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    Home » Recipes » Side Dishes » Instant Pot Applesauce recipe

    PUBLISHED: November 16, 2020 • By Toni Dash 10 Comments

    Instant Pot Applesauce recipe

    Jump to Recipe

    This post may include affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Instant Pot Applesauce title

    Fast and easy Instant Pot Applesauce is full of sweet apple flavor with only 4 wholesome ingredients and no sweetener. This no sugar homemade applesauce recipe cooks in just 9 minutes. Make it smooth or chunky!

    Instant Pot Applesauce title

    One bite of this Instant Pot Applesauce and you’ll never believe no sugar is added!

    It’s naturally sweet and bursting with apple flavor. Just a touch of cinnamon makes it perfection. 

    Eat it as is or add it to your favorite recipes calling for applesauce.

    If you don’t use an Instant Pot we’ve included a slow cooker recipe option here. Or use our conventional Homemade Applesauce recipe!

    The Best Applesauce Recipe

    Applesauce is not just for kids and one bite of this recipe will prove that!

    Making it in a pressure cooker preserves all the nutrients and flavor.

    Everything is done in the Instant Pot (easy clean up).

    You can whip up a batch in less than 30 minutes!

    With no sugar added enjoy it anytime for a wholesome snack!

    Recipe Ingredients + Notes

    Apples. Any type of apple can be used in this recipe. A favorite is Honeycrisp. They have big apple flavor and are sweet. More suggestions included below.

    Water. Because the applesauce is naturally sweet from the apples, water is the only liquid needed. If you want it SUPER apple-y you can substitute apple juice, apple cider or a mix.

    NOTE: the Instant Pot company recommends a minimum of 1 cup liquid for a 6-quart machine to work optimally. All my Instant Pot recipes are developed with this guideline.

    Lemon juice. This punches up the flavor of the apples by adding a contrasting, tart flavor. It also helps decrease the apples oxidizing (turning brown).

    Cinnamon. A perfect flavor to pair with the apples for a delicious end result.

    instant pot applesauce ingredients

    Supplies Needed:

    Instant Pot. This recipe was developed with a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo. 

    Immersion Blender or Potato Masher. Depending on the consistency you prefer one of these tools will be needed.

    The immersion blender, also called a stick blender, will make a very smooth consistency. The applesauce can also be processed in batches through a regular blender.

    The potato masher is best to keep it chunky.

    What are the Best Apples to use for homemade Applesauce?

    Depending on how sweet or tart you want the final result to be, here are some apple types that are best for making applesauce:

    • Honeycrisp (sweet)
    • Fuji (sweet)
    • McIntosh (sweet and tart combo)
    • Golden Delicious (sweet)
    • Granny Smith (tart)
    • Jonagold (sweet)
    • Rome (sweet and tangy)
    • Pink Lady (sweet and tangy)

    Red Delicious apples are NOT recommended for making applesauce.

    instant pot applesauce in bowl close up

    Variations

    Use different spices. Cinnamon is a classic pairing with apples but it doesn’t stop there! Try allspice, nutmeg, mace or cardamom or cloves. A little goes a long way so don’t add too much or it could overpower the apples.

    Mix different apple types. Mixing different sweet apples or tart AND sweet give the applesauce a different flavor. You can change it up every time!

    Don’t peel the apples (core them only). I personally have not tried this but have friends who swear by not peeling (save alot of time) then using an immersion blender at the end. They maintain the peels pulverize and cannot be detected.

    Mix in other fruits. Add some pear, cherries (frozen and thawed; remove the pits), or strawberries to change up the flavor. Throw in some frozen mango cubes!

    How to Make it- Step-by-Step

    STEP 1. Add all ingredients to the Instant Pot (photo 1). 

    Seal the lid and vent.

    STEP 2. Pressure Cook the Applesauce.

    Cook on HIGH PRESSURE for 9 minutes.

    When complete, perform a QUICK RELEASE and remove the lid (photo 2 after cooking).

    instant pot applesauce recipe steps 1-3

    STEP 3. Process the Applesauce.

    Use either an immersion blender (for a smooth consistency) or a potato masher (for a chunky consistency shown here), process the applesauce (photo 3).

    NOTE: the ingredients will be hot. If using an immersion blender take care to avoid splattering the hot liquid. Keep the head of the blender below the surface of the applesauce.

    Slow Cooker Applesauce option

    To make this in the slow cooker:

    Add all ingredients and cook on HIGH heat for 4 hours.

    Process the applesauce through one of the two options listed above.

    Storing Leftovers

    Store in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.

    How to Freeze Homemade Applesauce

    Allow it to cool completely. Place in freezer-proof containers or bags squeezing out as much air as possible.

    Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator.

    How to Use Instant Pot Applesauce

    Eat ‘as is’. If you are an applesauce lover eating just as it is will be perfect. Especially after chilling it has a wonderful flavor and texture.

    Use it in baking recipes. Did you know applesauce can be swapped for oil one-to-one in baking recipe? It’s an old dieting trick that helps make baked good healthier.

    These Oat Bran Muffins are a perfect example. 

    Use on roast pork or chicken. Ever hear the phrase ‘pork chops and applesauce’? There is reason. The sweet apples are wonderful paired with cooked pork.

    A sweet salty combination that’s delicious. Try it on Spicy Baked Pork Chops, Pumpkin-Cider Braised Pork Chops, Cranberry Apple Skillet Chicken or  Pan-fried Brined Pork Loin Chops.

    On Latkes or Potato Pancakes. Pan friend potato pancakes are delicious and applesauce is a perfect topping with a dollop of sour cream! Try it on this Potato Latkes recipe.

