Instant Pot Applesauce
This Instant Pot Applesauce recipe is the easiest and fastest way to turn the fruit into homemade applesauce. All you need are apples, cinnamon, water, and in 15 minutes you’ve turned apples into a delicious treat. Packed with flavor and nutrients, it’s perfect for everything from breakfast to dessert.
Forget store-bought applesauce! This Instant Pot Recipe transforms fresh apples into a delicious, homemade treat in no time. This recipe delivers a perfect blend of sweet and tart flavors with minimal effort. Whether you like it chunky or smooth, the result is healthy, and perfect for both kids and adults alike.
Making homemade applesauce has never been simpler or quicker than with an Instant Pot! This foolproof recipe will have you enjoying a warm, comforting bowl of applesauce in no time. Perfect for snacking, serving with pork chops, or adding to your favorite baked goods, this cooked apple blend will quickly become a family favorite. Plus, it’s a great way to use up a surplus of crisp orchard fruit.
Using applesauce in my Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Bars and Double Chocolate and Banana Cake can eliminate or cut back on the amount of oil those types of recipes call for, which makes the sweet treats a bit healthier. I love using the puree in my Zucchini Nut Bread it turns out deliciously moist.
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Instant Pot Applesauce
If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the essence of fresh apples year-round, this recipe for Instant Pot Applesauce is the perfect solution. There are only 3 basic ingredients: apples, cinnamon, and water. It has no added sugars and is still plenty sweet and delicious. I added the sugar as optional, or to taste. I like mine a little less sweet but with more cinnamon flavor; especially when I am adding it to my Baked Blueberry Oatmeal.
In just a few easy steps, you’ll transform a pile of juicy apples into a smooth, flavorful apple blend that’s perfect for everything from snacks to side dishes. Using the electric pressure cooker, this recipe minimizes the hands-on time while maximizing the rich, comforting flavor of the fruit. Plus, it’s a great way to control the ingredients, making it as sweet or tart as you prefer.
Whether you enjoy it warm right out of the pot or chilled from the fridge, this applesauce is a versatile treat that can be enjoyed on its own, swirled into yogurt, or as a topping for pancakes and waffles.
What apples are best for making applesauce?
You can use whatever apples you like or have. I like to use a mix of tart like Granny Smith and sweet such as Honeycrisp. Make sure they’re ripe and juicy. It’s also a great way to use up some that may have a bruise or two on them.
Do you need to peel apples to make applesauce?
I do recommend that you peel and core the apples before using them to make the puree. Keeping the peels on is okay if you are going to make very smooth applesauce. The peels will puree with the apples and become slightly darker in appearance. If you prefer a chunky blend, it’s best to peel them.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
To Store: Refrigerate in an airtight storage container for up to 5 days.
To Freeze: You can freeze homemade applesauce. Freeze leftovers (once cooled) in an airtight, freezer-safe storage container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before serving.
Can I make applesauce in the slow cooker?
Yes, you can make this applesauce in the slow cooker. Simply add all of the ingredients to the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 – 6 hours, stirring occasionally so the fruit does not stick. Once the fruit is cooked, use an immersion blender to blend to your desired consistency. Blend less for chunkier mash.
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Timesaving Tips and Variations
- Don’t over cook the apples. Yes, you can overcook applesauce in the Instant Pot. If overcooked, it will have less flavor. Follow the recommended times listed in the recipe.
- Add strawberries, pears, or even sliced peaches to this recipe to make a fruit blend.
- You can even add a bit of pumpkin spice mix in addition to the cinnamon sticks.
- If you do not have an immersion blender, you can use a potato masher or a blender. If you use a blender, do not fill the pitcher more than half full before pureeing. Hot foods or liquids will expand and could pop the lid off and burn you.
- If you want to add a little sugar, honey, or maple syrup, you can, but do a taste test before doing so.
If you meal prep, this is an excellent recipe do that. Cool completely, then pour into freezer-safe glass jars or storage containers. Store the jars in the refrigerator or freezer for easy access.
Recommended Equipment to Make Applesauce
You probably have most of these items already. I have linked my recommendations for the pressure cooker, vegetable peeler, and immersion blender.
Pro Tip: spices and seasonings can also be found in your local Asian markets for much less than the grocery store and they are fresh and fragrant.
Ingredients
The ingredients are easily found in the grocery store. You can find the whole cinnamon sticks in the spice aisle or even in the international food aisle.
