Amazing Instant Pot Applesauce in 8 Minutes

Okay, so you want to make applesauce, right? Forget those fussy stovetop methods that take forever and leave you watching a pot like a hawk! My absolute favorite way to whip up a batch of delicious, homemade applesauce is in my Instant Pot. Seriously, it’s a game-changer. This easiest Instant Pot applesauce recipe is so ridiculously simple, you’ll wonder why you ever bothered with anything else. In just about 25 minutes, from start to finish, you’ve got warm, comforting applesauce that tastes so much better than anything from a jar. I used to dread making applesauce, but now? It’s a weekly thing in my house!

Gathering Your Ingredients for Instant Pot Applesauce

Honestly, the best part about this instant pot homemade applesauce recipe is how incredibly simple the ingredients are. You probably have most of them in your pantry right now! It’s all about using good, fresh stuff to get the best flavor. No weird additives, no preservatives, just pure, delicious applesauce made right in your pressure cooker. Let’s see what you’ll need!

Fresh Apples: The Star of Your Instant Pot Applesauce

You’ll need about 4 pounds of apples. That’s usually around 8 to 10 medium-sized ones. For the absolute best flavor in your instant pot applesauce, I really recommend using a mix! Granny Smith apples give you that nice tartness, while something sweeter like Fuji or Gala adds a lovely depth. Just make sure they’re peeled, cored, and chopped up into roughly equal pieces so they cook evenly. It makes all the difference!

Essential Spices and Liquids for Instant Pot Applesauce

Besides the apples, you only need a few other things. We’ll use 1 cup of water to get things going. A teaspoon of ground cinnamon is a must – it just screams cozy fall vibes! If you want to brighten things up a bit and help it keep longer, add a tablespoon of lemon juice, but it’s totally optional. And for a touch of sweetness, you can stir in about 2 tablespoons of sugar or maple syrup at the end, but trust me, the apples are often sweet enough on their own!

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Instant Pot Applesauce

Alright, let’s get this applesauce party started! It’s honestly so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these easy steps and you’ll have a pot of pure deliciousness in no time.

Preparing the Instant Pot for Applesauce

First things first, grab your Instant Pot. Dump in those chopped apples (remember, the peeled, cored, and roughly chopped ones!). Then, pour in the 1 cup of water. If you’re using the lemon juice to make your instant pot applesauce extra bright, add that now too. Give it a quick stir to make sure everything’s cozy in there.

Cooking Your Instant Pot Applesauce to Perfection

Now for the magic! Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, making sure it’s locked in place. Turn the steam valve to the ‘sealing’ position. You want to cook this on High Pressure for just 8 minutes. Yep, only 8 minutes! It sounds crazy, but the Instant Pot works wonders. This is the key to getting that super tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture for your quick applesauce with instant pot.

Releasing Pressure and Achieving Your Desired Applesauce Consistency

Once the 8 minutes are up, it’s time for the pressure release. Carefully move the steam valve to the ‘venting’ position for a quick release. Be super careful, steam is hot! Once all the steam has escaped and the float valve drops, you can carefully open the lid. Wow, look at all those soft, steamy apples! Now, take a potato masher and go to town mashing them up to whatever consistency you love. If you’re fancy or want it super smooth, an immersion blender works like a charm for your instant pot homemade applesauce. Just blend until it’s just right for you!

Sweetening and Finishing Your Instant Pot Applesauce

Taste your applesauce! So often, the apples are sweet enough on their own, especially if you used sweeter varieties. But if you like it a little sweeter, now’s the time to add that optional sugar or maple syrup. Stir it in really well until it’s all combined. It’s that simple! You’ve just made amazing healthy applesauce in instant pot. How cool is that?

Tips for Perfect Instant Pot Applesauce Every Time

Making applesauce in the Instant Pot is already pretty foolproof, but I’ve picked up a few little tricks over the years that really make it shine. Want that amazing flavor that tastes like fall in a bowl? It’s all about the little things! These tips will help you nail that perfect batch of instant pot cinnamon applesauce every single time.

Selecting the Best Apples for Instant Pot Applesauce

Seriously, don’t skip the apple variety mix! Using just one type can be a bit one-note. I love Granny Smith for that zing, then I toss in some Honeycrisp or Fuji for sweetness. It creates a richer, more complex flavor that’s just *chef’s kiss*. It really elevates your quick applesauce with instant pot from good to absolutely fantastic.

Customizing Your Instant Pot Applesauce Flavor

Don’t be afraid to play around! If you love cinnamon, add a little extra – maybe even a pinch of nutmeg or ginger for a real kick. And for sweetness, always taste first. If your apples are super sweet, you might not need any added sugar or maple syrup at all, which is perfect if you’re making instant pot applesauce no sugar. Adjust it until it tastes just right for your family!

Storing and Enjoying Your Homemade Instant Pot Applesauce

Once your delicious homemade instant pot applesauce has cooled down a bit, it’s time to store it! I usually transfer it into airtight containers or mason jars. It’ll keep perfectly in the refrigerator for about a week. Honestly, it’s so good, it usually doesn’t last that long! This is also why it’s fantastic for instant pot meal prep applesauce – make a big batch on Sunday and you’ve got healthy snacks ready for the whole week. It’s great warm, right after making it, but I also love it chilled. Serve it as a side dish, a healthy dessert, or even spoon some over yogurt or oatmeal!

Frequently Asked Questions About Instant Pot Applesauce

Got questions about making this super easy instant pot applesauce? I totally get it! It’s so simple, but sometimes you just want to double-check things. Here are a few things people often ask me:

Q1. Can I make this applesauce without peeling the apples first?
You totally can! If you’re in a rush, skipping the peeling step is fine. The skins add a little extra fiber and color. Just make sure to core and chop them well. The texture will be a bit different, maybe a little chunkier, but still delicious! It’s a great shortcut for quick applesauce with instant pot.

Q2. How long does homemade instant pot applesauce last in the fridge?
Kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your instant pot homemade applesauce should be good for about 7 to 10 days. Because it’s made without preservatives, it won’t last as long as store-bought, but honestly, it’s so good you’ll probably eat it all way before then! It’s perfect for instant pot meal prep applesauce.

Q3. Can I add other fruits or spices to my instant pot applesauce?
Absolutely! This recipe is super versatile. You can toss in a few pears along with the apples for a different flavor profile. For spices, try a pinch of nutmeg or even a bit of ground ginger for a warmer, spicier kick. Some people even add a splash of vanilla extract at the end. It’s your instant pot cinnamon applesauce, make it your own!

Q4. Is this recipe suitable for babies?
Yes, this is a fantastic base for instant pot applesauce for babies! Just make sure to omit the sweetener (sugar or maple syrup) and lemon juice when making a batch for your little one. Once it’s cooked and mashed, you can blend it until it’s super smooth. It’s a wonderful way to introduce them to natural fruit flavors!

Understanding the Nutrition of Your Instant Pot Applesauce

So, you’re curious about what’s in that delicious bowl of instant pot applesauce? Here’s a general idea of the nutrition you get per serving. Keep in mind this is an estimate, especially if you add sweeteners! The serving size is about 1/2 cup. You’re looking at around 100 calories, with about 22g of sugar (mostly natural from the apples!), and a good dose of fiber at 3g. It’s pretty much fat-free and cholesterol-free, which is awesome! This makes it a fantastic, guilt-free snack or side dish.

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