Delicious homemade applesauce just got easier, made in the instant pot or slow cooker. This Instant Pot applesauce recipe has no added sugar and can be made in just 15 minutes.
Did you know that not all applesauce is created equal? That's the truth.
Any time I'm forced to buy store-bought applesauce it's a strugggggle. It's like buying store-bought jam. Every single brand and type has so much sugar, and most of them don't even taste very good.
Am I sounding like a total applesauce snob? I'm sorry, but homemade applesauce is just so easy and so GOOD, especially if you have an instant pot.
The first time I made applesauce in the instant pot I was blown away. That machine just continues to amaze me! (I have this 6qt instant pot). It was so incredibly easy and turned out perfect, with very little time or effort on my part. Learn how to get the most out of your instant pot!
How to make applesauce in the instant pot:
First, you choose your apples. I like a blend of sweet and tart apples to make really great flavor for the applesauce, without having to add extra sweetener. Granny Smith and Honey Crisp combination is definitely my favorite.
Peel, core and slice the apples. I use a johnny apple peeler to peel, core and slice the apples super quickly.
Add your apples to the instant pot. Toss the apples in water, cinnamon and lemon juice, and cook them on manual or high pressure for 8 minutes.
After a controlled quick release, open up the lid and the apples have literally turned to applesauce! You don't need to do anything but give them a little stir.
The taste is AMAZING–perfectly sweet, especially with a little extra cinnamon on top. If you used different apples, and feel that it needs to be sweeter, you could add some white or brown sugar.
I love applesauce that I can feel good about feeding my kids. I know exactly what's in it, and everyone LOVES it! It's its own type of delicious comfort food, don't you think?
If you don't have an instant pot you can make this applesauce in the slow cooker!
How to make applesauce in your slow cooker:
Add the peeled and sliced apples to your slow cooker. Toss in lemon juice and cinnamon (no water needed)!
Cook on LOW for 4 hours. Pour into blender and blend until smooth, or desired consistency.
Store applesauce in the fridge for 7-10 days.
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Recipe
Instant Pot Applesauce
Equipment
Ingredients
- 4 large Granny Smith apples , peeled, cored and roughly chopped (or Golden Delicious apples )
- 4 large Honeycrisp apples , peeled, cored and roughly chopped
- 1 cup water
- 1 Tablespoon fresh lemon juice (from about ½ a lemon)
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
- Peel and core apples. I use a johhny apple peeler to do all three steps at once (peel, spice and core).
- Add water, lemon juice and cinnamon to instant pot and stir to combine. Add apples and toss to mix.
- Secure lid and cook on manual (high pressure) for 8 minutes. Do a controlled quick release or allow the pressure to naturally release.
- Mash the apple mixture a few times with a potato masher, if desired. (If you like a smoother texture you could pulse it in the blender.)
- Transfer contents to a bowl and allow to cool completely. Stir in more cinnamon, if desired, to taste.
- Enjoy warm or cold. Store in the fridge for up to 7-10 days.
Notes
Nutrition
*This post contains affiliate links
This post contains affiliate links.
Your Applesauce recipe is a 5 ⭐️ !
Thank you so much!
I buy organic apples and don’t peel them. More nutritious I think with peelings. I use 8 apples and 1/4 cup of water. Then immersion blender when finished cooking.
Also add blueberries or pears or strawberries if I have them.
Always refer to your recipe for timing. Can’t seem to remember that.
how much does this recipe yield?
5-6 cups of applesauce.
Delicious!
Thanks Vicki! I’m happy you enjoyed it 🙂
Cant wait to make this! Is the serving size 1/2 cup? I am counting calories, thank you!
Hi Gigi, one serving is about 3/4 cup. Enjoy!
If I wanted to halve the recipe should I just halve the amount of apples and water and leave the time the same?
That should work great!
Hi. I would love to try this but I’m not seeing the recipe instructions for a slow cooker. Please advise!
Please email me in response to this question.
The directions are just above the recipe card! I emailed you was well 🙂
I made this today, and it’s wonderful! I’ll be using it to make your Healthy Applesauce Oat Muffins as well.
Thanks Vicki! Hope you love the muffins too!
Hi! I have some apples that my grandparents canned in water that I’d like to use for this recipe. About how long do you think they would need in the pressure cooker since they’re not fresh?
Hi Michelle, since they are already canned I would suggest just warming them on the stovetop instead. You can mash them once they are completely tender, and then add cinnamon and lemon juice, to taste.
I make this applesauce in my instant pot to have during the week. Can you tell me the best container to store it in (and one that is large enough) in the refrigerator?
Hi Jodi, it really is so good! Thanks for sharing. I just store mine in my largest tupperware container.
I can’t get my hot pot to go on high pressure. I mashed the selected cook item several times but still stays on low. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Stuck on low
I can’t get my hot pot to go on high pressure. I mashed the selected cook item several times but still stays on low. Any suggestions.
Thanks
Stuck on low