Meta Description: Craving delicious, homemade applesauce without the wait? This Instant Pot recipe delivers in just 15 minutes! Sweet, tart, and bursting with apple flavor, perfect for snacks, baking, or topping your favorites.

Instant Pot Applesauce is a quick and delicious homemade treat that arrives in just minutes! This recipe blends the natural sweetness of ripe apples with a touch of lemon juice for a refreshing twist. With simple ingredients and minimal prep, you will have a flavorful applesauce perfect for any occasion.

What is an applesauce?

Applesauce is a versatile and delicious condiment made from cooked and mashed apples. It can vary in texture from smooth to chunky, depending on personal preference, and can be flavored with spices like cinnamon or sweetened with sugar or natural sweeteners.

What apple varieties work best for this recipe?

For the best applesauce, it’s essential to choose the suitable apple variety. Generally, both sweet and tart apples work well, but they will yield slightly different flavors and textures. Sweet varieties like Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp will result in a naturally sweet and smooth applesauce. In contrast, tart varieties like Granny Smith or Jonathan will provide a more tangy and flavorful applesauce. You can also experiment with a combination of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor profile.

What are healthy sugar substitutes that work well in applesauce?

For those seeking to sweeten their applesauce without resorting to granulated sugar, there are indeed several wholesome alternatives that can enhance both flavor and nutrition. These are:

• Maple Syrup: Known for its rich, caramel-like flavor, maple syrup is a popular natural sweetener that complements the natural sweetness of applesauce beautifully.
• Honey: With its distinct floral notes and thick consistency, honey is another excellent option for sweetening applesauce.
• Dates: Dates are a whole food option that not only sweetens but also adds fiber and essential nutrients to applesauce. By soaking dates in water and then pureeing them, you can create a natural date paste that blends into the sauce, providing sweetness without any added refined sugars.
• Stevia: For those looking to minimize calorie intake or maintain stable blood sugar levels, stevia is a natural, calorie-free sweetener. It is significantly sweeter than sugar, so only a small amount is needed to sweeten applesauce effectively.

Different ways of using instant pot applesauce?

Applesauce is versatile. Here is how you can use it:

• Baking: Use applesauce as a substitute for oil or butter in baking recipes. Replace the oil or butter with an equal amount of applesauce to reduce the fat content while adding moisture and flavor to cakes, muffins, bread, and other baked goods.
• Sweetening: Applesauce can serve as a natural sweetener in various dishes. Stir it into smoothies, oatmeal, or yogurt for added sweetness without the need for additional sugar. Drizzle applesauce over pancakes, waffles, or ice cream as a healthier alternative to syrup or toppings.
• Snacking: Enjoy applesauce on its own as a healthy and delicious snack. Pack it in lunchboxes or enjoy it as a midday pick-me-up for a satisfying and nutritious treat.
• Savory dishes: Get creative with savory dishes by incorporating applesauce as a flavor enhancer. Use it as a glaze for roasted meats such as chicken or pork, or mix it into marinades, sauces, and dressings to add sweetness and depth of flavor.

How to store instant pot applesauce?

• To store applesauce in the refrigerator, transfer it to an airtight container or jar and place it in the refrigerator once it has cooled completely. Properly stored, homemade applesauce can last up to 1 week in the refrigerator.
• For longer-term storage, portion the cooled applesauce into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags, leaving some room for expansion, and label them with the date before placing them in the freezer. It will last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw frozen applesauce overnight in the refrigerator or gently reheat it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through.

Instant Pot Applesauce – The Recipe

Preparation Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 5 minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes

Servings: 4

Ingredients

4 large apples, peeled, cored, and sliced

½ cup water

2 tbsp. lemon juice

2 tbsp. granulated sugar (optional)

1 tsp. ground cinnamon (optional)

Instant Pot Applesauce Preparation

1. Place the sliced apples, water, and lemon juice in the instant pot.
2. Close the lid and set the valve to the sealing position.
3. Cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.
4. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the pressure to release for 5 minutes naturally, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.
5. Open the lid and use a potato masher or immersion blender to mash the cooked apples to your desired consistency.
6. If desired, stir in granulated sugar and ground cinnamon for added sweetness and flavor.
7. Serve the instant pot applesauce warm or chilled.