Apples aren’t “keto” by most definitions, but half a cup of real applesauce (homemade, unsweetened) is about 6–8g net carbs—which is doable in a well-planned day. I use it in small doses to moisten keto cakes, cut oil in muffins, or spoon a bit over pork when I’m feeling retro.

💡 What Makes This Feel Like Real Food

• No sugar, no preservatives—just apples + water.
• Texture is adjustable: chunky or silky, depending on your vibe.
• Naturally sweet thanks to slow cooking and the right apples.
• Optional add-ins like cinnamon or lemon make it taste even more like fall without the carbs from added sweeteners.

🧾 Ingredients That Keep It Clean

• 5 medium apples – I use a mix (Granny Smith + Fuji) for balance. About 90g net carbs total for the whole batch.
• 5 tbsp water – Just enough to steam and soften.
• Optional:
  • 1 tsp cinnamon – Adds warmth with zero carbs.
  • 1 tsp lemon juice – Brightens flavor, helps preserve.
  • 1/8 tsp ground ginger – For spicy undertone.
  • Pinch salt – Rounds sweetness.

🔁 Custom Tweaks I’ve Tried

Swap/Add-In	Outcome	Still Low-Carb?
Cinnamon + lemon	Bright & warm	Yes
Unsweetened pears	Softer, more floral	Pushes carbs up
Maple extract (not syrup)	Sweet, syrup-like aroma	Yes, <1g carbs

⚠️ Learn From My Low-Carb Fails

What Went Wrong	Why It Happens	How to Fix It
Watery sauce	Too much water or overcooked	Use just 1 tbsp per apple, simmer uncovered last 5 mins
Too tart	Only Granny Smith apples	Use sweeter apples or balance with cinnamon
Bitter aftertaste	Left skins on	Peel for smooth, sweet flavor (or blend very well)

👩‍🍳 How to Make It (3 Ways)

🥄 Stove Method (my go-to)

1. Peel (optional), core, and chop 5 apples.
2. Add to pot with 5 tbsp water, and optional cinnamon/lemon.
3. Cover and simmer 20 minutes until soft.
4. Mash with fork or blend for smooth texture.
5. Cool, jar, and store.

⚡ Instant Pot

1. Add peeled, chopped apples + 5 tbsp water.
2. Manual mode, high pressure, 8 minutes.
3. Quick release, mash or blend smooth.

🔥 Oven-Baked

1. Bake peeled apple cubes at 350°F for 20–25 mins.
2. Mash or blend as above.

🧠 Tricks That Made This Work Better

• I use half tart, half sweet apples for natural balance.
• If I need a “dessert” vibe, I stir in vanilla and cinnamon once it’s blended.
• Don’t blend hot apples unless your food processor can vent—steam = burns.

🧊 Keeping It Keto-Friendly All Week

• Fridge: 5–7 days sealed.
• Freezer: 3 months in silicone trays or small containers.
• Portion trick: I freeze in ¼ cup portions = ~6–8g net carbs = easy to track.

❓ Can I Eat This on Keto? (Yes, Here’s Why)

Aren’t apples high carb?
Yes, whole apples are ~17–22g net carbs each. But this recipe makes 2 cups total, and most uses are ¼ cup or less per serving.

How can I use it without blowing my carbs?
Use ¼ cup or less in baked goods or as a sauce to add moisture or natural sweetness without adding sugar alcohols.

Can I add sweetener?
You can, but honestly, the right apples (like Gala or Fuji) don’t need it. A pinch of cinnamon does more.

🧾 Full Nutrition Facts (Per ½ Cup Serving – makes ~4 servings)

Nutrient	Amount
Calories	70 kcal
Total Fat	0g
Sodium	1mg
Potassium	140mg
Total Carbohydrates	18g
Dietary Fiber	2.5g
Sugars (natural)	15g
Net Carbs	~15.5g
Protein	0.3g
Vitamin C	~6mg
Iron	~0.1mg

Check out More Recipes:

• Sugar-Free Cranberry Sauce – Tart, Thick, and Keto-Holiday Approved
• Easy Low Carb Keto Alfredo Sauce Recipe – Gluten Free
• Low Carb Keto Tartar Sauce