Instant Pot® (Instantpot) Applesauce in 30 Minutes or Less!

Benefits of Making Instantpot Applesauce

When it comes to making applesauce, which sounds better to you? Dripping sweat over a hot stove as you slowly cook down the apples while working the third charlie horse out of your arm muscles? Or popping those apples, peels and all, into your Instant Pot and letting the process happen on its own while you sit on the couch and read about all the fall field trips you can take with your kids (because picking those apples in the beautiful mountains got you in the mood for even more fall excursions)?

Saving time (and your arm muscles) is certainly a huge benefit for cooking up some delicious, warm Instantpot applesauce! With a quick cooking time of just 30 minutes or less, you can get back to more fall fun before you can say, “Thanksgiving!”

Smooth or chunky… Every always seems to have a preference, whether it comes to applesauce or peanut butter. And being able to control texture and consistency is another benefit that making Instantpot applesauce provides. The stovetop method can sometimes result in unevenly cooked apples, but the Instant Pot ensures that the apples are thoroughly and uniformly cooked every time. This consistency allows for better control over the final texture of the applesauce, whether you prefer it smooth or chunky. The high pressure of the Instant Pot breaks down the apples quickly and evenly, resulting in a perfectly textured applesauce with minimal effort.

Also, I don’t know about you, but I tend to be the one stuck washing all the pots and pans, and I could do without more of that. The one-pot functionality means less cleanup, as you won’t have that leaning tower of pots, pans, and utensils at the end of it. The Instant Pot also has a sauté function, allowing you to caramelize the apples if desired before pressure cooking, enhancing the flavor profile of your applesauce. With preset cooking times and automatic pressure release, the Instant Pot takes much of the guesswork out of the cooking process, making it simple even for novice cooks.

Choosing the Right Apples for Applesauce

Choosing the right variety of apples is crucial for making the best applesauce. Different apple varieties will result in different flavors and textures, so selecting the right ones based on your taste preference is essential. Some apples are naturally sweeter, while others are more tart, and some have a firmer texture that holds up well during cooking, while others become very soft and mushy.

For a classic, well-balanced applesauce, a mix of sweet and tart apples is often recommended. If you want to keep the added sugar low (because seriously, what homeschool mom wants to hype her child up on sugar?), sweet varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Golden Delicious provide a natural sweetness that can reduce or eliminate the need for added sugar. Throw in some tart apples like Granny Smith and McIntosh to add a little tangy flavor.

If you prefer a very smooth and sweet applesauce, you might opt for apples that break down easily and have a high sugar content, such as McIntosh or Braeburn. For a chunkier texture, apples like Honeycrisp or Rome hold their shape better and provide a more substantial bite. Always choose fresh, firm apples without bruises or soft spots to ensure the best quality applesauce. We always use organic apples to avoid pesticides and other chemicals, which really affect my husband, especially, and are just overall not a healthy choice for anyone.

If you want to learn more about apples and all the different varieties, check out this cool Apples of North America book! It’s one I inherited from my mother-in-law after she passed away, and I have enjoyed looking at all colorful pictures and learning more about apple varieties than I ever imagined! You might find some new types to try.

Another sweet book that I always enjoyed reading to my kids during “apple season” is Apples, Apples, Apples by Nancy Elizabeth Wallace. The paper cut-out illustrations are unique and fun, and it also includes interesting facts and a recipe.

Essential Ingredients for InstantPot Applesauce

Of course, everyone always things of apples as the main ingredient of applesauce, but let’s talk about some other fun additions that will make your InstantPot applescause even yummier!

For example, you might consider adding in some pears for a unique version of InstantPot applesauce. Pears can add a different and unexpected flavor to your ordinary applesauce.

Those of us who have been using our InstantPots for a while know that you have to add water in order to create steam that will help your InstantPot reach the right pressure. But really, the idea isn’t necessarily water, but just some kind of liquid. What about using apple juice for the same purpose? This is a trick I recently learned that really intensifies the flavor!

Lemon juice is another essential ingredient, as it helps to balance the sweetness of the apples and prevent browning. A couple of tablespoons of fresh lemon juice will do it. It adds a nice tang without overpowering the applesauce and keeps it looking vibrant and appetizing.

And what would applesauce be without cinnamon and other fall-ish spices? Those are essential, in my book! Try cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves to add warmth and depth to the flavor. Or go wild and add a vanilla bean or a little vanilla extract for some extra fun.

You can also add a small amount of granulated sugar, brown sugar, or honey can enhance the natural sweetness of the apples, particularly if you’ve chosen tarter varieties.

Recipe and Step-by-Step Guide to Making Applesauce in 30 Minutes

Making applesauce in your InstantPot is straightforward and quick. Your kids can even do this! Follow these steps to create delicious homemade applesauce in just 30 minutes or less. For this particular recipe, we’ve also added a couple pears to add a bit more flavor.

Tip: For added fiber, do not peel the apples or pears prior to cooking. The final result will still be incredibly smooth and creamy after blending.

Prep time: 10 minutes
Active cook time: 4-6 minutes (+ time to come to pressure)
Natural release: 10 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients:

4 large apples, cored and chopped
2 large pears, cored and chopped (or, use two more apples instead)
¼ c. water or sugar-free apple juice
2 t. ground cinnamon
1 T. fresh lemon juice
Optional: 1-2 T. honey, preferably local

Directions:

Step 1: Prepare the Apples (and Pears, if Desired)

Start by washing and peeling your apples (and pears). Core and chop them into uniform pieces to ensure even cooking. Depending on your preference, you can leave the peels on for added texture and nutrients, but peeling them will result in a smoother applesauce.

