Looking for a cozy, frugal, and crazy-simple way to use up apples? This Instant Pot Applesauce is a must-try! Whether you're meal-prepping snacks, stocking the freezer, or just trying to avoid food waste, this one-pot wonder is about to become a staple in your kitchen.
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It's sweet, tangy, and ready in minutes, without the need to babysit a stovetop pot. You're just six ingredients and one button away from homemade goodness that beats store-bought every time.
This homemade Instant Pot Applesauce is smooth, comforting, and incredibly versatile. We love how you can control the sweetness, spice level, and texture to suit your family's tastes. Plus, it's the perfect way to use up apples that are past their prime.
My son brings home apples from school almost every day, and with frugal food apps like Flashfood in my area, we're never short on ripe produce. Turning several pounds of soft or wrinkly apples into applesauce is a great way to make the most of them.
Whether you prefer it plain or jazzed up with cinnamon and maple syrup, you'll be amazed at how simple and satisfying this recipe is. Try turning it into treats like Applesauce Fritters and Applesauce Custard Pie, or use it in Vegan Banana Bread. Or, simply enjoy this Instant Pot Applesauce as a comforting snack on its own.
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💛 Why You'll Love This Recipe
- One-Pot Magic. The Instant Pot does all the work! No need for stirring, boiling, or monitoring a pot on the stove. Just toss everything in, press a button, and let the Instant Pot work its magic.
- Fast & Frugal. In under 30 minutes, you can have homemade Instant Pot Applesauceready to go. It uses pantry staples and leftover apples, so it's perfect for making use of produce that's starting to soften. This is the definition of a budget-friendly recipe.
- Customizable. With just six ingredients, you can adjust the flavors to your liking. Choose your favorite apples, add sweetener or spices to suit your taste, and even control the texture. Whether you like your applesauce chunky or smooth, you're in charge of the final result!
🛒 Ingredients
Apples: The star of the show. Use a mixture of tart and sweet varieties for balanced flavor. You can choose baking-specific apples or any apples you have on hand. I use a mix of anything from Granny Smith apples and Honey Crisp to Red Delicious apples. The variety really adds a delicious depth of flavor.
Lemon juice: Helps preserve the bright color of the apples, as apples tend to brown when exposed to air. If you're adding cinnamon, the applesauce will be brown colored, so adding lemon juice is optional.
Sweetener: You can use maple syrup, honey, brown sugar, or whatever else to sweeten the applesauce to your tastes, but this is optional and up to you on whether or not you wish to sweeten your applesauce.
See the recipe card below for full ingredients and instructions.
🔀 Substitutions & Variations
- Spice it up: Add nutmeg, cardamom, or cloves for a warm, cozy flavor.
- Sweet twist: Stir in ½ teaspoon of vanilla extract after cooking for a dessert-like touch.
- Fruit fusion: Blend in fresh berries, pears, or peaches for a fun flavor combo.
- Thicker texture: Mix in a teaspoon of chia seeds after cooking for extra fiber.
- Creamy treat: Add a tablespoon of butter while still warm for a rich, smooth finish.
- Kid-friendly: Serve chilled in reusable pouches or freeze in silicone molds for a fun snack.
💰 Budget-Friendly Tips
Use in-season apples: Fall is the cheapest time to stock up. Many stores sell apples for $0.99/lb or less.
Mix apple varieties: Combine tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Fuji) for depth of flavor without extra sugar.
Skip the sugar: Most apples are naturally sweet; taste first before adding sweetener.
Buy seconds or "ugly" apples: Farmers' markets and orchards often sell imperfect fruit at a deep discount, perfect for applesauce.
Stretch the batch: Add an extra ½ cup of water and a dash of cinnamon to make it go further for baking or snacks.
🥄 Instructions for Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
Step 1: Wash, core, and chop apples into chunks. Peel if you prefer a smoother sauce.
Step 2: Combine apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon in the pot. (Image 1).
Step 3: Seal and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. (Image 2).
Step 4: Let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes, then quick release the rest. Open the lid. (Image 3).
Step 5: Use a masher for a chunky texture or an immersion blender for smooth. Taste and sweeten if needed. (Image 4).
Step 6: Let it cool, then transfer to jars or containers. Refrigerate or freeze. Enjoy!
