How to Make the Easiest Instant Pot Applesauce in No Time

Making homemade applesauce has never been easier, and with the Instant Pot, you can whip it up in no time. I love using my Instant Pot to make this simple, delicious applesauce because it’s quick, hands-off, and the results are always so satisfying. Whether you’re making it for a cozy snack, a topping for pancakes, or just to use up a bunch of apples, this recipe is a total game-changer. It’s the kind of thing you can prepare on a lazy weekend or after a busy day, and it’s guaranteed to hit the spot.

The best part? You don’t need to peel or core the apples if you don’t want to. The Instant Pot takes care of everything, and the skin just softens right up. So, all you have to do is chop up the apples, toss them in, and let the magic happen. It’s so easy, even the kids can help out with this one. Plus, the smell of apples and cinnamon filling the house while it cooks? Absolutely irresistible.

If you’ve never made applesauce in your Instant Pot before, you’re in for a treat. Not only does it save you time, but it also makes the applesauce so much more flavorful. You get that fresh, sweet taste without all the extra additives you might find in store-bought versions.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs. Granny Smith apples: These tart Granny Smith apples provide the perfect balance to the sweetness of the other ingredients.

• 2 lbs. Honeycrisp apples: The naturally sweet and crisp Honeycrisp apples are the ideal complement to the tangy Granny Smiths.

• 2 cinnamon sticks: Adding two cinnamon sticks gives the applesauce a warm, comforting spice that’s perfect for fall.

• 2-4 tablespoons organic cane sugar: Adjust the organic cane sugar to your taste, adding just the right amount of sweetness.

• ¾ cup water: The water helps create the perfect texture and consistency, allowing the apples to break down beautifully.

Recipe Instructions

You can find a printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

1. Peel the apples, remove their cores, and chop them into small pieces.

2. Place the apple pieces, water, sugar, and cinnamon sticks into the Instant Pot and stir to combine.

3. Seal the vent and set the Instant Pot to pressure cook on high for 8 minutes. Once done, perform a quick release.

4. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it reaches your desired consistency.

5. Serve warm or chilled, whichever you prefer.

Tips & Tricks for the Perfect Instant Pot Applesauce

• Choose your apples wisely: A mix of tart and sweet apples (like Granny Smith and Honeycrisp) gives the applesauce the perfect balance of flavor. You can experiment with different varieties depending on your taste preferences, but this combo never fails!

• No need to peel or core the apples: One of the best parts of making applesauce in the Instant Pot is that you don’t have to peel or core the apples, just chop them into chunks and let the Instant Pot do the hard work. The skins will soften up and blend right in.

• Adjust the sweetness to your liking: The amount of sugar you add can vary depending on how sweet or tart your apples are. Start with 2 tablespoons of sugar and taste-test it, feel free to add more for that extra sweet kick if you want it.

• Experiment with spices: While cinnamon sticks are a classic, you can also add a pinch of nutmeg or even a dash of vanilla extract for a cozy, layered flavor. Play around and make it your own!

• Let it sit for extra flavor: After the applesauce is done cooking, let it sit in the pot for about 10 minutes before you open it. It lets all the flavors really settle and meld together.

• Keep it chunky or smooth: If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, just give it a quick stir. For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender to blend it until it’s just the way you like it.

Serving

• Simple snack: Enjoy it straight from the jar for a quick and healthy snack. It’s naturally sweet and full of flavor, perfect on its own or with a sprinkle of cinnamon.

• Top your pancakes or waffles: Warm up your applesauce and drizzle it over pancakes or waffles for a cozy breakfast treat. The sweet and spiced applesauce is a great alternative to syrup.

• Pair with pork: If you’re making a savory dish, like roasted pork, applesauce makes a perfect, flavorful side. The sweet-tart combo pairs beautifully with the rich flavors of pork.

• Mix into yogurt or oatmeal: Stir a spoonful of applesauce into your morning yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor. It’s an easy way to make breakfast a little more exciting.

• Apple pie topping: For a mini dessert moment, serve your applesauce warm with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream. It’s like apple pie without the crust!

Storing

• Fridge-friendly: Once your applesauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to a week. It’s perfect for adding to your breakfast or snacking throughout the week.

• Freezer-friendly: Got a lot of applesauce? No problem! You can freeze it for up to 3 months. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space at the top for expansion, and pop it in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight.

• Portion it out: If you prefer smaller portions, freeze individual servings in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a bag, and you’ll have perfectly sized portions ready whenever you need them. Perfect for adding to oatmeal or smoothies!

• Don’t forget to label: If you’re freezing your applesauce, make sure to label the container with the date so you can easily keep track of when it was made.