Turn fresh apples into homemade applesauce in no time at all. This Instant Pot applesauce is easy and done in about 20 minutes.
Homemade applesauce is always so much better than what you can get in the store. Luckily, making it at home is super easy.
This Instant Pot applesauce recipe will help to get your started making your own applesauce. So load up on fresh apples because things are going to get tasty!
Why Making Your Own Applesauce Is So Wonderful
When you make your own applesauce, you can make it according to your taste preferences. You can make it as sweet as you would like.
Plus, you can decide whether to add cinnamon and exactly how much to add. You can even get your preferred texture, as chunky or smooth as you would like.
Obviously, homemade applesauce is also preservative free. And there is the pride of knowing you made it yourself.
What Apples Should You Use for Applesauce?
Applesauce is pretty forgiving, so most apples work well. By the time they are cooked and processed, there isn’t a ton of difference in texture.
Obviously, if you use all tart apples, the flavor will be different than if you use all sweet apples. I like using a mix of apples for the biggest, most well-balanced flavor.
A mix of granny smith apple and honeycrisp apples is nice because you get a nice mix of sweet and tart. However, gala, Cortland, McIntosh, and Fuji are all great options as well.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to peel the apples for applesauce?
No, you don’t have to peel your apples when making applesauce. Leaving the skin on means you are leaving more nutrients and fiber.
By the time you use the immersion blender or food processor on the cooked apples, there is very little difference in texture between peeled apples and those with the peel on. However, the final color will be quite a bit different.
We actually usually leave the skins on when making applesauce, but the sauce in these pictures is made from peeled apples. It looks more like the applesauce we are used to.
How do I store homemade applesauce?
Homemade applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can freeze it for up to six months.
I am not an expert on canning, so I don’t have any tips on that front. But I found a guide for canning applesauce if you are interested.
Can I make applesauce in a Crockpot instead?
Yes, if you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can still make easy homemade applesauce. It will just take longer, of course.
Just put the ingredients in a Crockpot and cook on low for 4-6 hours, stirring occasionally. Then, process with an immersion blender or mash with a potato masher until your desired consistency.
Recipes You May Like
If you have extra homemade applesauce, you can turn it into homemade apple butter. Then, spread it on toast or turn it into apple butter pie, apple butter cheesecake, or apple gooey butter cake.
For a fun cinnamon twist, try making vintage rosy red hot applesauce. It uses the little red cinnamon candies to make a really vibrant and tasty sauce.
Instant Pot cinnamon apples are another choice if you don’t want sauce. Serve them as a side dish or top with ice cream for a tasty dessert.
For more inspiration, check out my full collection of apple recipes.
Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 2 pounds granny smith apples
- 2 pounds honeycrisp apples
- ¾ cup water
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar optional
Instructions
- Core the apples and peel if desired. Cut into small chunks and place in Instant Pot.2 pounds granny smith apples, 2 pounds honeycrisp apples
- Add the remaining ingredients. Place the lid on the Instant Pot and make sure the vent is closed.¾ cup water, 2 cinnamon sticks, 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- Cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. Quick release the pressure.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks. Use a potato masher for chunky applesauce, or an immersion blender for smooth applesauce.
- Enjoy warm or cold.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week, or freeze for up to 6 months.