We’ve always adored the fresh twist that strawberries bring to classic applesauce, turning it into a vibrant, fruity delight that’s perfect for canning. This recipe captures summer’s best flavors in every jar, blending sweet apples with juicy berries for a homemade treat that’s as easy as it is irresistible.
As canning pros, we’re thrilled to guide you through this simple process, ensuring your pantry’s stocked with wholesome goodness. It’s our go-to way to preserve seasonal produce and add a burst of color to your meals year-round.
Ingredients
For our Strawberry Applesauce Canning Recipe, we start by assembling the key ingredients in the order we’ll use them during preparation. This ensures a smooth process while preserving the fresh flavors of seasonal strawberries and apples.
- Fresh strawberries: 4 cups, hulled and sliced—we recommend using ripe, juicy ones for the best natural sweetness and vibrant color.
- Apples: 6 medium apples (such as Granny Smith or Fuji), cored and chopped—we opt for a mix of tart and sweet varieties to balance the flavor profile.
- Granulated sugar: 1 cup—adjust based on the sweetness of your fruit, as we aim for a light touch to highlight the natural tastes.
- Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed—we include this for acidity, which is crucial for safe canning and to enhance the tart notes.
- Water: 1/2 cup—we add this gradually to help with cooking down the fruits without diluting the flavors.
- Ground cinnamon (optional): 1 teaspoon—we incorporate this if desired for a warm spice that complements the fruity base, stirring it in later during cooking.
Remember, accurate measurements are vital for canning success, so we always use a kitchen scale for precision.
Equipment Needed
Before we dive into preparing our fresh strawberries and apples for the strawberry applesauce canning recipe, let’s equip ourselves with the right tools to ensure a safe, efficient, and successful process. Having the proper equipment not only streamlines our workflow but also helps maintain the vibrant flavors and freshness of our seasonal produce.
We recommend gathering these essential items, organized by category for easy reference:
- Canning Jars and Lids: Use standard Mason jars in pint or quart sizes—typically 8-ounce or 16-ounce options—to store our strawberry applesauce. Ensure jars are BPA-free glass for food safety, and pair them with new lids and bands to create an airtight seal that preserves the fruit’s natural sweetness.
- Water Bath Canner: A large stainless steel water bath canner or a deep stockpot with a rack is crucial for processing our filled jars. This tool allows us to heat the jars to the recommended temperature, killing bacteria and extending shelf life for up to 12 months when stored properly.
- Jar Lifter and Funnel: Equip ourselves with a jar lifter tongs to safely handle hot jars and prevent burns, and a wide-mouth funnel to pour the warm applesauce mixture without spills, ensuring clean and precise filling.
- Cooking and Prep Tools: Include a heavy-bottomed stockpot (at least 8 quarts) for simmering the apples and strawberries, a sharp paring knife and cutting board for prepping the fruit, and a food mill or immersion blender to achieve that smooth, luscious texture we love in homemade applesauce.
For quick reference on equipment quantities and specifications based on a standard batch yielding about 6-8 jars, here’s a breakdown in the following table:
| Equipment Item | Recommended Quantity | Key Specifications |
|---|---|---|
| Mason Jars | 6-8 jars | 8-ounce or 16-ounce, tempered glass |
| Lids and Bands | 6-8 sets | New, two-piece sets for secure sealing |
| Water Bath Canner | 1 unit | 21-quart capacity, with rack |
| Jar Lifter | 1 tool | Heat-resistant silicone grips |
| Funnel | 1 tool | Wide-mouth, stainless steel |
| Stockpot | 1 pot | 8-quart minimum, non-reactive material |
By using this equipment, we can confidently turn our high-quality ingredients into perfectly canned strawberry applesauce, ready for long-term enjoyment.
Instructions
With our fresh ingredients and essential equipment in hand, we guide you through the straightforward steps to create and preserve our vibrant Strawberry Applesauce, ensuring a burst of sweet-tart flavors that capture the essence of seasonal fruits.
Prep
Before we begin cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients to ensure everything is fresh and ready for optimal results. Start by gathering 2 pounds of strawberries and 3 pounds of a mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp), as outlined in our ingredients section.
- Wash the fruits: We rinse 2 pounds of strawberries under cool running water, then hull and slice them into quarters to release their juicy, bright red essence.
- Prepare the apples: Next, we core and chop 3 pounds of apples into 1-inch cubes, leaving the skins on for added texture and nutrition—these will soften during cooking to create a smooth, naturally sweet base.
