Instant Pot Applesauce (No Added Sugar)
Quick and Delicious Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe (No Added Sugar)
Hey busy home cooks! If you’re looking for a quick, tasty way to whip up homemade applesauce, you’ve come to the right place. This Instant Pot Applesauce recipe takes just a few minutes of hands-on time and the results are absolutely delightful!
Why Make Your Own Applesauce?
Making your own applesauce is not only a fantastic way to use up those apples sitting in your kitchen (even the slightly bruised ones!), but it’s also a simple, scrumptious snack that’ll fill your home with a cozy, fall aroma. Perfect as a stand-alone treat or a side dish, this applesauce is sure to be a hit with both kids and adults!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 3 pounds apples (choose sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala for a sweeter taste or Granny Smith for a tart kick)
- ⅓ cup water
- ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but it adds a lovely warmth!)
How to Make Instant Pot Applesauce
Follow these easy steps for your delicious homemade applesauce!
-
Prep the Apples: Peel your apples if you prefer a smoother texture, then core them by slicing off the sides. Cut your apples into 1-inch chunks or ½-inch pieces for even cooking. If you’re short on time, feel free to skip the peeling!
-
Combine Ingredients: Place the apples in the stainless steel bowl of your Instant Pot. Add the water and optional cinnamon.
-
Cook: Secure the lid and set the steam release valve to "Sealing." Select the Manual or Pressure Cook button on your Instant Pot and cook at high pressure for 10 minutes. Remember, it might take 5–10 minutes to build pressure before cooking starts.
-
Release Pressure: Once the cooking is done, allow the pressure to naturally release for 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn the steam release valve to "Venting" to release any remaining pressure. Once the floating valve drops, it’s safe to remove the lid.
-
Mash and Enjoy: Use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the applesauce to your desired consistency—smooth or chunky! Taste it and adjust the flavor with more cinnamon or a touch of brown sugar or maple syrup, if necessary.
- Storage: Transfer your applesauce to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It thickens as it cools. You can also freeze it for up to 6 months—just remember to leave some space in the container for expansion!
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Can I Make This Without Peeling?
Absolutely! Just core the apples and skip peeling if you want to keep all that nutritious goodness. The texture will be a bit different but perfectly delicious. -
How Many Apples Fit in My Instant Pot?
You can fit about 6 pounds of apples into a 6-quart Instant Pot, so feel free to double the recipe if you have a lot of apples to use up! - What Can I Serve with Applesauce?
Applesauce is delightful on its own or pairs well with meats like chicken or pork chops. It also makes a great topping for pancakes or oatmeal!
If you try this Instant Pot Applesauce recipe, I’d love to hear how it turns out for you! Feel free to leave a comment and star rating below. Happy cooking! 🍏