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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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Very good recipe. We like more spice so I initially made with double cinnamon (1 tsp) which turned out well. Then made with 1 tsp of cinnamon plus a pinch each of cloves and nutmeg which turned out the best. Also like the suggestion of using apple cider in place of water from a flavor standpoint but this obviously increases the total sugar content.
I make a big batch and freeze small containers. This will be my first time using my new insta pot.
I substitute fresh orchard apple cider for the water – outstanding! My SIL gave me this tip and I’ll never go back to using water.
That’s a fantastic idea! Yum!
I use Fireball instead of the water and cinnamon.
Taste great!
Well that just blew my mind….
Going to make this for my husband who is sick. Doing it today.
Going to make this for my husband who is sick. Doing it today.
Thanks! I used seven apples and half a cup of water. Turned out perfect!
Can you water can the finished product?
No, this recipe is not approved for canning. Sorry!
You cannot can or seal jars of applesauce in the instant pot but you can take the finished hot applesauce and water bath can that. Just place hot sauce in hot canning jars (wipe rim of jar clean, place new hot lids/rings and just barely tighten them on) andwater bath can it following specs for proper water bath canning of applesauce. Near me there is what they call an extension center that advices on all things food preservation. Look one up in your area, it’s a great resource.
Thanks! Made it for my sick baby this AM!
Can you use frozen cut up apples for this??
Yes, you could! Depending on the size of the pieces you may want to add 1-2 more minutes to the pressure cooking time.