This Instant Pot Applesauce is a quick, easy, and healthy way to make homemade applesauce! Sweetener is optional and slow cooker instructions are included.
I was never a huge fan of applesauce, until I made this homemade instant pot applesauce. Oh my GOSH it is so much better than store-bought and it’s ALMOST as easy. Trust me. This homemade applesauce is worth the 10 minutes of prep.
Ingredients
Homemade applesauce is SO much better than store-bought. It requires very few ingredients that I’m sure you already have on hand.
- Apples: Granny Smith and Honey Crisp – the base for our applesauce. Using two different kinds of apples provides multiple levels of flavor and textures. Granny Smith apples are firm and tart whereas Honey Crisp apples are softer and sweeter. The only apples I would avoid using are Red Delicious, because they’re too soft and aren’t very strong in flavor.
- Apple Juice – provides moisture and additional apple flavor. Liquid is necessary to bring the Instant Pot to pressure. Apple juice is used instead of water so the flavor of the apples isn’t diluted. Use a no sugar added variety — there’s no need for the additional sugar.
- Maple Syrup – optional, but highly recommended. Maple syrup is an all-natural sweetener that’s packed with minerals! Be sure to use pure maple syrup, not pancake syrup. Honey or even brown sugar would work as well. Although sweetener isn’t necessary, Granny Smith apples are quite tart and a sweetener like maple syrup provides a rich, molasses flavor that balances the tartness really well.
- Butter – helps balance out the tart flavor of the applesauce while also adding a rich, depth of flavor and creamy texture. Use a plant-based variety to keep this recipe vegan.
- Vanilla Extract – adds a sweet, cozy flavor. Pure vanilla extract is always preferred, but imitation will be fine in a pinch. Pure vanilla is made with vanilla bean, water, and alcohol whereas imitation vanilla is made without vanilla beans.
- Cinnamon – gives the applesauce a sweet, spicy flavor. Cinnamon helps make this super flavorful and can also lower blood sugar levels and reduce heart disease risk factors!
- Salt – balances the sweetness from the maple syrup and enhances the other flavors.
How to make
The original recipe calls for peeling the apples, but feel free to leave them on to save time and for added nutrients!
- Place apples, juice, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into a 6 quart Instant Pot.
- Cover and lock the lid, then cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes.
- Use a potato masher to mash the applesauce until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and add sweetener, if desired, then serve warm or cold.
How long do you steam apples for applesauce?
3 pounds of apples that have been peeled, cored, and cut into wedges will “steam” in a 6 quart Instant Pot on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes.
That does not include the time it takes for the Instant Pot to come to pressure or the time it takes for it to release the pressure.
What apples to use
This recipe calls for granny smith apples and honeycrisp apples, but any apple such as fuji, gala, jazz, golden delicious, mcintosh, cortland, and braeburn will work. I like using a combination of a tart, firm apple (granny smith) and a sweeter, crispy apple (honeycrisp) for the best flavor and texture.
The only apple I don’t recommend using is Red Delicious — it’s too soft and too mild.
Do you peel the apples?
Yes, but you don’t have to. Peeling the apples is personal preference and bonus: it makes it very easy to mash with just a potato masher or fork.
Leaving the peels on provides additional texture and nutrients, but you’ll need to use an immersion blender to achieve a smooth texture.
Can you make applesauce in the slow cooker?
To make applesauce in the slow cooker:
- Place apples, juice, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into a 6 quart crockpot.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours.
- Use a potato masher to mash the applesauce until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and add sweetener, if desired, then serve warm or cold.
Variations
- Use different apples. Try a combination of fuji, gala, jazz, golden delicious, mcintosh, cortland, and/or braeburn.
- Use other fruits. Replace the honeycrisp with pears.
- Use more spices. Cozy it up and add in nutmeg, ginger, and a pinch of cloves.
How to store
Leftover applesauce will last in an airtight container in the fridge for up for 1 week or in the freezer for 2 months. Serve cold or heat in the microwave/stove until warm.
Can you freeze applesauce?
Yes. Place cooled applesauce into an airtight container leaving space at the top, because it will expand when frozen. Freeze for up to 2 months.
To enjoy again, thaw in the fridge, then enjoy cold or heat in the microwave/stove until warm.
– Jennifer
Instant Pot Applesauce
Equipment for this recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ pounds granny smith apples peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
- 1 ½ pounds honey crisp apples peeled, cored, and cut into wedges
- 1 ½ cups unsweetened apple juice or water or apple cider
- ¼ cup unsalted butter use vegan variety, if vegan
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup optional (brown sugar or honey would also work)
Instructions
- Place apples, juice, butter, vanilla, cinnamon, and salt into a 6 quart Instant Pot, then stir to coat.
- Cover and lock the lid — be sure the pressure valve is pointed toward SEALING.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 4 minutes, then flip the valve to perform a quick release.
- Use a potato masher to mash the applesauce until the desired consistency is reached.
- Taste and add sweetener, if desired.
- Serve warm or cold!
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Notes
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Nutrition Information
*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.