Instant Pot Applesauce - This easy recipe takes the guesswork out of making applesauce in your pressure cooker - made simply with organic apples and water, NO sugar!
I use this recipe A LOT. Like, almost daily.
It works great in baked goods, adding both sweetness and moisture, and my kids love just eating it straight!
One of the most frequent comments I receive is about the inclusion of applesauce in various recipes, so I figured showing you how to make it would be helpful.
I make a batch of this every week or two, and I've found the quickest and best way is with the Instant Pot.
A big plus of making your own applesauce is being able to use whatever apples you like or have on hand. It's also a great way to use apples that are damaged or old!
Ingredients needed
This may seem straight forward, but read on for some important details!
Apples - Perhaps you're wondering what kind of apples to use? You can really use any apple, honestly! The only exception might be Granny Smith, though I've even used those in combination with a sweeter variety, like Gala.
With my range of kids, it seems there is always a half-eaten apple somewhere, so I will collect and use them quite often. I personally like to use apples that wouldn't be as fit for eating, like bruised or old apples. They're perfect because you're pureeing them anyway!
Water - The amount of water used is really subjective. I like to use upwards of 3/4-1 cup per two pounds of apples. This amount makes it easier to blend, and I think my kids like the consistency to be a little bit 'slurpier'.
Use closer to 1/2 cup for two pounds if you enjoy a thick, hearty sauce!
How to make Instant Pot applesauce
Decide if you want to peel your apples. Generally, I keep the skin on, as it makes the recipe go quicker, and I enjoy knowing I'm getting the extra fiber and nutrients!
Slice or cube the apples and add them to the Instant Pot.
Mash or blend the cooked apples. If you know that you'll be mashing your sauce, you may opt to peel your apples. Unless, of course, you enjoy eating chewy skin.
Store the applesauce in an airtight container, such as a large mason jar.
FAQs
This is up to you! I like to leave the peel on mine or just take some of it off if I'm doing a chunky version. If you're going to mash the apples in lieu of blending, it would be better to peel them.
My favorite apples to use are sweeter varieties, including Gala and Pink Lady. Granny Smith apples are a bit too tart, especially considering I like to add this to recipes. TRY to get organic apples, as they are on the dirty dozen list!
Two pounds of apples plus 3/4 cup of water yields over four cups of applesauce.
To make chunky applesauce, remove a large spoonful of the apples (about 3/4 cup) and set it aside before blending the remaining cooked apples.
Much like the store-bought variety, keep the applesauce in a airtight container in the fridge. I've found it lasts about 10-14 days, though I also use it up by then!
Additions
There are myriad spices and fruits to add to create a new flavor. Some ideas include:
- Cinnamon, pie spice, vanilla
- Strawberries or other berries
- Pears
- Dates
Just throw your choices in before cooking. I will often add a cup or so of strawberries, and the kids love it!
Ways to use Instant Pot applesauce
Some of the most obvious ways to use your applesauce include:
- Use it in various recipes (see below for some ideas!),
- Eat it straight,
- Give it to the kiddies, or
- Make applesauce popsicles
It adds a nice, natural sweetness to soft-baked goods like muffins.
Take a peek at some of the ways I use applesauce!
Buckwheat Chocolate Cake for One
Oat Flour Chocolate Chip Cookie
Instant Pot Applesauce (NO Added Sugar)
Equipment
Ingredients
- 2 pounds organic apples (Gala, Fuji, and Pink Lady all work well!)
- ½ - 1 cup water
Instructions
- Peel the apples to your liking. I leave the peels on, but I generally blend my sauce to a smooth consistency.
- Slice or cut the apples into pieces. I'm usually making this fast, so I just crudely chop the apples, and it always works well.
- Add the apples and water to the Instant Pot. I add about 3/4-1 cup of water. If you like a really thick sauce, just add 1/2 cup.
- Set the Instant Pot to high pressure for ten minutes.
- Quickly release the remaining pressure.
- Mash or blend the cooked apples to your liking.
- Allow the applesauce to cool and store it in an airtight container in the fridge (I use a large mason jar).
- Use as desired!
Notes
Nutrition
If you have a chance to try this recipe, please leave a star rating and a comment below letting me know how you liked it!
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