Three ingredients and just 5 minutes of preparation to make this delicious Instant Pot Applesauce. This is a delicious cinnamon-flavored Apple puree with a good balance of savory, sweet and tangy. Enjoy it as a snack, or use it as a filling for desserts.
This is the only way I have made applesauce. Before the Instant Pot, I wouldn't think of making applesauce myself...and I didn't have a daughter who demanded applesauce :-). However, now she loves it and wants to have it frequently. This certainly is a great homemade nutritious snack to have ready for toddlers or even older kids.
You might also enjoy this Instant Pot Strawberry Jam and Cranberry Chutney recipe.
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Which apples to choose to make Applesauce?
I used Ambrosia apples when making this recipe as we like our applesauce sweet. It is great to use a combination of varieties, too so you can get a balance of flavors in the applesauce.
Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Fuji, or a combination of these. The amount of sweetness in the apples is important to determine if added sugar will be required. I prefer to choose naturally sweeter apples, so I don't have to add any sugar.
How to make Applesauce in the Pressure Cooker?
To make homemade Applesauce, I prefer not to peel the apples. Why waste all the wonderful nutrients that are in the peel? They are going to get mixed, and the kids won't even realize. However, if you prefer the taste of applesauce without the peel, that would work, too, with this same recipe. If you are not peeling, preferably get organic apples and wash them well before using.
I used 5 apples when making this recipe. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Keep in mind that apples can foam, so only fill to half the capacity of the pot and do a natural pressure release.
I start with slicing the apples. For this, I love the Calphalon Apple Corer & Slicer. I could cut all five apples in less than two minutes.
I like to add Cinnamon and Lemon juice to the applesauce. There are other spices that go well with Applesauce - Nutmeg, Cloves, and Cardamom. Try them and see what you prefer. Lemon juice is optional as well. However, I like to add it to balance the flavors.
I used Ambrosia apples when making this recipe. These apples are sweet, and hence I did not need to add any sweetener. However, if you are using other varieties which are less sweet, you can add a sweetener such as honey or sugar. Some people prefer maple syrup. Add the amount based on your family's preference.
Alright, so the method is super simple. Add all ingredients to the pot and give a stir.
Pressure cook for 4 minutes at high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally.
Then use an immersion blender to blend the apples to a smooth paste. If you like chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher.
Delicious Applesauce is ready!
Enjoy this applesauce on its own or spread it on toast, top it on your oatmeal or waffles or pancakes. You can also use it in baking recipes as a replacement for eggs or butter.
Why add lemon juice to Applesauce?
I read here that lemon juice helps to preserve the color of the applesauce (especially when canning). Although I just love the flavor of the applesauce with lemon juice.
How to Store Applesauce?
This applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days and can be freezed up to 3 months. Store in small containers.
Instant Pot Applesauce Tips
- Vary the spices you add to your applesauce: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cardamom. Try them and see what you prefer.
- The good part of applesauce is that any apples can work. They are all going to get mush, so don't worry about getting the perfect-looking apples.
Common Questions
Butter is completely optional in applesauce. I feel it adds a smoother texture. However, it also reduces the tartness of the apples. Please skip or add depending on your taste preference.
I prefer not to peel the apples as the peels have a lot of good nutrients. They are going to get mixed, and the kids won't even realize.
However, if you prefer the taste of applesauce without the peel, that would work, too, with this same recipe. If you are not peeling, get organic apples and wash them well before using them.
It depends on the type of apples you use. If the apples are sweet, then a sweetener is not needed. I used Ambrosia apples, so I did not need to add any sweetener.
However, if you are using other varieties which are less sweet, you can add a sweetener such as honey or sugar. Some people prefer maple syrup. Add the amount to your family's preference.
I like to add cinnamon & lemon juice to the applesauce. Some other spices that go well with applesauce - nutmeg, cloves, and cardamom.
Yes, let the applesauce cool down completely. Then freeze in small containers or freeze safe ziplock bags. Applesauce can be freezed up to 3 months.
I have seen these awesome reusable pouches on Amazon. These can be filled with applesauce (or flavored yogurt), and perfect on-the-go pouches are ready. Kids would love to have applesauce in these handy dandy pouches. They are easy to fill and easy to clean.
Give this delicious Instant Pot Applesauce a try!
3-Ingredient Instant Pot Applesauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 5 Apples medium (Ambrosia, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, etc)
- 1 tablespoon Lemon juice (optional)
- 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon or 2" stick
- 1 tablespoon Butter melted (optional)
- ⅛ cup Water
Instructions
- Slice the apples or cut them into pieces. Discard the core, stem and seeds.
- Add butter, apples, lemon juice, cinnamon and water to the Pressure Cooker. Stir it all up. Close lid.
- Start the Pressure Cooker on manual or pressure cook mode at high pressure for 4 minutes. Once the pressure cooker beeps, let the pressure release naturally.
- If using Cinnamon stick, remove it from the pot. Use an immersion blender or blender to smooth the applesauce to the consistency you prefer. Be careful if blending when the apples are still hot.
- Let it cool, then place in air tight containers to store in refrigerator. Enjoy!
Video
Notes
- Peeling Apples: If you prefer, you can peel the apples and follow the same method.
- Spices: There are other spices that go well with Applesauce – Nutmeg, Cloves, Cardamom. Try them and see what you prefer.
- Sweetener: I used Ambrosia apples, which are sweet. Hence I did not add any sweetener. However if you are using other varieties which are less sweet, you can add a sweetener such as honey or sugar. Add the amount based on your family’s preference.
- Double? - This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Keep in mind that apples can foam, so only fill to half the capacity of the pot.
- Storage: This applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be freezed up to 3 months. Store in small containers.
- Vegan Variation: To make this recipe vegan, just skip the butter.
Note: Nutrition values are my best estimates. If you rely on them for your diet, use your preferred nutrition calculator.
Nutrition
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Laura says
Oh wow!! I, too, adore and use Ambrosia apples! Aren't they wonderful? Thank you for posting your recipe. I could not get the Ambrosia apples for the past 2-3 months, but today, the store finally had therm. I was soooooooooooooooooooo happy! and now, I am above the moon. Thank you! Take care...
Meeta Arora says
Hi Laura - They are so good. I hope you enjoy the applesauce!
SR says
Thanks for the recipe! I make this all the time for my toddler.
Piping Pot Curry says
Glad your toddler is enjoying the Applesauce 🙂