If you have extra apples in the kitchen, this Instant Pot Applesauce is a simple and cozy recipe worth making. It is sweet, lightly spiced, and easy to prepare in a pressure cooker with very little hands-on work. Serve it warm as a comforting dessert, chill it for an easy snack, or spoon it alongside a family meal.
Homemade applesauce has always been one of those simple recipes that feels extra special. It uses basic ingredients, fills the kitchen with the warm scent of apples and cinnamon, and tastes much fresher than anything from a jar. Making applesauce in the Instant Pot is especially convenient because the pressure cooker softens the apples quickly and does most of the work for you.
If you have made applesauce on the stovetop or in a slow cooker before, this pressure cooker applesauce may become your new favorite method. The prep is straightforward: peel, core, and chop the apples, add the remaining ingredients, cook briefly, then blend or mash until the texture is exactly how you like it. You can make it silky smooth or leave it chunky for a more rustic homemade applesauce.
Instant Pot Applesauce
This Instant Pot applesauce recipe is a great option after apple picking, during fall baking season, or any time you find yourself with more apples than you can eat fresh. It is made with Gala apples, a little sugar, lemon juice, unsweetened apple juice, salt, and cinnamon. The result is naturally fruity, lightly sweet, and warmly spiced without being complicated.
Warm applesauce is delicious on its own, but it can also be served with breakfast, packed as a snack, or used as a simple side dish. It is a family-friendly recipe and a practical way to use up apples before they soften too much on the counter.
Here are more apple recipes to try out
- Apple Fritter Cake | A moist apple cake with the sweet flavor of an apple fritter. It is a flavorful dessert for anyone who enjoys apple and cinnamon together.
- Poison Apple Cake Pops | Bright, sweet cake pops that work well for a Halloween dessert table or a fun themed treat.
- Crescent Roll Apple Dumplings | An easy apple dumpling recipe made with crescent rolls and simple prep.
- Apple Donuts | Soft apple donuts made with applesauce, with a tender inside and a sweet outside that pairs well with coffee.
How To Make Applesauce In Instant Pot
Making applesauce in the Instant Pot is quick and easy. Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into pieces so they cook evenly. Add the apples to the inner pot, then stir in the sugar, salt, lemon juice, and unsweetened apple juice. The apple juice helps the apples cook under pressure and adds extra apple flavor to the finished sauce.
Once the ingredients are combined, secure the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes. After cooking, use a quick pressure release. Let the apples cool slightly before blending or mashing. For a smooth applesauce, use a food processor or immersion blender until the mixture is completely creamy. For chunky applesauce, mash the cooked apples with a potato masher until you reach your preferred texture. Stir in the cinnamon, let the applesauce cool if desired, and store it in the refrigerator.
Can You Use Sweetened Apple Juice
Yes, sweetened apple juice can be used, but it will make the applesauce sweeter. If you prefer a balanced flavor, use part sweetened apple juice and part water so the applesauce does not become overly sweet. This is especially helpful if your apples are already naturally sweet.
Can I Substitute The Apple Juice For Water
Yes, water can be used in place of apple juice in this Instant Pot applesauce recipe. The flavor will be slightly less apple-forward, but the recipe will still work. Filtered water is a good choice if you want a clean, neutral flavor.
What Other Apples Can I Use If I Don’t Have Gala Apples
Gala apples work well in this recipe, but they are not the only option. Choose firm apples that can hold up as they cook. Granny Smith, Jonagold, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and McIntosh are all suitable choices. You can also combine more than one apple variety to create a deeper flavor. A mix of tart and sweet apples, such as Granny Smith with Fuji or Honeycrisp, gives homemade applesauce a nice balance.
Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 9 medium (2.5 lbs) Gala apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
- 3/4 cup unsweetened apple juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
Instructions
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Add the chopped Gala apples to the inner pot of the Instant Pot.
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Add the granulated sugar, salt, fresh lemon juice, and unsweetened apple juice. Stir until the sugar is well combined with the apples.
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Place the lid on the pressure cooker and set it to manual high pressure for 5 minutes. When the cooking time is complete, use a quick pressure release.
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Stir in the ground cinnamon.
For smooth applesauce
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Allow the cooked apples to cool slightly.
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Transfer the apples to a food processor or use an immersion blender. Blend until the applesauce is completely smooth.
For chunky applesauce
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Mash the cooked apples with a potato masher until the applesauce reaches the chunky consistency you prefer.
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Let the applesauce cool to room temperature if serving later.
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Cover and store in the refrigerator.
Notes
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 75g |
Protein: 1g |
Fat: 1g |
Saturated Fat: 1g |
Sodium: 6mg |
Potassium: 485mg |
Fiber: 10g |
Sugar: 60g |
Vitamin A: 221IU |
Vitamin C: 20mg |
Calcium: 33mg |
Iron: 1mg
(Nutrition facts are an estimate and are not guaranteed to be accurate. Please consult a registered dietitian for special diet advice.)