👩🏻🍳 Expert Tips
- Older apples work just fine. Use older, slightly soft apples; they're sweeter and reduce waste. (Similar to using up ripe bananas).
- No need to peel if you're blending smooth. This saves time and adds fiber. If you don't have a blender, you might want to spend a few minutes peeling the apples.
- Don't skip the natural release; it helps the apples finish cooking gently.
- Taste before adding the sweetener. Many apples are sweet enough on their own, and you may find that they don't need the additional sugars.
- Blend for a smoother texture. For smooth applesauce, an immersion blender works best directly in the pot.
❄️ Storage, Reheating & Make Ahead
Storage: Cool completely, then store in jars or airtight containers.
- Refrigerator: Up to 7-10 days.
- Freezer: Up to 3 months. Use freezer-safe containers and leave space for expansion.
Thawing: Move from freezer to fridge overnight before using and stir before serving.
Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over low heat, stirring until heated through, or microwave in 30-second bursts. Add a splash of water if it's too thick.
Make Ahead: Great for batch cooking, double or triple the recipe to fit your Instant Pot. Once cooled, portion and store for quick snacks, sides, or baking use later.
🥗 Side Dishes and Pairings
Instant Pot Applesauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with many dishes:
- Serve alongside pork chops or roast chicken for a sweet-savory balance.
- Add a scoop to oatmeal, yogurt, or pancakes for a fruity boost.
- Include it in a kid-friendly snack plate with cheese or Homemade Cheese Crackers.
- Air Fryer Pork Loin RoastRecipe $10.27 / Serving $1.28
- Instant Pot YogurtRecipe $3.76 / Serving $0.24
- Strawberry Blueberry PancakesRecipe $2.32 / Serving $0.19
- Stovetop Banana BreadRecipe $1.64 / Serving $0.21
❓ Instant Pot Applesauce FAQs
Yes! If you're blending your applesauce smooth, the skins practically disappear. Plus, they add fiber and nutrients.
Yes! Simmer all the ingredients in a large pot on the stove for 20-30 minutes until soft, then mash or blend as desired.
Peel, core, and chop apples into chunks.
Add apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
Seal the lid and cook on Manual/Pressure Cook for 5 minutes on high. Let it have a 10 minute Natural Pressure Release.
Use a potato masher to mash the apples to your desired consistency.
Transfer to a bowl and let it cool completely.
Enjoy it warm or chilled!
For the most flavorful applesauce, it's best to use a blend of sweet, tart, and firm apples. Varieties like Golden Delicious, Fuji, McIntosh, Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, and Gala offer a great mix of sweetness, tang, and texture, giving you a perfectly balanced and smooth applesauce.
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🐝 If you tried this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe, please leave a ⭐️ star rating and share your buzz in the 💬 comments below. I'd truly appreciate it!
📖 Recipe
Instant Pot Applesauce
Equipment
- Potato Masher or blender
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples, cored and chopped - ($3.99)
- ½ cup water - ($0.00)
- 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice, optional - ($0.06)
- ½-1 teaspoon ground cinnamon, optional - ($0.00)
- 1-2 tablespoons brown sugar or maple syrup, optional - ($0.04)
Instructions
- Prep the apples. Wash, core, and chop the apples into chunks. Peel if a smoother texture is preferred.
- Load the pot. Add the apples and water to the Instant Pot. Add lemon juice and cinnamon if using.
- Pressure cook. Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Release pressure. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then carefully quick release the remaining pressure.
- Blend or mash. Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce or an immersion blender for smooth. Taste and sweeten if needed.
- Cool and store. Let cool slightly, then transfer to containers.
Notes
- Apple choice. Softer or older apples work well and reduce food waste.
- Peeling. Optional if blending. Skins add fiber and color.
- Sweetening. Always taste before adding sugar. Many apples are naturally sweet.
- Storage. Refrigerate in airtight containers for 7 to 10 days or freeze up to 3 months.
- Reheating. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave in 30-second intervals.
- Add-ins. Vanilla extract, pears, peaches, butter, or chia seeds make easy variations.
Nutritional Information
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Nicole Durham says
This applesauce is as fast to disappear as it is to make. It's so good and hard to resist!