This Instant Pot Applesauce is so easy to make! You can cook it up in minutes! Since there is no added sugar, it’s a perfect snack for anyone in your family- including babies and toddlers. Freezer friendly and easy to throw into yummy muffins as well.
It’s mid October and beautiful in Chicago. After living in Texas for years, it’s great to actually get a Fall- even though we won’t talk about what happens after. :-/ The fall activities are some of our favorites- pumpkin patches, getting ready for Halloween and seeing the leaves change colors.
One of our favorites, that we’ve made a yearly tradition, is to go apple picking. It’s always a great time and the boys enjoy everything- from picking apples to corn mazes and petting farms. This year we went with a couple other families. All the kids are running around picking apples and I’m engrossed in a conversation with the other moms. Then, my 5 year old pops up from around a tree and shows me a bag FILLED with apples. “Mommy, look! I’m seeing how many I can pick and fit in here!”
Oh man, there were so many. We didn’t want to burst his little heart so we bought all of them, and the huge bag his brother filled up. If that wasn’t enough, guess who dropped by with tons more apples the very same day?! Their grandma. Lol. All good problems of course, but I knew we would have some spoiled apples if we didn’t do something with the majority of them. That is how this Instant Pot Applesauce was born, and it was sooo easy to make. An instant classic with everyone from the baby to the parents.
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Why use an Instant Pot for Applesauce?
I’ve made applesauce a variety of ways. It’s been a favorite for all 3 of my boys, from babies to the present. On the stovetop, in a steamer etc. – it’s always been included in my baby food puree meal preps. The Instant Pot applesauce version was just as good, if not better, and a lot easier. I didn’t have to wait for water to boil and I could blend them right in the pot.
There are some spices in this recipe, but no added sugar. You can easily omit the spices if your family does not like them, but it adds a nice depth to the flavor. Also, if you prefer to sweeten with sugar, taste it first and add as needed. I personally have never done that with applesauce I make, the added sugar in store bought varieties is a big reason why I like to make my own.
The key to making applesauce great without extra add ins, is to use a variety of apples. Mix some sweet Red Delicious, Gala and Honeycrisp with a few Granny Smith or Jonagolds for a more tart taste. Any variety would work well. We used 3-4 kinds that we had picked, but I love mixing Gala and Granny Smiths together. Whichever are your favorites!
How to Prep the Apples
Don’t know why I haven’t invested in one of these! But if you have a johnny apple peeler, this step will be super easy. It will core, peel and cut your apples.
Since I have an apple cutter, I peeled them first and then used it to core and slice all of them. Which was pretty simple still.
Cooking the Apples in the Instant Pot
Toss the apples into the water and lemon juice. Top with your spices and set to high pressure for 5 minutes. Let it release naturally for 10 minutes, before finishing with a quick release. Smash with a potato masher or immersion blender. That’s it!
Storing Your Applesauce
The applesauce will keep 7-10 days in the refrigerator or up to 2-3 months in the freezer. I made a lot! So I put some in small containers, some in bigger and a bunch in reusable pouches that work well with all my children. Some of them went in the fridge and I froze the rest to use in later weeks. I did use some of the applesauce in a muffin recipe and they were sooo good! I will share that recipe soon. 
Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 1-2 lbs apples Use any variety that is your favorite- or a mix!
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- 1/2 tsp ginger
- 1 tblsp lemon juice preserves color
Instructions
- Peel and core apples- using a johnny apple peeler makes this step super easy!
- Add water and lemon to Instant Pot. (Apples release water so you do not need the usual amount of 1 cup. 1/2 is plenty.
- Add apples and spices. Toss to mix.
- Cook on HIGH pressure for 5 minutes. Release naturally for 10 minutes, then switch to quick release.
- Mash the apples with a potato masher or blend with an immersion blender for a smoother consistency.
- Serve warm or allow to cool.
- Store in the fridge for 7-10 days or freeze for 2-3 months.
Notes
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We made this the first time and it was such a great hit with the entire family and even extend family. I just finished a second batch of applesauce for my dad that requested I make it again and provided another big bag of apples. This will def be our go to recipe when we have a ton of apples.
So glad you enjoyed it!
This did NOT turn out well. I made it exactly as listed. It is VERY runny and has a very “off” taste. I even weighed my apples to ensure the correct amount.