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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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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
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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I followed it exactly the first time. Quick and easy but my main question is why do you cook it for 8 min. I did use 8 Granny Smith apples instead of 4 and no Honey Crisp, but 3 minutes cook time was totally adequate and the sauce isn’t so pink and totally watery mush. I prefer a beige applesauce and one that has some body to it. I gave it a 4 star because the ingredients are good. Just adjusted the time and I did end up leaving out the cinnamon because of my preference and it also made it discolored
So simple and the best applesauce ever
Solid recipe but we have tried many many sauce combinations and honeycrisp only average. The best is Granny Smith + jonagold + yellow delicious. Gala makes a solid sub for the sweet apple or Jonathan for the tart.
I have sooooo many apples! How do I double this recipe?
Yes, you can add as many apples to the instant pot up to the max fill line.
This is a wonderful recipe however I would add a note to use natural release (at least for the first 10 minutes). I did quick release and made a huge mess in my kitchen. I’ll know for next time but would have appreciated the heads up as an instant pot rookie!
This is a great recipe. I use local apples so I never know what types go into the sauce but it always tastes delicious. Great for a cold weather dessert!
Thanks for mentioning the Johnny apple peeler! Bought one on amazon, it came yesterday and I whizzed through 9 apples in no time! Applesauce is in the IP right now!
This is such a good recipe, I use granny Smith and it was way watery, and a bit tart so I added a little sugar and finished cooking it down on my stove top to right consistency. I love my applesauce a bit tart so a 1/2 cup sugar is perfect for us.
How long can you store it after it’s made? Have you ever tried a canning process with the insta pot? We have an apple tree and I’d love an easy way to make a ton of applesauce to eat throughout the winter.
I have made this recipe four times now and I love it more and more every time! I don’t know what everyone is talking about with the mess – I didn’t experience this. Was quick and easy to make AND clean up. I also used an immersion blender at the end to smooth it out and I love it that way.