- 2 pounds Granny Smith apples
- 2 pounds Honeycrisp apples
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- ¾ cup water
- 2 – 4 tablespoons sugar, OPTIONAL (can also use honey or maple syrup)
Directions to Make
Peel the apples, remove the core, and cut them into small pieces. Add the apple pieces, water, and cinnamon to the instant pot and mix well.
Set the instant pot to pressure cook on high and make sure the vent is sealed. Cook for 8 minutes, and then do a quick release. Using an immersion blender, blend until it has reached the preferred consistency. Taste at this point to see if you need to add sugar. If so, add a little and mix, tasting again. Serve warm or cold.
I love that the Instant Pot does all the work, locking in the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples.
The Instant Pot’s magic lies in its ability to extract deep flavors quickly, so you can enjoy the comforting taste of stewed apples without spending hours in the kitchen. Whether you enjoy it plain or spiced up with cinnamon and nutmeg, this apple mash is sure to become a staple in your recipe collection.
What to serve with applesauce?
This simple recipe transforms fresh orchard fruit into a delightful, homemade spread perfect for everything from morning toast to dessert toppings.
- Use as a topping for waffles, pancakes, and French Toast.
- Serve with pork roast, roasted turkey or this maple mustard glazed bacon wrapped chicken.
- Serve with fritters, like potato pancakes or these cauliflower fritters.
- Add to yogurt or cottage cheese, or ice cream.
- Mix it into a bowl oatmeal.
- Use applesauce to replace oil or butter in baking recipes like these Apple Cupcakes with Maple Cream Cheese Frosting.
This is a fantastic way to use up an abundance of apples. Whether you’ve picked them yourself or found a great deal at the farmers market, this recipe is a perfect way to preserve the fresh flavor of the season.
Farmer’s Market Week
#FarmerMarketWeek is a wrap for this year. There are so many delicious recipes we are sharing with foods you can get from your local farmer’s market or grocery store. Many thanks to Jolene, from Jolene’s Recipe Journal, for hosting this year. What are some of your favorites?
One of my favorite things about the preparation method is its incredible simplicity. With minimal prep work and just a few minutes of hands-on time, you can have a delicious batch of apple goodness to enjoy.
Don’t let this simple recipe fool you – it’s a keeper! Be sure to print out this recipe card and keep it handy for quick and easy meal prep.
Printable Recipe Card
Instant Pot Applesauce
Equipment
- knife
- Measuring cup
- wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Granny Smith apples
- 2 pounds Honeycrisp apples
- 2 whole cinnamon sticks
- ¾ cup water
- 2 – 4 tablespoons sugar, OPTIONAL (can also use honey or maple syrup)
Instructions
- Peel the apples, remove the core, and cut them into small pieces.
- Add the apple pieces, water, and cinnamon to the instant pot and mix well.
- Set the instant pot to pressure cook on high and make sure the vent is sealed. Cook for 8 minutes, and then do a quick release.
- Using an immersion blender, blend until it has reached the preferred consistency. Taste at this point to see if you need to add sugar. If so, add a little and mix, tasting again. Serve warm or cold.
Notes
- Don’t Overcook the Applesauce. Yes, you can overcook applesauce in the Instant Pot. If overcooked, the applesauce will have less flavor. Follow the recommended times listed in the recipe.
- Add strawberries, pears, or even sliced peaches to this recipe to make a fruit blend.
- You can even add a bit of pumpkin spice mix to the applesauce in addition to the cinnamon sticks.
- If you do not have an immersion blender, you can use a potato masher or a blender. If you use a blender, do not fill the pitcher more than half full before pureeing. Hot foods or liquids will expand and could pop the lid off and burn you.
- If you want to add a little sugar, honey, or maple syrup, you can, but taste the applesauce before doing so.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“Blogghetti” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.
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Enjoy!
A quick and easy way to make applesauce for enjoying immediately or for canning to enjoy during the winter months.
I totally agree!
I’m going to have to try this! Perfect for apple season instead of bland store-bought apple sauce.
Store bought doesn’t even compare to homemade
This recipe is reminding me that fall is right around the corner! Which means apples, pumpkins, butternut squash are coming soon! YUM!!!
I can’t wait for all the fall foods, too!
I’m embarrassed to say how long my Instant Pot’s been sitting in the box. We love applesauce though so I am going to have to pull it out of its hiding place!
Oh, pull that pot out!
Apple sauce is a quick snack in our home and this easy recipe will be a keeper here.
Us too. It’s so good.
I think that local applesauce is a must have for the winter.
For sure!
I’ve made apple butter but not applesauce! It looks so good and a great way to use over ripe apples. You can usually get those cheap towards the end of the season.
Yes! Perfect way to use them