Instant Pot Applesauce
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Today’s Instant Pot Applesauce is the easiest way to use up a bag of apples while filling your kitchen with the nostalgic, spiced aroma of fall. In minutes, your trusty Instant Pot will help transform even bruised or overripe apples into a wholesome, comforting treat that’s freezer-friendly and kid-approved!
Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe (with Skins)
Okay, while we know that we can buy giant tubs of applesauce readily and easily at the grocery store, I promise you that this homemade applesauce recipe is worlds better than anything you’ve ever bought at the store!
Fresh apples, brown sugar and cinnamon transform into a silky applesauce that is cozy and comforting, brightened with just a touch of lemon juice. It’s rich, fragrant and absolutely delicious whether you enjoy it warm or cold.
Each spoonful tastes like warm apple pie filling, only lighter and fresher.
Of course, you can just make Instant Pot Applesauce with apples and water, but if you want a cozier, cinnamon-flavored applesauce that tastes decadent, give our recipe a try! (I’ve also listed a few variations below if you want to experiment with this recipe.)
Instant Pot Applesauce Variations
- Chunky Country-Style: Leave some pieces of apple intact for a rustic texture rather than blending completely smooth.
- No-Sugar Applesauce: Omit the brown sugar and rely on sweeter apple varieties like Fuji or Gala.
- Spiced Harvest Blend: Swap the cinnamon for apple pie spice (check out our homemade apple pie spice here).
- Maple-Cinnamon Applesauce: Replace brown sugar with pure maple syrup for a subtle caramel undertone.
- Apple-Pear Blend: Use half apples and half ripe pears for a silkier, floral finish.
- Instant Pot Apple Butter: For a thicker, sweeter apple butter, check our our Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe.
Instant Pot Applesauce FAQs
Can I use any type of apple to make homemade applesauce? Yes, though you might want to pick a less sweet apple (or a mix of sweet and tart varieties) as cooking the apples will make this recipe sweeter than the apples are in their uncooked state.
Why don’t you peel your apples before making applesauce? While you can peel your apples, if desired, leaving the skins on adds color and nutrients like vitamin C, vitamin A, antioxidants, polyphenols and minerals. (Not to mention, nearly half of an apple’s total fibre content is in the peel.)
How long does homemade applesauce last? This homemade applesauce keeps in the refrigerator for up to 10 days, or in the freezer for up to 6 months in an airtight container. (This set of freezer containers is a crazy bargain.)
Can I make this without an Instant Pot? Absolutely, simmer everything on the stove over medium heat for 25 – 30 minutes until the apples break down, then mash or blend.
To make applesauce in the Crockpot, cook on low for 5-8 hours or high for 2-4 hours. (I’d cook towards the end of those ranges to make a sweeter applesauce, personally.)
Looking for more Instant Pot Recipes? Check out our full collection here!
Recipes You Can Make with Applesauce:
- Old-Fashioned Applesauce Cake
- Healthy Morning Glory Muffins
- Apple Pie Breakfast Cake
- Sugar-free Carrot Muffins
- Banana Applesauce Muffins from In the Kids’ Kitchen
- Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal Pancakes from In the Kids’ Kitchen
Instant Pot Applesauce Ingredients
- Apples, chopped
- Cinnamon
- Salt
- Brown sugar
- Lemon juice
- Water
Scroll down to the printable recipe card for full measurements.
Tip: Combining tart and sweet types adds natural complexity without extra sugar.
Kitchen Tools You May Find Helpful
- Instant Pot <– I’m so excited to upgrade to this one with air fryer capacities soon! (You can also just buy the lid which adds the air fryer capacity to your standard IP.)
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Potato Masher
How to Make Applesauce in the Instant Pot
Place chopped apples in the Instant Pot and toss to coat with all ingres to coatd with all ingredients except water.
Secure IP lid and place on manual pressure for 10 minutes, or up to 20 if you want to really caramelize your applesauce.
Mash up the cooked apples with a potato masher or whizz up in a blender to achieve your desired consistency.
Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
Pin this Cozy Cinnamon Instant Pot Applesauce:
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Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 8 apples, chopped (I used a full 3lb bag)
- 1 Tablespoon cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
- Juice of one lemon (about 2 Tablespoons)
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Place chopped apples in the Instant Pot and toss to coat with all ingres to coatd with all ingredients except water.
- Secure IP lid and place on manual pressure for 10 minutes, or up to 20 if you want to really caramelize your applesauce.
- Mash up the cooked apples with a potato masher or whizz up in a blender to achieve your desired consistency.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as desired.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield:
12Serving Size:
1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 69Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gSodium: 178mgCarbohydrates: 18gFiber: 3gSugar: 14gProtein: 0g
Sugar, Spice and Glitter uses an auto-generate nutrition calculator. Nutrition information isn’t always accurate unless analyzed in a scientific lab, so these should be considered more of a guideline than medical information.
I hope your family loves this easy Instant Pot Applesauce recipe as much as mine does!
For more easy Instant Pot ideas, check out our full Instant Pot recipe collection here:
For more great lunch ideas, check out our full lunch box recipe collection here:
For more breakfast ideas, check out our full breakfast recipe collection here:
