Homemade Applesauce

Once you make applesauce at home, the jar from the store just isn't the same. It's also one of the best first cooking projects for little kids: they wash, they add, they stir and they mash. You handle the knife and the stove.

It makes the whole house smell like fall, and it's a great way to use up apples that are getting a little soft.

What you need

• 4 apples (any kind; a mix of sweet and tart is nice)

• 1/2 cup water

• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

• A squeeze of lemon juice (optional)

• A saucepan with a lid, and a potato masher or fork

How to make it

1. Wash the apples. Give your child a bowl of water and let them scrub each apple. Count them as they go.

2. Grown-up cuts. Peel, core and chop the apples into chunks. Let your child drop the chunks into the pot.

3. Add and stir. Your child pours in the water and sprinkles the cinnamon. Give it one big stir before it goes on the stove.

4. Cook. Cover and cook on medium-low for about 15 to 20 minutes, until the apples are very soft. Keep your child away from the stove during this part.

5. Cool, then mash. Let the apples cool until just warm. Move them to a bowl on the table and let your child mash them. Chunky or smooth, it's their call.

Why we love it

Your child gets to see a real change happen: hard, crunchy apples turn soft and squishy. That's early science. Ask, "What happened to the apples? Why do you think they got soft?" It's also a natural follow-up to Wednesday's book, since Apple Farmer Annie makes applesauce too.

Make it your own

• Pink applesauce: Leave the peel on red apples while they cook, then take it out before mashing.

• Add a friend: Cook a pear with the apples.

• No added sugar needed. Ripe apples are sweet enough.

A quick safety note: Knives and the stove are grown-up jobs. Let the applesauce cool completely before your child mashes or eats it, because cooked fruit holds heat. Store leftovers in the fridge for up to about a week.

Shop these items

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• Shop everything for Week 2: Apples

• Starter supplies: the basics we use most weeks

• See every week in our Amazon storefront

More for this week: see all our Apple activities, Letter B activities and Number 2 activities.

Every child is different. Please use your own judgment about what's safe and right for your family. Always supervise children during activities and while eating, and adjust foods for allergies, dietary needs and your child's age and chewing ability. Sprocket & Sprout shares these ideas for fun and learning only. We are not responsible for any injury, allergic reaction, damage or mess that may result from trying them. This post may contain affiliate links; if you buy through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.