Transform a bounty of fresh apples into a wholesome, comforting delight with this incredibly easy Instant Pot Applesauce recipe. Forget store-bought versions laden with unnecessary sugars and preservatives; this homemade staple is naturally sweet, bursting with authentic apple flavor, and unbelievably simple to make. It’s the perfect way to bring the cozy aroma of fall into your home, any time of year. Whether you enjoy it as a healthy snack, a versatile side dish for savory meals, or a wholesome addition to your breakfast routine, this applesauce is a true game-changer and won’t last long in your fridge!
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The Instant Pot truly shines with this recipe, taking all the heavy lifting out of making homemade applesauce. With just a quick peel and chop of your chosen apples, a short pressure cooking cycle, and a swift blend with an immersion blender, you’ll have a batch of smooth, flavorful applesauce ready to enjoy. This recipe thoughtfully combines the tartness of Granny Smith apples with the crisp sweetness of Honeycrisps, creating a beautifully balanced flavor that is bright, refreshing, and never overly cloying. It’s an ideal choice for a healthy, satisfying treat that everyone will love.
Why Choose Instant Pot Applesauce? The Ultimate Convenience
If you’ve ever shied away from making homemade applesauce, thinking it’s a labor-intensive task, the Instant Pot is here to change your mind. This method isn’t just a shortcut; it’s a complete revolution in making this classic comfort food. Traditional stovetop methods require constant stirring and monitoring, often taking over an hour to achieve the desired tender consistency. With the Instant Pot, you can significantly cut down on active cooking time, allowing the pressure cooker to do all the work while you focus on other tasks.
The beauty of pressure cooking lies in its efficiency. By trapping steam and increasing pressure, the Instant Pot cooks apples much faster and more uniformly than conventional pots. This also helps to retain more of the apples’ natural vitamins and flavors, resulting in a more nutritious and intensely flavored applesauce. Plus, the one-pot nature of this recipe means minimal cleanup – a huge bonus for busy individuals and families. From prepping the apples to blending the final sauce, everything happens in a single pot, making the entire process streamlined and stress-free.
The consistent heat distribution inside the Instant Pot guarantees perfectly tender apples every time, eliminating guesswork. You’ll achieve a smooth, creamy texture (or perfectly chunky, depending on your preference) with far less effort. It’s a reliable method that delivers delicious results, making it the preferred choice for anyone looking for a quick, healthy, and convenient way to enjoy homemade applesauce.
Crafting the Perfect Blend: Selecting Your Apples and Key Ingredients
The secret to exceptional homemade applesauce lies in the careful selection of your apples. While many varieties can be used, a blend of tart and sweet apples creates the most balanced and complex flavor profile. This recipe highlights the classic combination of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples, each bringing unique characteristics to the final product.
The Apple Stars
- Granny Smith Apples: These vibrant green apples are renowned for their firm texture and distinct tartness. They hold their shape well during cooking initially, then break down beautifully under pressure, contributing a bright, tangy note that prevents the applesauce from becoming overly sweet. Be sure to peel and core them, then cut into uniform chunks for even cooking.
- Honeycrisp Apples: On the sweeter side, Honeycrisp apples are beloved for their exceptionally crisp texture and delightful juiciness. They offer a natural sweetness and a subtle floral aroma, complementing the tartness of the Granny Smiths perfectly. Like the Granny Smiths, peel, core, and chop them into consistent pieces.
Using a mix like this ensures a multi-dimensional flavor that is both refreshing and comforting. If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, you might increase the proportion of Honeycrisps or other sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala. For a tarter sauce, lean more heavily on Granny Smiths or add a splash of lemon juice at the end. Don’t be afraid to experiment with other apple varieties like Braeburn, McIntosh, or Pink Lady to discover your favorite blend.
Supporting Flavors
- Cinnamon Sticks: Unlike ground cinnamon, cinnamon sticks infuse the applesauce with a subtle, warming spice that develops slowly during cooking. This provides a nuanced flavor without the powdery texture or strong initial bite that ground cinnamon can sometimes impart. Two smaller sticks or one larger one will typically suffice for a balanced flavor.
- Sugar: Organic cane sugar is recommended, but you can adjust the amount based on the natural sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. Starting with a smaller amount and tasting after blending allows you to add more if needed. For a healthier, naturally sweet option, you can even omit sugar entirely if your chosen apples are sufficiently sweet, or use alternatives like maple syrup or honey.