- Measure other ingredients: We combine 1 cup of granulated sugar, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 1/2 cup of water, and optional 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon in a bowl, stirring to blend for that perfect balance of sweetness and tang.
This prep sets the stage for a seamless cooking process, maximizing the fresh, fruity aromas that will soon fill your kitchen.
Cook
Now we cook our prepared ingredients to transform them into a luscious, aromatic Strawberry Applesauce, blending the sweet juiciness of strawberries with the crisp tartness of apples for a homemade treat that’s irresistibly smooth.
- Combine in pot: We add the chopped apples, sliced strawberries, sugar, lemon juice, water, and cinnamon (if using) to a heavy-bottomed stockpot, stirring gently to coat everything evenly.
- Simmer the mixture: Heat the pot over medium-high until it reaches a boil, then reduce to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes, stirring occasionally—the fruits will break down, releasing a symphony of sweet scents and turning into a thick, vibrant puree.
- Blend for smoothness: Once the mixture is soft and fragrant, we remove it from heat and use an immersion blender or food processor to puree it to your desired consistency, aiming for a velvety texture that highlights the natural strawberry brightness.
This step yields about 6-8 cups of sauce, depending on fruit ripeness, making it easy to adjust for your batch size.
Canning
Finally, we move to canning our freshly cooked Strawberry Applesauce, using our recommended equipment to seal in that fresh-picked flavor for long-term enjoyment, ensuring safety and quality every time.
- Sterilize jars: We sterilize 6-8 Mason jars (8-ounce or 16-ounce) by boiling them in a water bath canner for 10 minutes, then place them on a clean towel to dry.
- Fill the jars: Using a wide-mouth funnel, we ladle the hot applesauce into the jars, leaving 1/2 inch of headspace at the top to allow for expansion—fill carefully to preserve the sauce’s glossy, ruby-red appeal.
- Process in canner: Wipe the jar rims with a clean cloth, add lids and rings, then lower the jars into the boiling water bath canner using jar lifter tongs. Process for 15 minutes (adjust for altitude as needed), ensuring the jars seal with a satisfying pop.
| Altitude (feet) | Processing Time Adjustment (minutes) |
|---|---|
| 0-1,000 | 15 |
| 1,001-3,000 | 20 |
| 3,001-6,000 | 25 |
| Above 6,000 | 30 |
Conclusion
We’ve loved sharing this strawberry applesauce canning recipe and how it brings fresh flavors to your pantry all year. It’s a simple way to capture summer’s best in every jar making it a staple for us.
Try it yourself and enjoy the satisfaction of homemade goodness that tastes as good as it feels to create. We’re confident you’ll make it a family favorite in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
What ingredients are needed for canning strawberries and applesauce?
The key ingredients include fresh strawberries, a mix of tart and sweet apples, granulated sugar, lemon juice, water, and optional ground cinnamon. Use accurate measurements with a kitchen scale for the best results. This combination creates a vibrant, flavorful treat that’s easy to prepare.
What equipment is required for this canning recipe?
You’ll need standard Mason jars (8-ounce or 16-ounce), a water bath canner or deep stockpot, jar lifter tongs, a wide-mouth funnel, and a heavy-bottomed stockpot for cooking. These tools ensure safety and efficiency for a batch yielding 6-8 jars.
How do I prepare and cook the strawberry applesauce?
Start by washing and chopping strawberries and apples. Combine them with sugar, lemon juice, water, and optional cinnamon in a pot. Simmer until the fruits break down into a thick puree, then blend for smoothness. This process is straightforward and takes about 30-45 minutes.
How long does the canned strawberry applesauce last?
Properly canned strawberry applesauce can last up to 12-18 months when stored in a cool, dark place. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 1-2 weeks for the best quality and safety.
Can I adjust the recipe for different tastes or dietary needs?
Yes, you can tweak the recipe by adding more cinnamon for spice or reducing sugar for a less sweet version. For dietary adjustments, use organic fruits or substitute with low-sugar alternatives, but always maintain proper acidity for safe canning.
What are the safety tips for home canning?
Always sterilize jars and use a boiling water bath for processing to prevent botulism. Adjust processing time for altitude, and ensure the mixture reaches a full boil. Follow the recipe closely and check seals after cooling for proper preservation.
How do I know if my canned applesauce has gone bad?
Look for signs like bulging lids, off odors, mold, or unusual colors. If you notice any, discard it immediately. Proper canning extends shelf life, but always inspect before consuming for safety.