Making homemade applesauce has never been easier thanks to the Instant Pot’s magic. This 13-minute recipe transforms fresh apples into smooth, naturally sweet goodness without hours of stovetop simmering.
With just 58 calories per serving and packed with fiber, it’s a wholesome treat that both kids and adults will love. Skip the store-bought versions loaded with preservatives – this simple pressure cooker method delivers pure apple flavor in a fraction of the time.
Ingredients for Homemade Applesauce
- Granny Smith Apples: 4 large, peeled, cored and chopped – provides perfect tartness
- Honeycrisp Apples: 4 large, peeled, cored and chopped – adds natural sweetness
- Water: 1 cup, helps create the perfect consistency
- Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon fresh, prevents browning and adds brightness
- Ground Cinnamon: 1/2 teaspoon, adds warm, comforting flavor
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and chop apples. Pro tip: Use a johnny apple peeler for quick prep!
- Season the Pot: Add water, fresh lemon juice, and cinnamon to your Instant Pot, giving it a good stir
- Add Apples: Toss in the prepared apples and mix well to coat with the seasoned liquid
- Pressure Cook: Secure lid and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes
- Release Pressure: Either perform a controlled quick release or let it naturally release
- Final Touches: Mash with a potato masher to your desired consistency. For silky smooth texture, blend it!
- Cool and Store: Transfer to a bowl, cool completely, and adjust cinnamon to taste. Keeps fresh for 7-10 days in the fridge
Storage Tips
This homemade applesauce stays fresh in your fridge for 7-10 days when kept in an airtight container. Want to make a bigger batch? You can freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to enjoy it again!
Easy Variations
Love playing with flavors? Try these simple twists: Add a pinch of nutmeg or allspice for a cozy fall taste, mix in vanilla extract for extra sweetness, or skip the cinnamon for pure apple flavor.
You can also switch up your apple mix – try Pink Lady apples for natural sweetness or Fuji apples for a lighter flavor. Make it as smooth or chunky as you like by adjusting how much you mash the cooked apples.
Serving Ideas
Warm or cold, this applesauce is super versatile! Spoon it over your morning oatmeal, mix it into yogurt for breakfast, or serve it alongside pork chops for dinner. It’s also perfect as a healthy snack on its own, or warmed up with a tiny scoop of vanilla ice cream for a simple dessert. Kids love it in their lunch boxes too!
Extra Tips
No Johnny apple peeler? No problem! A regular peeler works just fine – it just takes a few extra minutes. If your apples are extra juicy, you might want to use a bit less water. Start with 3/4 cup and add more if needed. The nice thing about Instant Pot applesauce is that you can always hit “sauté” after cooking to boil off extra liquid if it’s too watery.
Instant Pot Applesauce
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Potato masher
- Apple Peeler
Ingredients
For the Applesauce
- 4 large Granny Smith apples peeled, cored and roughly chopped
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples peeled, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice from about ½ a lemon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and core apples. I use a johhny apple peeler to do all three steps at once (peel, spice and core).
- Add water, lemon juice and cinnamon to instant pot and stir to combine. Add apples and toss to mix.
- Secure lid and cook on manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes. Do a controlled quick release or allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Mash the apple mixture a few times with a potato masher, if desired. (If you like a smoother texture you could pulse it in the blender.) Transfer contents to a bowl and allow to cool completely. Stir in more cinnamon, if desired, to taste. Enjoy warm or cold. Store in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