- Water: A crucial ingredient for pressure cooking, water helps to generate the steam needed for the Instant Pot to come to pressure and cook the apples. It also contributes to the overall consistency of the applesauce.
How to Make Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce: A Step-by-Step Guide
Making homemade applesauce has never been simpler, thanks to the Instant Pot. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and wholesome batch of applesauce from scratch. For exact measurements and printable instructions, refer to the recipe card below.
Preparation is Key
The first step to perfect applesauce is proper apple preparation. Begin by thoroughly washing all your apples under cold running water. Next, you’ll need to peel them. I highly recommend using a good swivel peeler. My favorite is the OXO Good Grips version; its comfortable, non-slip handle makes peeling large batches effortless and safe. A sharp peeler is essential for thin strips of peel, ensuring you don’t waste any precious apple flesh.
Once peeled, it’s time to core and chop. An apple corer is a fantastic tool that saves significant time when processing several pounds of apples. After coring, use a sharp chef’s knife to chop the apples into roughly 1-inch chunks. Aim for consistent sizing, as this ensures all pieces cook down evenly, contributing to a uniform final texture.
Cooking in the Instant Pot
Add all the chopped apples, the measured water, sugar (if using), and cinnamon sticks into the inner pot of your Instant Pot. Use a silicone spatula to stir everything together gently. A silicone spatula is ideal because it’s flexible enough to reach into the corners of the pot without scratching the non-stick liner, ensuring all ingredients are well combined.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set it to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Before starting, always perform a quick check: ensure the sealing ring is properly seated and snug in the lid, and that the vent is turned to the “sealed” position. A missing or improperly placed sealing ring is the most common culprit for pressure not building correctly, which can prevent your apples from cooking thoroughly.
Once the 8-minute cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the steam. This means manually opening the steam release valve to rapidly depressurize the pot. I always keep a long-handled wooden spoon nearby to nudge the vent open, keeping my hand a safe distance from the hot, powerful stream of steam. Safety is paramount during this step!
Achieving Desired Texture
After the pressure has fully released and the float valve has dropped, open the lid. The apples will appear very soft and cooked down. Now it’s time to achieve your desired applesauce consistency. For a super smooth puree, use an immersion blender directly in the pot. This is one of my favorite kitchen tools as it allows you to puree right in the cooking vessel, significantly reducing the number of dishes to wash. Blend until it reaches your preferred level of smoothness.
If you prefer a more rustic, chunky applesauce, skip the immersion blender and instead use a potato masher. Mash the cooked apples to your liking, leaving some larger pieces for texture. Taste the applesauce at this point and adjust the sweetness or add extra cinnamon if desired.
Serving and Storage
Your homemade Instant Pot Applesauce is now ready to enjoy! Serve it warm in bowls, perhaps with an extra sprinkle of ground cinnamon for garnish. For storage, allow the applesauce to cool completely before transferring it to mason jars with airtight lids. These jars are excellent for keeping the applesauce fresh in the fridge and make it easy to portion out for lunches, snacks, or quick additions to meals.
Chef Jenn’s Expert Tips for Perfect Applesauce Every Time
Achieving delicious homemade applesauce is simple, especially with these insider tips:
- Mix and Match Apples: Don’t limit yourself! Any combination of tart and sweet apple varieties works wonderfully. Experiment with Fuji, Gala, Braeburn, or McIntosh to find your favorite flavor balance.
- Adjust Sweetness to Your Liking: If your chosen apples are naturally very sweet, feel free to skip the added sugar entirely for a healthier, naturally sweet applesauce. Taste and adjust after blending.
- Control the Texture: For a chunky applesauce, opt for a potato masher instead of an immersion blender. If you prefer a baby food-like smoothness, blend longer with the immersion blender.
- Enhance with Spices: While cinnamon is classic, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg, cloves, or allspice for extra depth and warmth. A tiny splash of vanilla extract can also elevate the flavor.
- Embrace the Immersion Blender: This tool is truly a game-changer! It allows you to puree the apples directly in the cooking pot, saving you from transferring hot applesauce to a separate blender and significantly reducing cleanup.
Serving Suggestions: Beyond the Bowl
This versatile applesauce is fantastic on its own, but its uses extend far beyond a simple snack. Get creative with how you incorporate this homemade goodness into your meals:
- Breakfast Booster: Spoon it over warm oatmeal, swirl it into Greek yogurt, or spread it on toast for a healthy start to your day. It’s also an incredible topping for pancakes, waffles, or French toast.
