Cider Apple Sauce for Pork

Last Updated on December 17, 2020 by Betty Davies
This homemade apple sauce recipe is so easy to make and is perfectly tangy and sweet. Made in one pot, this cider apple sauce is perfect to serve with pork and chicken, and is sweetened with brown sugar and cinnamon.

A well made sauce is a great way to add a burst of flavor to your plate, and this cider apple sauce is not shy in that department!
Traditionally served with roasted pork, it’s also great with chicken and beef dishes, as well as using it as an ingredient in baking.
It takes a little while to cook it down, but it’s so effortless, and it’s way more tastier than buying in in a jar at the store.
For more tasty sauces, be sure to check out my cranberry sauce and lemon pesto.
Why you will love this cider apple sauce recipe!
- Easy: Simply pop the ingredients in a pan and let it cook down. Even the most novice of cooks will master this sauce!
- Make ahead: Make this sauce days ahead of time for an easy side to serve as part of a big feast. It’s also freezer friendly.
- Dietary info: This apple sauce is vegan, gluten-free, dairy free and very low in fat.
Ingredients
- Apples: I like to use green tart apples for this sauce. Peel and core them before using.
- Sugar: Brown sugar adds a nice richness and complexity of flavor as well as balancing out the acidity.
- Lemon juice: Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Apple cider: Unsweetened and unfiltered apple juice. Outside of North America, it is referred to as ‘natural’ or ‘cloudy’. If you use a sweetened apple juice, hold off on adding the sugar until the end of cooking, and taste it and add according to your taste.
- Stock: To keep this sauce plant-based, I used vegetable stock. Chicken stock can also be used.
- Cinnamon: To add sweetness and a warming flavor.

How to make cider apple sauce
Be sure to scroll down for the full recipe!
- Peel and chop the apples.
- Add all the ingredients to a pot.
- Simmer until thick.

Recipe Variations
This is a pretty simple recipe with only a few main ingredients, so there isn’t too much to change! Taste the apple sauce once it’s cooked down and add more sugar if you prefer it sweeter.
Frequently Asked Questions
I prefer to use quite tart apples for this sauce for a real kick of flavor, I used Granny Smith. If you prefer your sauce to be sweeter or more mild, then opt for Braeburn or Fuji. There’s no wrong answer here!
Once you have made your apple sauce, let it cool completely before transferring into a sealable jar or airtight container. It will keep well for around a week and can be served straight from the fridge or warmed on the stovetop.
Yes! Apple sauce freezes really well, so feel free to double the recipe. Freeze it in sealable bags and remove as much of the air as possible. It will keep well for 3 months and can be thawed in the fridge overnight or at room temperature.
Serving Suggestions
This cider apple sauce, is of course, great with pork, but it also works great with roasted chicken or turkey.
It’s great to stir into oatmeal and use it in vegan baking as an alternative to eggs.
Recipe Notes and Tips
- Simmer the apple sauce rather than boil it when cooking it down.
- Stir the sauce occasionally when cooking so that the bottom doesn’t burn.
- Let cool completely before storing.

More Side Dishes
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Cider Apple Sauce
Ingredients
- 3 apples
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- juice of 1 lemon
- 1 cup apple cider (230ml)
- 1 cup vegetable stock (230ml)
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel the apples and cut into chunks.
- Place all ingredients into a medium pan and bring to the boil.
- Turn the heat to medium, and let simmer, stirring occasionally, until you reach your desired thickness. Mine took around an hour and a half.
Notes
- Simmer the apple sauce rather than boil it when cooking it down.
- Stir the sauce occasionally when cooking so that the bottom doesn’t burn.
- Let cool completely before storing.