This post contains affiliate links.
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.
FOLLOW ME on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, INSTAGRAM and PINTEREST for more great recipes!
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.
Text me new recipe ideas!
Simple, tasty ideas sent once a week. No spam.
*This post contains affiliate links
I made this apple sauce EXACTLY as the recipe says to and it came out perfect. The last 2 times I had applesauce shooting out of my venting valve when I went to do the quick release and my apple sauce was very soupy. There were absolutely no apples left to mash. What could be going wrong?
As a tip, I’ve found that xanthan gum can thicken this pretty easily if needed. I start with about a tablespoon.
I was given 5 bags of apples and wondered if I could make this and either can it or freeze it? Thanks!
Hi Christa, I think it would freeze well, but I’m not sure about canning it after pressure cooking (you would want to refer to a legitimate safe-canning website for more information). I do have a canned applesauce recipe here: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/how-to-can-applesauce/
Does this recipe call for 8 apples or 4 of either Granny Smith or Honeycrisp.
Eight large apples total.
I substituted 4 apples with 4 Asian pears. Turned out fabulous! Thanks for the recipe. 🙂
What a great idea! I’m happy you liked it!
I followed the directions precisely and the sauce has a wonderful texture and piquant flavors. Tonight I’ll be halving a pear, scooping the warm applesauce over it and covering with whip cream!
I felt like this was WAY too long to cook the apples. I literally stirred them with a whisk to make the applesauce. I would recommend a shorter cooking time and a quick release.
Agreed. I found that it was way too soupy. Good flavor, but very watery, even after cooling. I will try a shorter cook time and less water.
Can I cook the apples in regular pot?
Yes, here is my recipe for regular applesauce: https://tastesbetterfromscratch.com/how-to-can-applesauce/
Since I have issues with my hands as far as peeling the apples I just quarter them ,cook them and then put them through machine. Can I still do this with the instant pot?
Sure! Enjoy.
I did the same but pressed it through a colander with the wooden masher from my mom. It gave me a feeling of satisfaction. I remember her making applesauce from scratch. I also reduced it to six minutes and a half cup water.
Does this recipe freeze well?
I have’t tested it but I think it would work fine!