This Instant Pot applesauce recipe is the easiest way to make homemade applesauce! Unsweetened yet so delicious, the minimal ingredients allow the flavor of the apples to truly shine, making it perfect for snacking or adding to apple-flavored treats.
Why you’ll love this applesauce recipe
One taste of this applesauce in the Instant Pot, and you’ll never go back to buying store-bought applesauce again. You just can’t beat the natural, sweet, and tangy flavor of the homemade stuff. Plus, it’s super simple and fun to make!
- With just 4 simple ingredients, there’s no need to worry about added sugar, preservatives, artificial coloring, or any other not-so-desirable ingredients found in storebought applesauce packs.
- All the ingredients combine and cook in less than 20 minutes for a fuss-free recipe that’s ready to eat in less time than it takes to run to the store!
- You can easily prepare a large batch to keep on hand and enjoy on its own or add to all your favorite snacks and desserts.
Don’t worry if you love a sweet applesauce taste. I provide optional mix-ins to help you create any flavor you like!
Key Ingredient Notes
This Instant Pot applesauce recipe comes together with four ingredients you probably have on hand:
- Apples – I used Granny Smith apples for a tart applesauce, but any variety of apples will work. Or, use a combination of different apples for a unique taste.
- Lemon juice helps balance the sweetness of the apples and prevents them from browning.
- Water – I added tap water to the instant pot to create steam to cook the apples.
- Cinnamon – This is optional but highly recommended as the warm flavor pairs nicely with the tart apples!
How to make applesauce in an Instant Pot:
- Wash and cut the apples into quarters, and remove the seeds.
- Place the cored apples in the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Then, add the water and lemon juice.
- Cover the pot, and seal the valve.
- Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook/Manual for 5 minutes on high. (NOTE: It took about 10 minutes for my IP to come to pressure!)
- Let the pressure naturally release, which means just let the IP sit until the pin drops, about 25 minutes.
- Turn the valve to venting, and carefully open the lid.
- Pick out the apple skins. It’ll be super easy!
- Blend the sauce with an immersion blender, until smooth.
What to do with homemade applesauce?
Of course, you can always enjoy this recipe on its own. It’s one of my kids’ favorite snacks! However, it’s also great for baking or adding to your favorite meals.
Some of my favorite ways to use Instant Pot applesauce include:
- In place of oil in cakes, muffins, or cupcakes
- As a topping on yogurt bowls
- Stirred into my morning bowl of oatmeal
- As a dip with potato pancakes
- As a substitute for eggs in vegan baking
Make-Ahead Tips:
If you want to get a head start, you can cut the apples up to 3 days in advance. Then, drizzle them with lemon juice, and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator until you’re ready to make your applesauce.
Storing Tips:
- Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Leftover applesauce can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container. Then, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve.
Freeze single-servings
To freeze individual portions, pour the applesauce into a silicone mold. (These Souper Cube freezer trays are my favorite!)
Once solid, transfer the portions to a freezer bag. This way you can grab a portion or two at a time, which is perfect for packed lunches or after-school snacks!
FAQs:
I prefer to blend the apples completely to create a smooth texture. However, if you prefer a chunkier applesauce, you can use a spoon or potato masher to create a thicker consistency!
You can, but I don’t find it necessary. Once cooked, the peels slide right off, making them super easy to discard. Peeling beforehand just causes unnecessary work!
Feel free to experiment with different spices such as nutmeg, allspice, or even apple pie spice. Or, make your applesauce sweeter by stirring honey or maple syrup into the mix.
More Apple Recipes:
Instant Pot Unsweetened Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3.5 lbs Granny Smith apples or any variety of apples
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ cup water
- ¼-½ teaspoon ground cinnamon optional, Note 1
Instructions
- Wash and cut the apples into quarters. Remove the seeds.
- Place the cored apples in the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Add water and lemon juice.
- Cover and make sure the valve is set to sealing.
- Set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook/Manual for 5 minutes on high. (NOTE: It took about 10 minutes for my IP to come to pressure.)
- Let the pressure naturally release, which means just let the IP sit until the pin drops, about 25 minutes.
- Turn the valve to venting, and carefully open the lid.
- Remove the apple skins before blending everything in a blender, or using an immersion blender, until smooth.
- Stir in cinnamon or other sweetener, if desired.
Tips & Notes
– Store leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
– Leftover applesauce can be frozen! Allow it to cool completely, and transfer it to an airtight container. Then, freeze for up to 3 months, and thaw in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to serve.
Nutrition
