Apple Juice Reduction : An Alternative to Sugar

Name: Apple Juice Reduction
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 liter freshly made apple juice; 1 pinch of ground cinnamon

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This naturally sweetened apple juice reduction is a great alternative to sugar in no-sugar-added dessert recipes. It also makes the perfect pairing with ice cream, overnight oats, crepes, or pancakes.

A teaspoon with apple juice reduction over a glass jar with apples in the background — Teaspoon with apple juice reduction

Who doesn't want to enjoy a dessert without feeling guilty about sugar? If you watch for sugar intake, you will love this recipe!

Apple juice reduction makes a great natural alternative to sugar in numerous baking recipes.

It is a new way to "sweeten differently and intelligently," according to Kiwi Forme And Nutrition.

The recipe is easy to make at home and gives you the freedom to start creating loa carb recipes.

This naturally sweetened apple juice reduction is perfect as the base of no-sugar-added dessert recipes or as a glaze for roasted meats.

You can also use it as an ice cream topping or drizzle over pancakes and waffles for breakfast.

Use it as a base for smoothies or mix it into your oatmeal instead of sugar.

The possibilities are endless once you have this naturally sweetened apple juice reduction in your kitchen pantry.

Jump to:

What is apple juice reduction?
Apple juice vs. apple cider
How to use this juice reduction
Why you should try this recipe
Ingredients
How to make apple juice reduction
Expert tips
Frequently asked question
Love sugar-free desserts? Try these next!
Recipe card
Comments

Glass mason jar with apple juice reduction: Overhead view — Glass jar with apple juice reduction

What is apple juice reduction?

Apple juice reduction is an apple juice syrup made by cooking down apple juice until it becomes thick enough and syrupy.

Juice reduction contains less liquid and more intense flavors than the apple juice that started in the saucepan at the beginning of cooking time.

It happens as a result of the evaporation of the water during boiling.

Apple juice vs. apple cider

What is the difference between apple juice and apple cider? So let's get to the point.

A store-bought apple juice undergoes filtration to remove the pulp before being pasteurized.

So you can enjoy this refreshing drink for longer periods of time thanks to its extended shelf life.

Apple cider is made by washing and cutting up apples, then mashing them into a like-applesauce consistency.

This mash is wrapped in cloths to create the final product - apple cider.

Unlike filtered apple juice that has been stripped of its natural flavor and coloring through filtration processes, apple cider has its original pulp and sweetness intact.

How to use this juice reduction

The first and primary use of apple juice reduction is to replace refined sugar in no-sugar-added desserts.

Also, it is a natural way to sweeten your favorite desserts without adding sugar.

Create guilt-free crepes, pancakes, or waffles by topping them with naturally sweetened apple treat for breakfast.

Or serve French rice pudding topped off with this topping too!

This fruit juice reduction can also be used as a flavorful addition when cooking meats or vegetables like carrots, potatoes, onions, etc.

It brings an interesting taste and texture that enhances those dishes without overpowering flavors.

Cooked juice reduction in a mason jar with a spoon over — Juice reduction in a mason jar

Why you should try this recipe

This is a basic recipe to make no-sugar-added desserts.
Reducing apple juice to syrup is so simple that even a beginner cook can make it.
This fruit juice reduction is a great alternative to refined sugar while cooking/baking and serving your desserts.

Ingredients

For ingredients and detailed instructions, refer to the recipe card below.

Apple juice: use an electric juicer to make freshly made apple juice. Please, try to avoid store-bought juice, which is pasteurized and may contain sweeteners and preservatives.

If you can find a store-bought unfiltered apple juice with no added sugar, you can use it.

Ground cinnamon: brings a beautiful flavor, you can omit this ingredient if desired.

How to make apple juice reduction

Pour freshly made apple juice into a heavy-bottomed saucepan (photo 1) and bring to a boil over high heat. Let it boil for about 45 minutes.

Stir regularly, but after the first 25 minutes of cooking, keep an eye on the saucepan to ensure the apple preparation doesn't burn: continue stirring constantly.

Cook until the juice takes on a nice syrupy consistency and has reduced to approximately ⅔ cup or 200 grams (photo 2). Add a pinch of ground cinnamon if desired and mix. Let it cool.

Photo 1: Apple juice in a saucepan Photo 2: Cooked apple preparation in a pan — **PHOTO 1 PHOTO 2**

Expert tips

Replace homemade apple juice with a store-bought unfiltered apple juice with no added sugar.
Store the apple juice reduction in a mason jar in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Frequently asked question

How do you know that apple juice reduction is made?

This juice reduction is made when it reduces by about ⅕ of its initial volume. It should be the consistency of apple puree but more liquid. It thickens as it cools down, especially once it is refrigerated.

Love sugar-free desserts? Try these next!

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