Instant Pot applesauce is the most hands off way to make it! This recipe is simple, has no added sugar, is loved by kids, and works great for meal prep.
Applesauce has been a staple in my house ever since my kids were born. It's a great healthy snack option, and is so easy to make at home! We also love this Crockpot Apple Butter Recipe, but today, it's all about getting it done quickly thanks to the Instant Pot.
The Instant Pot is truly the easiest way to cook your applesauce: no more standing over the stove stirring, no worrying that it might burn. Push the button and go on with your day.
You can also make a big batch of this Instant Pot applesauce...this recipe makes 8 cups in an 8 quart model but you could probably scale it up even more.
And get ready for your house to smell like heaven...because apples + cinnamon + vanilla is a scent that pretty much everyone loves!
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Reasons to love Instant Pot applesauce
- it cooks quickly and you don't have to stir or worry about it burning
- is packs a ton of delicious apple flavor- so much better than storebought!
- you can freeze leftover applesauce easily
Recipe Video
Want to see exactly how to cook this Instant Pot Applesauce? Watch this 1-minute video! You can find more recipe videos on my YouTube channel.
Let's talk ingredients!
To make applesauce in the pressure cooker, we'll need 4 simple ingredients:
- 4 lbs apples- I highly recommend a mixture of red and green apples (more on that below)
- water- we are adding ¾ cup of water, but you can reduce or increase depending on how thick or thin you'd like your applesauce
- vanilla- 1 teaspoon for a boost in flavor
- cinnamon- 1 teaspoon to compliment the apple flavors
Use a mixture of red + green apples
You can use ANY apple for applesauce, but one thing I've learned as I've experimented, is that combining different apple varieties gives your applesauce so much more flavor!
Here are some of my favorite apples to use in applesauce:
- granny smith- I don't recommend using 100% granny smith apples but to mix them in with a sweeter red apple
- fuji
- ambrosia
- gala
To peel or not to peel
Whether or not you choose to peel your apples is entirely up to you! Personally, my children can detect the absolute smallest lump in their applesauce and make a huge fuss over it, so I take the time to peel my apples.
- peels = lumpy applesauce (unless you use a food mill to remove them)
- no peels = super smooth applesauce
Meal prep tips
- half batch- if you don't need 8 cups of applesauce, you can cut this recipe in half and use the same cook time.
- storage- after cooking + pureeing, portion out into jars or meal prep containers. Cool completely, then store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- freezer- to freeze, portion out applesauce into jars or freezer bags. Cool completely and freeze for up to 1 year.
- If using jars, leave the lids ajar until fully frozen (and leave ¼ of the jar empty to account for expansion).
Find my Instant Pot models, jars and other kitchen equipment in my shop!
Can applesauce be frozen?
Absolutely. It freezes so well! We have frozen for up to a year. Store in small portions (1 cup is a good size) that you will use up. We use ½ pint jars but have used freezer bags in the past.
How long is homemade applesauce good for?
Up to two weeks in the fridge, and 1 year in the freezer.
Can I use this applesauce in baking?
Yes! I love using applesauce in my baking as a natural sweetener. These Healthy Cinnamon Rhubarb Muffins are proof.
More easy Instant Pot recipes
- Instant Pot Corn on the Cob
- Instant Pot Whole Chicken
- Perfect, Fluffy Instant Pot Quinoa
- Instant Pot Black Beans
- Instant Pot Steel Cut Oats
Did you make this? Tag me on social @sweetpeasandsaffron and be sure to leave a comment and rate the recipe!
Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 4 lbs apples (see *; peeled, cored & sliced)
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- ¾ cup water (see **)
Instructions
- Peel + core apples. Cut into 1 inch pieces and place in the insert of a 6 or 8 quart Instant Pot with the vanilla, cinnamon and water.
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, set the valve to 'sealing', and pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Allow the pot to naturally depressurize (this takes around 35 minutes).
- Using an immersion blender, blend until smooth.
Storage
- Portion out into ½ pint jars for single serve portions, or a larger container. Store applesauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze for up to 1 year.
Tips:
Video
Nutrition Information
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