Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot
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Homemade applesauce in the Instant Pot is a simple kitchen staple so easy to make you may never need to buy it from the store again. With just a few apples, water, and a little cinnamon, you can make applesauce in no time. It makes a delicious snack, an easy addition to breakfast, or a simple ingredient to keep on hand for baking.
Making applesauce at home is also a wonderful way to use up a big fall apple harvest. Whether you filled up a basket at a local orchard or have more apples than you know what to do with from your own trees, this is an easy way to preserve them for later.
And because homemade applesauce freezes well, you can make a larger batch now and enjoy it throughout the year.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
What Kind of Apples Are Best for Applesauce?
The good news is that you can use almost any variety of apple to make homemade applesauce.
I especially like Gala apples because they are naturally sweet and make a smooth, flavorful applesauce without needing added sugar.
You can also mix different varieties together. Sweeter apples will give you a naturally sweet applesauce, while more tart apples will give it a little more tang.
If you’re using a variety of apples from an orchard or your garden, don’t worry about making them all the same. Homemade applesauce is a great way to use up apples that may not be perfect enough for eating fresh.
Tools You May Need
- Instant Pot
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler or an apple peeler corer
- Cutting board
- Measuring spoons
- Hand mixer
- Mason jars
- Silicone freezer containers
- Funnel (optional)
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Don’t have an Instant Pot?
No problem. You can also make applesauce on the stovetop or in a slow cooker. I’ll explain those methods below.
Ingredients
- 4 apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon cinnamon (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
- Lemon juice
- Apple pie spice
- Nutmeg
- A small pinch of ground cloves
- Pumpkin pie spice
- A little maple syrup or honey if your apples aren’t quite sweet enough
I recommend making your first batch with just apples, water, and cinnamon. Once you know how you like the flavor, you can experiment with different combinations.
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How to Make Applesauce in the Instant Pot
1. Prepare the apples
Clean, peel, core, and chop the apples into smaller pieces. Try to keep them roughly the same size so they cook evenly.
Don’t throw away those apple peels!
You can save them to make homemade apple cider vinegar or toss them into the compost.
2. Add everything to the Instant Pot
Place the chopped apples into the Instant Pot. Add ½ cup of water and the cinnamon, if using. Give everything a quick stir.
The water helps create the steam needed to bring the Instant Pot to pressure and prevents the apples from sticking to the bottom.
3. Pressure cook
Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Once the cooking time is finished, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes.
After 10 minutes, release any remaining pressure.
4. Blend the apples
Open the Instant Pot and check the apples. They should be very soft and easily mashable.
For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot.
You can also use a hand mixer or carefully transfer the cooked apples to a blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency.
For a chunkier applesauce, simply mash the cooked apples with a potato masher instead of blending them completely.
5. Cool and store
Allow the applesauce to cool before transferring it to mason jars or storage containers.
I like using wide-mouth mason jars for the refrigerator and silicone freezer containers when I’m making a larger batch for the freezer.
If using mason jars for freezing, make sure you use wide-mouth jars, leave enough room for expansion, and allow the applesauce to cool before freezing.
How to Make Applesauce Without an Instant Pot
Stovetop Method
Add the apples and water to a large pot and bring to a simmer.
Cover and cook over low heat for about 20–30 minutes, or until the apples are very soft. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking or scorching.
Mash or blend the cooked apples until they reach your desired consistency.
Slow Cooker Method
Add the apples and water to your slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for several hours, until the apples are very soft and easily mashed.
The exact cooking time will depend on your slow cooker and the amount of apples you’re making.
How to Use Homemade Applesauce
- Oatmeal
- Overnight oats
- Simple snack on it’s own
- Chia seed pudding
- Smoothies
- Muffins
- Quick breads
- Cakes
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Other baked goods
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How to Store Homemade Applesauce
Once cooled, homemade applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers.
Freezing Applesauce
Homemade applesauce freezes easily, making this a great recipe to prepare in larger batches during apple season.
Silicone freezer containers are convenient because they allow you to freeze smaller portions.
If you’re using mason jars, choose wide-mouth jars and leave headspace for the applesauce to expand as it freezes. Don’t fill the jars all the way to the top.
Frozen applesauce can be stored for up to 6 months. Thaw frozen applesauce in the refrigerator before using. If it separates slightly after thawing, simply stir it back together.
Tips for Making the Best Applesauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I leave the apple peels on?
Yes, you can, although peeled apples will give you a smoother, more traditional applesauce. If you leave the peels on, the finished applesauce may have a little more texture and color.
Do I need to add sugar?
No. You don’t need to add sugar to homemade applesauce. The natural sweetness of the apples is usually enough, especially when using a naturally sweet variety like Gala.
If your apples are particularly tart, you can add a little maple syrup, honey, or another sweetener to taste after cooking.
Can I make chunky applesauce?
Absolutely. Instead of blending the apples completely smooth, use a potato masher to break them down until they reach the texture you prefer.
Can I make this applesauce with a mixture of apples?
Yes! In fact, mixing different varieties can create a delicious balance of sweet and tart flavors.
Can I add lemon juice?
Yes. Add about ½–1 teaspoon of lemon juice, depending on how much you like the flavor.
What spices can I add?
Cinnamon is my favorite, but you can also try apple pie spice, nutmeg, or a very small amount of ground cloves.
Do I have to add cinnamon or other spices?
Not at all. You can leave the applesauce completely plain. Plain applesauce is a great option for baking and adding to oatmeal or smoothies.
Can I double or triple the recipe?
Yes, as long as you stay within the safe capacity of your particular Instant Pot. When increasing the recipe, don’t fill the pot beyond its recommended maximum fill line.
Why is my applesauce watery?
Some apples naturally release more liquid than others. If your applesauce is thinner than you’d like, you can blend it and then let it sit uncovered for a little while so some of the excess moisture can evaporate.
Can I use frozen apples?
Yes. Frozen apples can be used to make applesauce, although the cooking time and amount of liquid may need a little adjustment depending on how they were prepared and frozen.
Can I freeze homemade applesauce?
Yes. Homemade applesauce freezes very well. Store it in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion, and use it within about 6 months.
A Simple Way to Preserve Your Apple Harvest
Making homemade applesauce in the Instant Pot is one of those simple kitchen projects that makes the most of apple season without requiring a complicated canning process. With a few basic ingredients and very little hands-on time, you can turn a basket of apples into something you’ll be able to enjoy for weeks or months.
Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot
Equipment
- Instant Pot
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler or apple peeler corer
- Cutting bord
- Measuring Spoons
- Hand mixer or immersion blender
- Mason jars or silicone freezer containers
- Funnel optional
Ingredients
- 4 Apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- ½ cup Water
- 1/4-1/2 teaspoon Cinnamon optional
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples.
- Add the apples to the Instant Pot.
- Add ½ cup water and cinnamon, if using. Stir.
- Secure the lid and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Allow the pressure to naturally release for about 10 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
- Blend the cooked apples with a hand mixer or immersion blender until smooth (or in a blender), or mash for a chunkier applesauce.
- Allow the applesauce to cool before transferring it to mason jars or storage containers.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
Notes
- Gala apples are one of my favorites for naturally sweet applesauce, but you can use almost any apple variety.
- Add more or less cinnamon to taste, or leave the applesauce plain.
- For chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher instead of an immersion blender.
- When freezing in mason jars, use wide-mouth freezer-safe jars and leave room for expansion.
- Always follow your Instant Pot’s manufacturer’s instructions for maximum fill levels and pressure cooking.
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