Name: Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 10 medium apples (such as Gala, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious), peeled, cored, and quartered; ½ cup water; ½ cup granulated sugar; 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional); ¼ teaspoon salt

This Instant Pot Applesauce is a quick and easy way to enjoy a classic homemade treat. With just a few simple ingredients and your trusty Instant Pot, you can have a warm and comforting applesauce ready in minutes. This recipe is perfect for a healthy snack, a topping for pancakes or waffles, or a delicious addition to your favorite desserts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: Using the Instant Pot significantly reduces the cooking time compared to traditional stovetop methods, making this recipe a breeze to prepare.
Fresh and Flavorful: This applesauce captures the natural sweetness and flavor of fresh apples, with a hint of cinnamon for added warmth.
Healthy and Versatile: This applesauce is a healthy and delicious snack or a versatile ingredient for baking and cooking.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Instant Pot Applesauce:

Apples: Choose a variety of apples like Gala, Honeycrisp, or Golden Delicious for a balanced flavor. Tart apples like Granny Smith can also be added for a tangy twist.
Water: Helps to create steam and cook the apples.
Granulated sugar: Adds sweetness and enhances the flavor. You can adjust the amount or use alternative sweeteners like honey or maple syrup.
Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed, adds brightness and prevents browning.
Ground cinnamon: Optional, but highly recommended for a warm and comforting flavor.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Instant Pot Applesauce

Step 1: Prepare the Apples

Wash, peel, core, and cut the apples into quarters.

Step 2: Pressure Cook

Place the cut apples in the Instant Pot. Add the water, sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon (if using), and salt. Close the lid and set the vent to “sealing”. Select the “Manual” setting and adjust the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure.

Step 3: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is up, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for 20 minutes. This will ensure the apples are perfectly cooked and tender.

Step 4: Mash or Purée

After the pressure has been fully released, carefully open the lid. Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash or purée the apples to your desired consistency. If the applesauce is too watery, you can use the “Sauté” function to cook off some of the extra liquid, stirring frequently.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the applesauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
Mix apple varieties: Using a mix of apple varieties adds depth of flavor to your applesauce.
Adjust sweetness: Adjust the amount of sugar or sweetener according to the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference.
Add spices: Experiment with different spices like nutmeg or allspice for a unique flavor twist.
Control the consistency: Use an immersion blender for a smoother applesauce or a potato masher for a chunkier texture.

How to Serve

Healthy Snack: Enjoy this Instant Pot Applesauce as a healthy and delicious snack on its own or with yogurt, granola, or nuts.
Topping: Use it as a topping for pancakes, waffles, French toast, or ice cream.
Baking Ingredient: Incorporate it into your favorite baked goods like muffins, cakes, or breads for added moisture and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of apple?

Yes, you can use any type of apple you like, but a mix of different varieties will provide a more complex flavor.

Can I make this applesauce without sugar?

Yes, you can omit the sugar or use a sugar substitute if you prefer. The natural sweetness of the apples will still shine through.

Can I make this applesauce in a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the slow cooker. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until the apples are tender.

How can I thicken the applesauce?

If your applesauce is too thin, you can simmer it on the stovetop or use the “Sauté” function on your Instant Pot to cook off some of the excess liquid.