- Savory Sidekick: Applesauce makes an excellent accompaniment to savory dishes. Its natural sweetness and acidity perfectly cut through the richness of roasted meats like pork chops, roast chicken, or even turkey.
- Baking Ingredient: Use applesauce as a healthy fat substitute in baking recipes. It works well in muffins, cakes, and quick breads, adding moisture and natural sweetness while reducing oil or butter.
- Dessert Delight: Serve it warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream, or bake it into crumbles and crisps for a comforting dessert.
- Healthy Snack: Enjoy it chilled straight from the jar for a refreshing and wholesome snack.
Storage and Preservation for Maximum Freshness
Proper storage ensures your homemade applesauce stays fresh and delicious for as long as possible:
- Refrigeration: Once cooled completely, transfer the applesauce to airtight containers or mason jars with airtight lids. It will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Freezing: For longer-term storage, freezing is an excellent option. Transfer cooled applesauce to freezer-safe containers, heavy-duty freezer bags, or even silicone ice cube trays for convenient single-serving portions. Label with the date. Frozen applesauce can be stored for up to 3 months. To use, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat from frozen on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Troubleshooting Common Applesauce Issues
Even with a simple recipe, minor issues can arise. Here’s how to troubleshoot them:
- Applesauce Too Watery: If your applesauce seems too thin after blending, don’t worry. You can gently simmer it on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it reduces to your desired thickness. Be careful not to scorch the bottom.
- Applesauce Too Thick: If it’s too thick, simply stir in a tablespoon or two of water, apple juice, or even a little extra apple cider until it reaches your preferred consistency.
- Flavor is Bland: If the applesauce lacks a punch, a pinch more cinnamon (or a mix of other warming spices like nutmeg, cloves, allspice), a splash of lemon juice to brighten the flavor, or a touch more sugar can make all the difference.
- Instant Pot Not Coming to Pressure: Double-check that your lid is sealed correctly and the steam release valve is set to “sealed.” Also, ensure the sealing ring is properly fitted. Sometimes, adding a little more liquid can help the pot build pressure.
Chef Jenn’s Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
Instant Pot Applesauce blends Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples with cinnamon for a quick, flavorful homemade sauce that’s perfect warm or chilled.
Course: Sauces / Spices / Dressings, Side Dish, Snack
Cuisine: American, Fall Recipe
Keyword: easy applesauce recipe, homemade applesauce, Instant Pot applesauce, pressure cooker applesauce
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: 23 minutes
Servings: 6 cups
Calories: 174 kcal
Author: Chef Jenn
Equipment
- Good swivel peeler
- Chef’s knife
- Apple corer
- Silicone spatula
- Instant Pot (with a properly fitted sealing ring)
- Long-handled wooden spoon
- Immersion blender (or Potato masher for chunky applesauce)
- Mason jars with airtight lids for storage
Ingredients
- 2 lbs. Granny Smith apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 2 lbs. Honeycrisp apples (peeled, cored, and chopped)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2-4 tablespoons organic cane sugar (adjust to taste)
- ¾ cup water
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and chop both Granny Smith and Honeycrisp apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Ensure consistent sizing for even cooking.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the chopped apples, water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks into the Instant Pot. Stir everything thoroughly with a silicone spatula to ensure even distribution and prevent scratching the inner pot.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Double-check that the sealing ring is properly in place and the vent is set to “sealed” to ensure proper pressure build-up.
- Quick Release Steam: Once cooking is complete, perform a quick release of the steam. Carefully push the valve open using a long-handled wooden spoon to protect your hands from the hot steam.
- Blend to Desired Texture: Remove the cinnamon sticks. Blend the cooked apples directly in the pot using an immersion blender for a smooth applesauce. For a chunky texture, use a potato masher instead. Taste and adjust sweetness or spices as desired.
- Serve and Store: Serve the applesauce warm directly from the pot, or allow it to cool completely before transferring to airtight mason jars for refrigeration.
Notes
- For extra spice, consider adding a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- Leftover applesauce can be frozen in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
A Note on Nutritional Information
Nutritional information for this recipe is provided as a courtesy and is calculated based on available online ingredient information. It is only an approximate value. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site cannot be guaranteed.