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Step 2: Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot

Place the chopped apples (and pears) into the Instant Pot. Add a quarter cup of water or apple juice, one tablespoon of lemon juice, honey, and cinnamon (and any additional spices you choose to include). Stir to combine the ingredients evenly.

Step 3: Set the Instant Pot

Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set the valve to the sealing position. Select the “Pressure Cook” or “Manual” setting and set the timer for 4-6 minutes. The Instant Pot will take a few minutes to reach pressure before the cooking time begins.

Step 4: Natural Release

Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes. After that, carefully turn the valve to the venting position to release any remaining pressure. Open the lid once the pressure is fully released.

Step 5: Mash or Blend

For a chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher to break down the cooked apples to your desired consistency. For a smoother applesauce, transfer the mixture to a blender or use an immersion blender directly in the Instant Pot until you achieve a smooth texture.

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Taste your applesauce and adjust the sweetness or spices as needed. If it’s too thick, you can add a bit more water or apple juice and blend again. Once satisfied with the flavor and texture, allow the applesauce to cool before transferring it to storage containers. Can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week.

Or, better yet, dig in and enjoy while it’s still hot!

Tips for Perfectly Smooth or Chunky Applesauce

Chunky or smooth? Opinions tend to be very strong on this point! But it’s simple to make a batch of each to please everyone. Here are some tips…

For smooth applesauce:

• Peel the apples before cooking. While you can blend it longer, the apple skins add texture and can sometimes make the applesauce chunkier.
• Use a high-powered blender or immersion blender to get that velvety texture.
• Blend the cooked apples thoroughly, adding a bit of liquid if necessary to reach the perfect consistency.

For chunkier applesauce:

• Leave the apple skins on for added texture.
• Chop the apples into larger pieces and cook them as usual.
• After cooking, use a potato masher or the back of a spoon to break down the apples to your desired chunkiness. (Be careful not to over-mash if you want to retain some of the apple pieces).

Balancing the liquid content is crucial for both smooth and chunky applesauce. Too much liquid can make the applesauce runny, while too little can make it too thick. Start with the recommended amount of liquid and adjust as needed after cooking. If the applesauce is too thick, add a bit more water or apple juice and blend or mash until you achieve the desired consistency.

Flavor Variations for InstantPot Applesauce: Spices and Add-ins to Try

Customization is one of the best parts of making your own applesauce…or any recipe, for that matter! This is great, especially for your picky eaters who one day just decide they no longer like something they’ve been eating for the past 10 years…not that I have a child like that or anything. (Cough, cough.)

You can, of course, add the spices mentioned above that we probably all think of:

• Cinnamon
• Nutmeg
• Cloves
• Allspice

These spices add depth and a hint of warmth to the applesauce. Vanilla is another fantastic add-in that I’ve already mentioned. But for a unique twist, you can even try adding a splash of almond extract to give a nutty flavor that complements the apples.

Other add-ins to consider are fruits and sweeteners, such as:

• Pears
• Peaches
• Berries
• Honey
• Maple syrup
• Monkfruit

To balance the sweetness, add a pinch of salt or a splash of apple cider vinegar (unless you have people who will practically storm the kitchen brandishing weapons the minute you open a vinegar bottle. I exaggerate…slightly).

Storing and Preserving Your Homemade Applesauce

Make it last! Proper storage and preservation will let you enjoy your homemade applesauce for as long as possible. Applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator, frozen, or canned for longer shelf life.

In the refrigerator, applesauce will stay fresh for about a week. Store it in airtight containers or jars to maintain its freshness and prevent any odors from other foods from affecting its flavor…because no one likes bacon-flavored applesauce. Also, be sure to let the applesauce cool completely before refrigerating it.

For longer storage, freezing is a great option. Transfer the cooled applesauce to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, leaving some space at the top to allow for expansion as it freezes. Label the containers with the date, and applesauce can be stored in the freezer for up to six months. Thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator overnight before eating it.

Canning applesauce is another method to preserve it for even longer periods. Use a water bath canning method to process the applesauce in sterilized jars. This process involves filling the jars with hot applesauce, sealing them with lids, and boiling them in a water bath for a specified amount of time. Properly canned applesauce can last for up to a year in a cool, dark place.

Creative Ways to Use Leftover InstantPot Applesauce

Once you get sick and tired of eating applesauce because for some reason you thought it would be a great idea to buy five bushels of apples and “stock up,” don’t worry. You can find other creative uses other than eating it with breakfast, lunch, dinner until next July!

One popular use for applesauce is as a substitute for oil or butter in baking. Nothing is worse than being halfway through making a recipe and realizing you’re out of oil or butter! Applesauce can be used in muffins, cakes, and bread to add moisture and reduce the fat content. Replace half or all of the oil or butter in a recipe with an equal amount of applesauce for a healthier, lower-fat treat. (Although let’s get real…butter tastes better and is actually really healthful if it’s grass-fed).

Applesauce can also be used as a natural sweetener in recipes. Add it to oatmeal, yogurt, or smoothies for a naturally sweet and flavorful boost. It can also be used as a base for homemade fruit sauces or as a topping for pancakes, waffles, or ice cream.

For savory dishes, applesauce can be used as a glaze or marinade for meats. Its natural sweetness pairs well with pork, chicken, and even fish. Mix applesauce with spices like garlic, ginger, and soy sauce for a delicious marinade or glaze. It can also be used as a side dish for roasted meats or as a component in savory sauces and gravies.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts on InstantPot Applesauce

With the simplicity of making InstantPot applesauce, there’s no need to buy those boring jars from the store any more! With just a few simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can whip up a homemade applesauce that will have you leaving the store-bought versions on the shelves for those other poor souls who don’t know how easy and satisfying it is to make their own.

Take a little time to experiment with different ingredients and types of apples to create your own special recipe, and you’ll never go back!

Happy (pressure) cooking!