4 Ingredient Delicious Instant Pot Applesauce

Four 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 recipe.

How to make Applesauce in the Pressure Cooker?

To make 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.

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Alright, so the method is super simple. Add all ingredients to the pot, and 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!

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.

To add butter or not to applesauce?

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.

To peel apples or not for applesauce?

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.

What spices to add to Applesauce?

I like to add Cinnamon & Lemon juice to the applesauce. Some other spices that go well with Applesauce - Nutmeg, Cloves, and Cardamom.

Do you need to add sugar when making Applesauce?

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.

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 make Applesauce Pouches?

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.

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.
• This applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days and can be freezes up to 2 months. Store in small containers.

Give this delicious Instant Pot Applesauce a try!

Checkout instant pot desserts you might like -

• Orange Semolina Cake
• Rice Pudding / Kheer