Griesbrei and kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes). This German spiced apple sauce is quick and easy to make.
By popular demand, this reader-favorite recipe made it into my debut cookbook, German Kitchen-Classic Dishes!
What is Apfelmus?
Apfelmus is a German condiment with is served with sweet and savoury dishes alike. Literally, you would translate it as "Apple Mush". Apfel is the German word for Apple and "mus" is the term for a dish with a pulpy consistency for example puree or mash.
Other terms used in Germany to describe this apple sauce are "Apfelbrei" (apple porridge) or "Apfelkompott" (apple compote). Although, Apfelkompott refers to a more chunky apple sauce.
How to make homemade Apfelmus
This spiced apple sauce uses vanilla flavour to give the sauce a unique German taste. Vanilla is a very popular spice in German desserts: see German Vanilla Sauce or German Vanilla Pudding for example.
Ingredients:
- apples
- water
- vanilla beans, vanilla extract (affiliate link) or vanilla sugar
- sugar (optional you can leave it out completely)
- cinnamon stick (affiliate link) can be substituted with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (affiliate link) powder
- lemon juice
German Apple Sauce Recipe Steps
- Prepare by peeling, and coring the apple. Quarter and slice into 2 cm chunks.
- Place all apples with the water, vanilla extract (affiliate link), cinnamon and lemon juice in the pot and bring to a boil on low to medium heat for approx 15-20 minutes.
- Stir occasionally to avoid the bottom of the pan from burning. Once the apples have softened and fallen apart remove the cinnamon stick (affiliate link) and vanilla beans (if using).
- You can use a potato masher or an immersion blender to puree the apple sauce to the desired consistency.
- Leave to cool or serve immediately.
Alternative cooking methods
In a crockpot (affiliate link) / slow cooker (affiliate link): Place all ingredients into the cooker. Set the cooker to high heat and leave it to boil for approx 4 hours.
In a pressure cooker: Place all ingredients into the pressure cooker, and cook for 5 minutes with high pressure.
What do Germans serve with Apple Sauce?
Apfelmus is one of the most popular condiments in Germany - whether savoury or sweet. Here are some popular dishes
- Karoffelpuffer with Apfelmus (German Potato Pancakes)
- Milchreis with Apple Sauce
- Yoghurt with Apple Sauce
- Roast pork with Apfelmus
- Sauerbraten with Apfelmus
- Apple cake with German apple sauce
- Pfannkuchen (pancakes) with apple sauce
- Himmel und Erde (a dish of mashed potatos with German apple sauce)
- Käsespätzle and Apfelmus
- Apple sauce is also a very popular topping for German waffles
How to store Apfelmus?
How long does homemade apple sauce keep?
Once the apple sauce has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to three days.
How to make canned apple sauce
If you have decided to prepare the compote in larger quantities you may store them in jars, but you will need to sterilize the jars first. Remove all the labels and place them and the lid separately in a saucepan with boiling water. The apple sauce has to be poured into the glass while still hot. Then screw the lid on and place it upside down. The hot air inside will retract and make the jar airtight. Don't forget to label the glasses with the month and year you made them.
Store the jars in a cool, dry place. They do not need to be stored in the fridge. They should last up to a year.
Can you freeze homemade apple sauce?
Yes, apple sauce is very suitable for freezing. Freeze them either in freezer bags or airtight plastic containers. If you want to freeze them in glass jars, then only fill them ¾. Liquid expands when frozen and if there is not enough space the glass might burst. It is always a good idea to sterilise the glasses by placing them in boiling water before filling them up.
Another idea is to pour the Apfelmus into the jar and only lightly screw on the lid. Once it is frozen you can tighten the lid.
Did you try this recipe?
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More German Dessert Sauces
Recipe
Authentic Apfelmus (German Apple Sauce)
Ingredients
- 2 lb (1 kg ) apples tart variety
- ½ cup (120 ml ) water
- 3 teaspoon vanilla extract can be substituted with 1 vanilla pod. Scratch out the pulp and add it to the apples.
- 2 tablespoon sugar - this can be scaled up. The sweetness will depend on the type of apples you are using and how ripe they are.
- 1 cinnamon stick (affiliate link) can be substituted with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (affiliate link) powder
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare by peeling, and coring the apple. Quarter and slice into roughly 2 cm chunks.2 lb apples
- Place all apples with the water, vanilla extract (affiliate link), sugar cinnamo,n and lemon juice in the pot and bring to boil on low to medium heat for approx 15-20 minutes.3 teaspoon vanilla extract (affiliate link), 2 tablespoon sugar, 1 cinnamon stick (affiliate link), 2 tablespoon lemon juice, ½ cup water
- Stir occasionally to avoid the bottom of the pan from burning. Once the apples have softened and fallen apart remove the cinnamon stick (affiliate link) and vanilla beans (if using).
- You can use a potato masher or a immersion blender to puree the apple sauce to the desired consistency.
- Leave to cool or serve immediately.
To cook in a crock pot
- Place all ingredients into the cooker and set the cooker on high. Leave to boil for approx 4 hours. There is no need to stir the apples, as they cook slowly and the bottom does not burn.
To cook in a pressure cooker
- Place all ingredients into the pressure cooker, and cook for 5 minutes with high pressure.
Notes
How to store:
Once the apple sauce has cooled down to room temperature, store it in an airtight container and place it in the fridge for up to three days.How to make canned apple sauce
If you have decided to prepare the compote in larger quantities you may store them in jars, but you will need to sterilize the jars first. Remove all the labels and place them and the lid separately in a saucepan with boiling water. The apple sauce has to be poured into the glass while still hot. Then screw the lid on and place it upside down. The hot air inside will retract and make the jar airtight. Don't forget to label the glasses with the month and year you made them. Store the jars in a cool, dry place. They do not need to be stored in the fridge. They should last up to a year.Freezing instructions
Freeze them either in freezer bags or airtight plastic containers. If you want to freeze them in glass jars, then only fill them ¾. Liquid expands when frozen and if there is not enough space the glass might burst. It is always a good idea to sterilize the glasses by placing them in boiling water before filling them up. Another idea is to pour the Apfelmus into the jar and only lightly screw on the lid. Once it is frozen you can tighten the lid.Nutrition
Love this authentic German recipe?
This is one of 65 traditional dishes featured in my cookbook, German Kitchen-Classic Dishes - all tested, perfected, and handpicked by readers like you!
Paige says
So easy!
Marita Sinden says
It really is! Thanks for your rating 🙂