    On Oatmeal. Whether on a bowl of regular oatmeal or a slice of baked oatmeal it’s a great topping option.

    Try it on Apple Baked Oatmeal, Baked Oatmeal with Chocolate Chips or  Gingerbread Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats. It would be great on Apple Pancakes too! 

    Recipe FAQ’s + Pro Tips

    Use an apple peeler to save time. If you have a need to peel apples often an apple peeler is an effortless way to do it.

    The apple is secured into the device. A crank rotates the apple against a peeling surface and the apple is fully peeled in about 30 seconds. The fruit is intact with only the peel removed. 

    There are many models of apple peelers. I have had one for about 15 years that looks close to this one or this one. It has been such a time saver and is one of my favorite kitchen devices.

    Can this Instant Pot Applesauce be Canned?

    Yes! It can be water bath canned.

    instant pot applesauce in bowl side

    More Recipes You’ll Love!

    • Homemade Tomato Soup
    • Baked Apples recipe
    • Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider
    • Apple Crisp Dump Cake recipe
    Did you make it? Please RATE THE RECIPE below!

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    Instant Pot Applesauce title

    Instant Pot Applesauce

    Deliciously sweet Instant Pot Applesauce is fast and easy with no sugar needed! Cooks in 9 minutes.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Save Recipe Recipe Saved! Pin Rate
    Course: Side Dish
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 9 minutes
    Total Time: 24 minutes
    Servings: 10 1/2 cup servings (total yield: 5 cups)
    Calories: 76kcal
    Author: Toni Dash
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Ingredients

    • 8 medium-large Apples peeled, cored and cut into 1/8s
    • 1 cup Water
    • 1 ½ teaspoons lemon juice
    • ¼ teaspoon ground Cinnamon

    Instructions

    • Place all ingredients into the Instant Pot and stir to combine.
    • Close the lid and valve and set on HIGH PRESSURE for 9 minutes.
      When the cooking cycle completes, perform a QUICK RELEASE and remove the lid.
    • BLENDING THE APPLESAUCE: For smooth applesauce use an immersion blender or puree in batches in a regular blender. For a chunkier consistency use a potato masher.
      Blend the batch until desired consistency is achieved.
    • Store in a sealed jar or container in the refrigerator. The applesauce will thicken slightly as it chills.

    Notes

    Note on Blending
    The cooked ingredients will be hot. If using an immersion blender (or a regular blender) take care to avoid splattering the hot liquid. Keep the head of the blender below the surface of the applesauce.
    Slow Cooker option
    If you want to cook in the slow cooker, add ingredients, close the lid and cook on HIGH for 4 hours. Process as noted in the recipe above.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 76kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 3mg | Potassium: 156mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 15g | Vitamin A: 79IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 9mg | Iron: 1mg
    Did you make this recipe?Mention @boulderlocavore or tag #boulderlocavore!
    « Fennel and Orange Salad recipe
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    ABOUT THE AUTHOR

    TONI DASH
    Toni Dash head shot

    Toni Dash, is a Certified Nutrition Coach and the writer/blogger, photographer, recipe developer and creator of Boulder Locavore®. She has been developing easy to make, well-tested recipes since 2010. Her seasonal recipes bring excitement to the dining table for both gluten-free and gluten diners. Toni has been featured in numerous publications and on culinary websites for her creative, delicious recipes and travel features. For more details, check out her About page.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. wilhelmina says

      November 17, 2020 at 5:59 pm

      5 stars
      This applesauce is crazy easy and super delish! It’s great in it’s own, but I like to use it in my holiday recipes also!

      Reply
    2. LAUREN KELLY says

      November 16, 2020 at 12:04 pm

      5 stars
      This is so delicious, I will never buy store bought again! Thank you!

      Reply
    3. Shelley says

      November 16, 2020 at 9:35 am

      5 stars
      Oh wow – this really is so quick and simple! And you know I just love it that there’s no additional sweeteners needed at all – so healthy! Great tip to pump up the apple flavor by using apple juice or apple cider in place of water – thanks for the brilliant suggestion!

      Reply
    4. Charla says

      November 16, 2020 at 8:54 am

      5 stars
      Brillant!! I need an applesauce recipe for one of my vegan dishes.

      Reply
    5. Alisa Infanti says

      November 16, 2020 at 8:50 am

      My kids eat a tonne of apple sauce with graham crackers so I can’t wait to try this homemade version!

      Reply
    6. Betsy says

      November 16, 2020 at 8:35 am

      5 stars
      So awesomely easy! Great flavor and wonderfully delicious! My kids asked for more! Love it when they ask for more of the healthier stuff. 🙂

      Reply
    7. Kushigalu says

      November 16, 2020 at 8:22 am

      5 stars
      Love this IP version of applesauce. Thanks for sharing

      Reply
    8. Matt Taylor says

      November 16, 2020 at 8:01 am

      5 stars
      Yummy! I love homemade applesauce. I have never thought to do it in an instant pot though, this is great, thanks, Toni!

      Reply
    9. Helen says

      November 16, 2020 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      This looks so easy and delicious. I hadn’t thought to make applesauce in the IP before – thanks for the recipe!

      Reply
    10. sherry brubaker says

      November 16, 2020 at 7:49 am

      5 stars
      I love my Instant Pot because it saves so much time, this recipe is well thought out and my kids love the touch of cinnamon!

      Reply

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    About Toni Dash

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    Welcome! I’m Toni. I’m a Certified Nutrition Coach and my goal is to MAKE YOUR LIFE EASIER with delicious, well-tested recipes and travel tips! More About Me …

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