Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

If you’ve ever wished you could whip up a healthy homemade treat that tastes just like childhood, Easy Instant Pot Applesauce is exactly what you need in your life. This recipe transforms a humble heap of apples into a sweet, cinnamon-kissed sauce with barely any effort or cleanup. Whether you’re after a cozy snack, a kid-friendly side, or the ultimate comfort food topping, this method is about as fuss-free and flavor-packed as applesauce gets!

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Applesauce:

  • 3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium, any variety or mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
  • 1/2 cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
  • 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

How to Make Easy Instant Pot Applesauce

Step 1: Load Up the Instant Pot

Begin by tossing your peeled, cored, and chopped apples straight into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the cinnamon if you like things spicy, then pour in the water and drizzle over that splash of lemon juice. This is truly a “dump and go” recipe—no special order necessary!

Step 2: Pressure Cook to Perfection

Secure the lid, double-check your valve is set to sealing, and set the cooker for just 5 minutes on high pressure. As the apples steam, their natural sweetness and juices meld together, filling your kitchen with the most inviting aroma.

Step 3: Natural Release for Extra Flavor

Once the timer beeps, let the Instant Pot do a natural release for 10 minutes. This patience is worth it: the residual heat gently finishes softening the apples and deepens the flavor. After 10 minutes, quick-release any left-over pressure.

Step 4: Blend or Mash to Your Desired Texture

This is where Easy Instant Pot Applesauce becomes uniquely yours! For a classic, ultra-smooth sauce, use an immersion blender right in the pot. If you prefer that nostalgic, chunky style, a potato masher or fork does the job perfectly. Taste and decide if you want to stir in a little sweetener or just let the apples do the talking.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the applesauce cool for a bit, then transfer it to containers or jars. Pop them in the fridge or freezer depending on how quickly your household polishes off a batch—trust me, it won’t last long!

How to Serve Easy Instant Pot Applesauce

Garnishes

This homemade applesauce is pretty perfect as is, but a sprinkle of extra cinnamon or a few paper-thin apple slices on top always makes it extra special—especially if you’re sharing it with guests or little ones who get excited about “fancy” food.

Side Dishes

There’s nothing like warm, Easy Instant Pot Applesauce served next to golden potato pancakes, roasted pork chops, or simply alongside a cozy bowl of oatmeal. The sweet-tart apple flavor refreshes any autumn spread, and it pairs surprisingly well with savory meals, too.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the snack bowl! Swirl your applesauce into yogurt parfaits, dollop on pancakes in place of syrup, or spoon over vanilla ice cream for a speedy dessert. You can even tuck it into school lunchboxes or top cottage cheese for a protein-packed treat—the possibilities are endless.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Homemade applesauce keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the fridge for about a week. The flavor actually deepens after a day or two—making it perfect for meal prep, lunchboxes, or just snacking straight from the jar (I won’t tell!).

Freezing

If you want to make a big batch, Easy Instant Pot Applesauce freezes like a dream. Cool it completely, portion into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it’ll stay fresh for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for applesauce on demand!

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm chilled or thawed applesauce on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir well and taste—sometimes a dash of cinnamon or splash of lemon perks up the flavor after freezing.

FAQs

Can I use unpeeled apples for my Easy Instant Pot Applesauce?

Yes, if you don’t mind a little extra texture and fiber, you can absolutely leave the peels on. It adds nutrients and a more rustic feel, but blending thoroughly will help ensure a smoother sauce.

Do I need to add sweetener, or can I skip it?

If you’re working with naturally sweet apple varieties like Fuji or Gala, the applesauce is usually plenty sweet as-is! Taste before adding any maple syrup or sugar—sometimes it’s not needed at all.

What’s the best apple variety for Easy Instant Pot Applesauce?

There’s no right or wrong—mix a few varieties for depth! Sweeter apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala yield mellow flavor; tart apples like Granny Smith bring zest. A blend of both is my personal favorite.

Can I double or halve the recipe?

Absolutely! Just don’t fill your Instant Pot above the max fill line. Double for a party or halve for a small household—the cooking time stays the same, making this a truly flexible applesauce recipe.

How can I make my applesauce more spiced?

Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves to the cinnamon for a cozy, spiced applesauce. Taste and adjust as you go—it’s a fun way to create your signature version of Easy Instant Pot Applesauce!

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend this Easy Instant Pot Applesauce enough—it’s quick, cozy, and so much better than anything store-bought. With just a handful of ingredients, you’ll have homemade applesauce that’s sure to become a family favorite. Give it a try, and let your house fill up with the sweet scent of apples—there’s nothing quite like it!

Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 14 reviews

• Author: Kimberly
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes (including pressure build/release)
• Yield: About 6 servings
• Category: Snack, Side Dish
• Method: Pressure Cooking
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

Learn how to make delicious homemade applesauce in minutes using an Instant Pot. This easy recipe requires just a few simple ingredients and results in a flavorful, versatile applesauce that can be enjoyed on its own or used in a variety of dishes.

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Ingredients

Applesauce:

• 3 pounds apples (about 6–8 medium, any variety or mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1/2 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
• 1–2 tablespoons maple syrup or sugar (optional, adjust to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

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Instructions

1. Add the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon (if using) to the Instant Pot. Secure the lid and set the valve to sealing.
2. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Allow a natural release for 10 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
4. Use an immersion blender for a smooth applesauce or mash with a fork or potato masher for chunky texture.
5. Stir in sweetener, if desired, adjusting to taste.
6. Let cool slightly, then transfer to containers and refrigerate.

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Notes

• No need to add sweetener if using naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala.
• Freeze in portions for later use.
• Add a pinch of nutmeg or cloves for a spiced variation.