Instant Pot Applesauce recipe

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!

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.

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.

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).

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.

More Recipes You’ll Love!

• Homemade Tomato Soup
• Baked Apples recipe
• Slow Cooker Mulled Apple Cider
• Apple Crisp Dump Cake recipe

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