After a whirlwind week filled with the chaos of work and life, there’s something truly comforting about the thought of making homemade applesauce. The delightful aroma of apples gently cooking in my kitchen evokes cherished memories of my childhood—long afternoons spent in my grandmother’s warm embrace, where we’d transform freshly picked apples into jars of creamy goodness. With my trusty Instant Pot by my side, this Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce couldn’t be simpler.
Imagine indulging in a thick, velvety applesauce that’s bursting with natural flavor, free from refined sugars and additives. This quick recipe uses just three pounds of fresh apples (perfect for those slightly bruised ones you might have hanging around) paired with a hint of cinnamon and optional sweeteners—all customizable to your taste! Whether enjoyed warm, as a snack, or chilled, as a delicious side dish, every creamy spoonful is a reminder that homemade is always best. So let’s dive in and create a wholesome treat that nourishes both body and spirit!
Why is Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce a Must-Try?
Simplicity at Its Best: This recipe is a breeze to follow, utilizing just a few fresh ingredients and your Instant Pot.
Rich, Natural Flavor: Made with sweet and tart apples, every bite bursts with authentic apple goodness without any added refined sugars.
Customizable Sweetness: Adjust sweeteners like maple or coconut sugar to cater to your taste, ensuring a perfect balance every time.
Comfort Food Appeal: The creamy texture and warm cinnamon enhance the nostalgia of homemade treats, making it a joy for any family gathering or casual snack.
Waste Not, Want Not: Perfect for using up slightly bruised or overripe apples, you can reduce food waste while enjoying a delicious, healthy treat.
Quick Preparation: With minimal active time thanks to the Instant Pot, you’ll have fresh applesauce ready in just minutes—ideal for busy days!
Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce Ingredients
For the Apples
• Fresh Apples – (3 pounds) Choose a mix of sweet (like Honeycrisp) and tart (such as Granny Smith) for a well-rounded flavor.
For Cooking
• Filtered Water – (¼ cup) This helps create steam in the Instant Pot, ensuring the apples cook perfectly.
Optional Sweeteners
• Maple Sugar or Coconut Sugar – (1 tablespoon) Use to enhance sweetness without any refined sugars; adjust based on the natural sweetness of your apples.
• Medjool Dates – (2 pitted) Blend for added sweetness; they provide a delicious caramel note to the sauce.
For Flavor
• Ground Cinnamon – (½ teaspoon) This adds a warm, comforting taste that complements the apples beautifully in your Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce
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Prepare the Apples: Start by washing the apples thoroughly. Core and halve them, leaving the skin on. This adds extra nutrients and a vibrant color to your applesauce.
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Add Ingredients to the Pot: Place the apple halves into the Instant Pot, along with ¼ cup of filtered water. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, add your chosen sweeteners and cinnamon now for an extra flavor boost.
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Seal and Cook: Close the lid securely and set the valve to the sealed position. Cook on manual high pressure for 3 minutes. This quick cook time ensures your apples become tender and flavorful.
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Release the Pressure: Carefully perform a manual release of the pressure once the cooking cycle is complete. Open the lid only once the steam has fully escaped for safety.
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Blend Until Smooth: Transfer the cooked apples and any leftover liquid into a high-speed blender. Blend for about 10 seconds or until you achieve a smooth, creamy consistency that you love.
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Store and Chill: Pour the applesauce into a mason jar and let it cool. Refrigerate overnight to thicken it up. You can enjoy it warm or chilled—either way, it’s delicious!
Optional: Drizzle with a bit of maple syrup before serving for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce Variations
Feel free to get creative and customize this recipe to match your family’s taste preferences!
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Different Apples: Experiment with various apple varieties like Fuji, Gala, or Braeburn. Each one brings a unique flavor profile that can transform your applesauce.
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Sugar-Free Sweeteners: Use stevia or monk fruit sweetener for a no-calorie option. Both provide sweetness without impacting your sugar intake.
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Cinnamon Alternatives: Swap ground cinnamon for pumpkin pie spice or cardamom for a delightful twist that adds warmth and depth to your sauce.
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Fruit Fusion: Blend in ripe pears or peaches when cooking for a different flavor dimension. Just imagine a luscious applesauce with added fruity notes!
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Chunky Style: Pulse blend your applesauce for a chunky texture, perfect for those who enjoy more bite in their condiment. It’s like a tasty adventure with each spoonful.
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Flavor Boosters: Try adding a splash of vanilla extract or a bit of citrus zest to brighten up the flavors of your applesauce. Your taste buds will thank you!
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Spicy Kick: Incorporate a pinch of cayenne pepper or ginger for a subtle heat that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the apples.
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Nutty Inclusion: If not allergic, toast and mix in some finely chopped pecans or walnuts for a crunchy twist. This adds texture and a delightful nutty flavor to your homemade treat!
What to Serve with Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce?
Elevate your meals or snacks with delightful pairings that bring out the best in your homemade applesauce.
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Savory Pork Chops: Juicy pork chops grilled or roasted create a delicious contrast to the sweet tang of applesauce.
