Nothing tastes better than homemade applesauce, especially when it's this quick and easy in the Instant Pot. A mix of seasonal fall apples, cozy and warm with cinnamon and brown sugar.
Fall has arrived and so have trips to the apple orchard and pumpkin patch. I love a good apple crisp, apple pie or bakery apple slices, and with my Instant Pot, I've discovered just how easy it is to make applesauce. And just how much better homemade tastes!
Truth be told, applesauce isn't my thing but my husband loves it. Especially with comforting pork dishes. And I've decided I agree. I think I just wasn't that crazy about the store-bought stuff. This homemade stuff is just so dang good!
Here's what you need
- Apples, of course. I like the local apples in season right now and a mix of sweet and tart, like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith.
- Fresh lemon juice and water
- Cinnamon and brown sugar
- An electric pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot
Step by step instructions
Step 1: Peel, core and cut the apples into small chunks.
Step 2: Place in pressure cooker and add water and lemon juice, toss to mix.
Step 3: Add the cinnamon and brown sugar and mix well to coat all the apples.
Step 4: Seal and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes, let naturally release for 15 minutes.
Step 5: Open Instant Pot, it's basically already applesauce, just mash to your desired consistency.
Recipe notes and tips
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. I used Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. Or try Gala, Golden Delicious or McIntosh. Or even use several varieties, what you picked at the orchard or can find locally in your stores and vegetable stands. No right or wrong, just a variety. Here's a great reference guide for tart and sweet apples.
- The cinnamon amount can be adjusted but keep in mind that spices and aromatics tend to be stronger cooked under pressure. I don't like a lot of cinnamon anyway but you can definitely up the amount to 1 teaspoon if you like.
- You can add the sugar after cooking if you want to taste it and see how sweet it naturally is, but I find the sugar amount to be just right for a sweet and tart flavor profile.
- Use a potato masher or immersion blender to process to desired consistency. It is basically applesauce when you open the pot and a masher works just fine. But if you want super smooth, try an immersion blender.
- Applesauce will keep in the refrigerator for a week to ten days, or freeze for up to 3 to 6 months.
What to serve with applesauce
Around here, definitely comforting pork dishes and cozy comfort food like mac and cheese. So I'mma gonna suggest these Hungry Bluebird dishes:
- Breaded Pork Chops, super easy way to make tender and juicy pork chops.
- Braised Pork and Sauerkraut, just three ingredients for slow braised yumminess on a cold day.
- Southern Baked Macaroni and Cheese, soul food classic side dish everyone loves!
Seriously, tho, anytime is a good time for easy homemade applesauce but fall apples are the best!! Warm and cozy applesauce will put a smile on anyone's face, and it doesn't get any freakin' easier than this! Kelly🍴🐦
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Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds sweet apples, like Honeycrisp about 4 apples
- 1½ pounds tart apples, like Granny Smith about 4 apples
- ½ cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice about juice from half a lemon
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
- ⅓ cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Peel, core and cut apples into small chunks. Place in insert of Instant Pot.
- Add water and then lemon juice, toss to combine.
- Add cinnamon and brown sugar, toss to combine well.
- Seal and cook under high pressure for 5 minutes. Let naturally release for 15 minutes and then release any remaining pressure. Carefully open and remove lid.
- Use a handheld potato masher and mash and stir until sauce is at desired consistency. Enjoy!
Recipe Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for best flavor.
- You can add more cinnamon, up to 1 teaspoon. Keep in mind the flavor is more intense cooked under pressure.
- For a super smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to process.
- Applesauce will keep in the refrigerator for a week to ten days, or freeze for up to 3 to 6 months.
Meathead
Tuesday 27th of October 2020
Everyone will say "Thanks" if you make homemade applesauce for Thanksgiving!
Kelly
Friday 30th of October 2020
You are so corny, love you!