Nothing captures the essence of cozy homemade comfort quite like a bowl of Easy Instant Pot Applesauce. This recipe is a pure celebration of apples at their best—tender, naturally sweet, and infused with just a hint of lemon and cinnamon. Thanks to the Instant Pot, this applesauce goes from market-fresh to spoon-worthy in about 15 minutes, making it irresistibly simple for both busy weeknights and leisurely weekends. Whether you’re looking for a healthy snack, a nostalgic treat, or a versatile side dish, this Easy Instant Pot Applesauce recipe is destined to be a staple in your kitchen.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity—each ingredient plays a pivotal role in flavor, texture, and natural color. Grab your apples and just a handful of pantry staples to create applesauce that’s bursting with freshness and effortlessly adaptable for your tastes.
- Apples (3 pounds, such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala): The heart and soul of the recipe, different varieties add their unique flavors, sweetness, and color to your sauce.
- Water (1/2 cup): Just enough liquid to help the apples break down without diluting their flavor.
- Lemon Juice (2 tablespoons): Adds a bright note and keeps your applesauce vibrant, never dull or brown.
- Honey or Maple Syrup (1–2 tablespoons, optional): A touch of natural sweetness, added to taste—let your apples be the guide!
- Ground Cinnamon (1/2 teaspoon, optional): Infuses the applesauce with gentle warmth and classic apple pie vibes.
- Pinch of Salt: Seems tiny but enhances all the flavors, making the apples really pop.
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
Step 1: Prep the Apples
Start by peeling, coring, and chopping your apples. Don’t stress about perfect slices—just aim for relatively even chunks so they cook at the same rate. Mixing different apple varieties adds deeper flavor and subtle layers of sweetness and tang.
Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot
Toss those apple chunks into your Instant Pot. Pour in the water and lemon juice, ensuring all the pieces are lightly coated. If you’re feeling indulgent, drizzle in the honey or maple syrup and sprinkle a bit of cinnamon for that homey aroma. Lastly, add a pinch of salt to amplify all those natural flavors.
Step 3: Pressure Cook
Secure the lid, making sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the high-pressure setting and set the timer for 5 minutes. It might take a few minutes to come to pressure, but once it gets going, the apples will turn meltingly soft and ready for mashing in no time.
Step 4: Natural Release, Then Quick Release
Once the cooking time ends, let the pressure release naturally for 5 minutes. This step helps the apples finish cooking gently. After that, carefully switch the valve to quick release any remaining pressure—stand back and watch the steam escape!
Step 5: Mash or Puree
Remove the lid and give your applesauce a good stir. For a silky-smooth consistency, blend right in the pot with an immersion blender. Prefer it chunky? Use a potato masher until it’s as rustic as you like. Give it a taste and adjust the sweetness, if needed. Let it cool before serving or storing.
How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
Garnishes
Top your Easy Instant Pot Applesauce with a sprinkle of ground cinnamon, a handful of toasted nuts, or a small dollop of Greek yogurt. For a playful touch, add fresh apple slices or a drizzle of honey on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This applesauce is a dream alongside roast pork, chicken, or turkey—its sweet-tart profile balances savory main dishes perfectly. It also shines as a topper for oatmeal, pancakes, or even granola for a breakfast that feels special but effortless.
Creative Ways to Present
Spoon your applesauce into cute mason jars for an adorable gift or individually portioned snacks. Try layering it in parfait glasses with granola and yogurt for a quick dessert, or swirl it into muffin or pancake batter for an apple-infused twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Easy Instant Pot Applesauce will keep beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Just let it cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. This makes it a perfect prep-ahead snack for the week!
Freezing
To preserve applesauce even longer, freeze it! Portion into freezer-safe containers or silicone trays—be sure to leave a little space for expansion. It will be good for up to three months, ready whenever you crave a taste of autumn.
Reheating
Thaw frozen applesauce overnight in the fridge, then rewarm gently in the microwave or on the stovetop over low heat. Stir to bring the texture back together and enjoy warm, cold, or anywhere in between.
FAQs
Can I double the Easy Instant Pot Applesauce recipe?
Absolutely—you can double (or even triple) the recipe as long as your Instant Pot isn’t filled above the “max” line. The cooking time remains the same, so you’ll still get delicious applesauce in just 5 minutes under pressure.
Do I have to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples creates a smoother applesauce, but you can leave the skins on for extra fiber and a more rustic texture. If you go this route, using an immersion blender is especially helpful to blend everything together.
Which apples are best for Easy Instant Pot Applesauce?
A mix of apples works wonders for flavor! Sweet varieties like Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala are all excellent choices, but feel free to blend in a tart apple like Granny Smith for extra dimension.
Can I make this applesauce without added sweetener?
Definitely! If your apples are naturally sweet, skip the honey or maple syrup altogether. You can always add a little at the end if you decide you’d like it sweeter.
Is it possible to add other spices?
Yes—feel free to experiment with a dash of nutmeg, cloves, or ginger. These can add a cozy, more pronounced autumnal warmth to your Easy Instant Pot Applesauce.
Final Thoughts
Once you make a batch of Easy Instant Pot Applesauce, you’ll see just how satisfying homemade can be. The simplicity, speed, and unbeatable flavor make this recipe a joy to whip up and share. Give it a try—you’ll want to keep a jar handy for snacking, sharing, and savoring all year long.
Print
Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free, Vegetarian, Vegan
Description
This Easy Instant Pot Applesauce recipe is a quick and flavorful way to make homemade applesauce. With just a few simple ingredients and the magic of the Instant Pot, you’ll have delicious, naturally sweetened applesauce in no time.
Ingredients
Applesauce:
- 3 pounds apples (such as Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Gala) peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1–2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup (optional)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- pinch of salt
Instructions
- Add Ingredients: Add the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, honey or maple syrup if using, cinnamon if desired, and a pinch of salt to the Instant Pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook: Close the lid and set the valve to sealing. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow a natural release for 5 minutes, then carefully do a quick release for any remaining pressure.
- Puree: Open the lid and use an immersion blender to puree the applesauce to your desired consistency, or mash with a potato masher for a chunkier texture.
- Adjust: Taste and adjust sweetness if needed. Let cool and store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
- You can mix apple varieties for a more complex flavor.
- For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves.
- This recipe can easily be doubled—just keep the same cook time.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Snack, Side Dish
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/2 cup
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 14g
- Sodium: 0mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
