If you’ve ever wondered how effortless homemade applesauce can be, you have to try this Easy Instant Pot Applesauce. With just a few everyday ingredients and minimal hands-on time, you get a naturally sweet, cozy treat that outshines anything from a jar. Whether you’re serving it warm with a sprinkle of cinnamon or chilling it for a refreshing snack, this recipe is pure comfort and nostalgia. Best of all, it’s gluten-free, vegan, and quick enough for busy weeks. Let’s get your Instant Pot working its magic!
Ingredients You’ll Need
-
Applesauce:
- 3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium, any variety or mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
Step 1: Load the Instant Pot
Add your peeled, cored, and chopped apples to the Instant Pot insert. Sprinkle with lemon juice, pour in the water, and, if you’d like that classic spice note, dust the apples evenly with ground cinnamon. Everything hits the pot at once—the perfect kickoff for this Easy Instant Pot Applesauce!
Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection
Secure the lid tightly and set the valve to sealing. Select high pressure and set the cook time for 5 minutes. The apples will cook down fast and get wonderfully tender, capturing all their goodness with maximum ease.
Step 3: Let the Pot Do Its Thing
When the cooking cycle ends, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This not only prevents splatters, it also helps the apples finish softening gently for that melt-in-your-mouth consistency. After 10 minutes, carefully quick release any remaining pressure.
Step 4: Mash or Blend
Remove the lid and take in that amazing aroma! For smooth Easy Instant Pot Applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. Prefer a rustic, chunky texture? Simply mash everything up with a potato masher or fork until you reach your favorite consistency.
Step 5: Sweeten and Cool
Taste your applesauce before adding any sweetener—you may find it’s perfect as-is, especially with naturally sweet apples. If needed, stir in maple syrup or sugar a bit at a time until it’s just right. Let your applesauce cool for a few minutes, then transfer to containers and refrigerate until chilled or ready to serve.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
Garnishes
This applesauce loves company! Before serving, consider a sprinkle of extra cinnamon, a handful of granola, or even a dollop of coconut yogurt for a pretty, crowd-pleasing touch. Fresh apple slices or a pinch of nutmeg can also elevate each bowl.
Side Dishes
Pair Easy Instant Pot Applesauce with everything from crispy potato pancakes to roast pork, or add it to your weekend pancake or oatmeal spread. It’s also a naturally sweet side for school lunches or after-school snacks—gentle on tummies and universally loved.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your applesauce into small mason jars for perfect lunchbox portions, layer it in a parfait with granola and coconut cream, or freeze it in popsicle molds for a fruity frozen snack. The options are as fun as they are tasty!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store your Easy Instant Pot Applesauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. It keeps its flavor and freshness delightfully well and is always ready for a quick snack or side dish.
Freezing
To save a taste of homemade applesauce for later, portion it into freezer-safe containers or silicone trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw portions overnight in the fridge and enjoy a splash of fall flavor anytime you please.
Reheating
To reheat, simply microwave individual servings for 30–60 seconds, or warm gently in a saucepan over low heat. Stir well and enjoy as if it were just made, no matter what time of year you dig in!
FAQs
Can I leave the peels on the apples?
Absolutely! If you want a more rustic texture and a bit of extra fiber, feel free to leave the peels on. The Instant Pot softens them a lot, and blending will smooth them out. Just be aware that the sauce may be more textured and slightly pinker, depending on your apples.
What’s the best apple variety for Easy Instant Pot Applesauce?
Go with what you love! Sweet apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp make a milder, sweeter sauce, while a mix with tart Granny Smith or McIntosh will give more complexity. Mixing varieties is a fun way to balance flavors and use up extra apples.
Is it possible to double the recipe?
Yes, you can double it as long as you don’t fill your Instant Pot above the “max” line. Just keep the cook time the same—the pressure cooking will break everything down beautifully, no matter the batch size.
Can I make Easy Instant Pot Applesauce sugar-free?
Definitely! If your apples are sweet enough, there’s no need to add sugar or syrup. Taste after cooking and only add sweetener if you think it needs a boost. This makes it a wholesome, naturally sweetened snack.
How can I make this applesauce spicier?
Try stirring in a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, or ground cloves along with the cinnamon. It’s a simple way to make the flavor more festive or autumn-inspired without overpowering the apples.
Final Thoughts
This Easy Instant Pot Applesauce truly makes the most of humble ingredients and a bit of kitchen magic. Whether you serve it chunky, smooth, sweet, or tart, I’m certain it’ll become a fast favorite in your home. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the irresistible aroma of cozy, homemade applesauce—there’s nothing quite like it!
Print
Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (including pressure build/release)
- Yield: About 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Enjoy the simplicity and freshness of homemade applesauce with this easy Instant Pot recipe. Perfect for a snack or side dish, this flavorful applesauce is gluten-free, vegan, and dairy-free, making it a versatile and healthy option for all.
Ingredients
Applesauce:
- 3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium, any variety or mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)
Instructions
- Add the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using) to the Instant Pot. Seal the lid and set the valve to sealing.
- Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Use an immersion blender for a smooth applesauce or mash with a fork or potato masher for chunky texture.
- Stir in sweetener, if desired, adjusting to taste.
- Let cool slightly, then transfer to containers and refrigerate.
Notes
- No need to add sweetener if using naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
- Freeze in portions for later use.
- Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spiced variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 80
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