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Cinnamon Oatmeal: A warm bowl of oatmeal topped with applesauce and a sprinkle of cinnamon makes for a cozy breakfast.
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Yogurt Parfait: Layering applesauce with creamy yogurt and granola provides a satisfying texture combo and a nutritious snack.
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Roasted Sweet Potatoes: The natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes pairs beautifully with the creamy applesauce, enhancing both flavors.
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Cheddar Cheese: Crisp apple slices with cheddar create a delightful cheese board accent that brings both sweetness and creaminess to your table.
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Spiced Carrot Muffins: These muffins complement the applesauce with their warmth and spice, creating a perfect afternoon treat.
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Herbal Tea: A fragrant cup of chamomile or cinnamon tea is a calming pair, balancing the sweetness and warm spices of the applesauce.
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Pancakes or Waffles: Drizzling applesauce over pancakes adds a natural sweetness while keeping breakfast light and wholesome.
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Granola Bars: Homemade or store-bought, granola bars with a dollop of applesauce make for an easy, on-the-go snack.
Expert Tips for Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce
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Choose Right Apples: Opt for a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor. Honeycrisp paired with Granny Smith creates depth in your Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce.
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Save Cooking Time: If using overripe apples, reduce the cooking time to just 2 minutes. They become tender faster, ensuring the applesauce is ready in no time!
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Avoid Over-Sweetening: Taste your apples before adding any sweeteners. Some varieties are naturally sweeter, allowing you to skip or reduce added sugars altogether.
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Texture Control: Blend to your desired consistency. For a chunkier applesauce, pulse briefly instead of blending; this gives a lovely texture that kids adore.
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Keep It Fresh: Use clean utensils when serving from the jar to prevent spoilage. Store in an airtight mason jar for the best longevity.
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Cook’s Tip: If you’re out of maple or coconut sugar, try 2 Medjool dates instead. They blend beautifully into the sauce, adding a unique sweetness to your Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce.
How to Store and Freeze Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce
Fridge: Store your homemade applesauce in a clean mason jar with a tight lid for up to 1 week. Keeping it airtight helps maintain its fresh flavor and creamy texture.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in smaller portions using silicone molds or freezer-safe bags. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply transfer the applesauce from the freezer to the fridge overnight, or warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave for a few seconds before serving.
Reheating: If desired, warm the applesauce on the stovetop or microwave. Stir well to ensure even heating, and taste for sweetness; adjust as needed before serving!
Make Ahead Options
These delightful jars of Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce are perfect for meal prep! You can prepare the apples (coring and halving them) up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain their freshness. Additionally, you can blend the applesauce and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before enjoying. To prevent browning, ensure the apple halves are well-coated with water and seal them tightly. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the applesauce on the stovetop or in the microwave until warm, adding a drizzle of maple syrup if desired. This way, you can relish homemade goodness in mere minutes, perfectly suited for your busy weeknights!
Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for this recipe?
Absolutely! I recommend using a combination of sweet apples like Honeycrisp paired with tart varieties like Granny Smith. This blend adds a depth of flavor and richness to your Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce.
How can I store my homemade applesauce, and how long will it last?
Store your applesauce in a clean mason jar with an airtight lid in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The tight seal helps preserve freshness and maintains that creamy texture you love. Just remember to use clean utensils when serving to avoid spoilage!
Can I freeze my applesauce, and if so, how?
Certainly! To freeze your Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce, pour it into silicone molds or freezer-safe bags, making sure to leave some space for expansion. It can be kept in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight or warm it gently on the stove or microwave.
What if my applesauce is too sweet?
Very! It’s common for some apple varieties to be sweeter than others. If you find it overly sweet after blending, just stir in a splash of lemon juice, which not only cuts the sweetness but also brightens the flavors. Start with a teaspoon, adjust to taste, and you’ll be back to the perfect balance in no time!
Can my pets enjoy this applesauce, or is it safe for them?
While the applesauce ingredients are generally safe for pets, be mindful that certain additives, like sweeteners such as xylitol, can be harmful to dogs. If you’re sharing, I suggest serving plain applesauce without any sweeteners or spices, and always check with your vet if unsure.
What should I do if my applesauce is too chunky?
No problem! If you prefer a smoother consistency, simply blend it for a few more seconds in your high-speed blender. If you want a chunkier applesauce, pulse briefly instead of continuous blending. You can create a delightful texture that kids will love, adding a homemade touch to your dish!
Delicious Easy Instant Pot Homemade Applesauce in Minutes
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Wash the apples thoroughly. Core and halve them, leaving the skin on.
- Place the apple halves into the Instant Pot, along with ¼ cup of filtered water.
- If desired, add sweeteners and cinnamon for flavor.
- Close the lid securely and set the valve to the sealed position. Cook on manual high pressure for 3 minutes.
- Carefully perform a manual release of the pressure once the cooking cycle is complete.
- Transfer the cooked apples and any leftover liquid into a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.
- Pour the applesauce into a mason jar and let it cool. Refrigerate overnight.