3 Ingredient Instant Pot Applesauce

This is the only way I have made applesauce. Before the Instant Pot, I wouldn’t think of making applesauce myself…and I didn’t have a daughter who demanded applesauce :-). However, now she loves it and wants to have it frequently. This certainly is a great homemade nutritious snack to have ready for toddlers or even older kids. You might also enjoy this Instant Pot Strawberry Jam, Cranberry Chutney, and Instant Pot hummus recipe.

Watch How to Make 3 Ingredient Instant Pot Applesauce

Which apples to choose to make Applesauce?

I used Ambrosia apples when making this recipe as we like our applesauce sweet. It is great to use a combination of varieties, too, to get a balance of flavors in the applesauce. Granny Smith, Honey Crisp, Golden Delicious, Fuji, or a combination of these. The amount of sweetness in the apples is important to determine if added sugar will be required. I prefer to choose naturally sweeter apples, so I don’t have to add any sugar.

How to make Applesauce in the Pressure Cooker?

To make homemade Applesauce, I prefer not to peel the apples. Why waste all the wonderful nutrients that are in the peel? They are going to get mixed, and the kids won’t even realize. However, if you prefer the taste of applesauce without the peel, that would work, too, with this same recipe. If you are not peeling, preferably get organic apples and wash them well before using. I used 5 apples when making this recipe. This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled. Keep in mind that apples can foam, so only fill to half the capacity of the pot and do a natural pressure release. I start with slicing the apples. For this, I love the Calphalon Apple Corer & Slicer. I could cut all five apples in less than two minutes. I like to add Cinnamon and Lemon juice to the applesauce. There are other spices that go well with Applesauce – Nutmeg, Cloves, and Cardamom. Try them and see what you prefer. Lemon juice is optional as well. However, I like to add it to balance the flavors. I used Ambrosia apples when making this recipe. These apples are sweet, and hence I did not need to add any sweetener. However, if you are using other varieties which are less sweet, you can add a sweetener such as honey or sugar. Some people prefer maple syrup. Add the amount based on your family’s preference. Alright, so the method is super simple. Add all ingredients to the pot and give a stir.
Pressure cook for 4 minutes at high pressure. Let the pressure release naturally. Then use an immersion blender to blend the apples to a smooth paste. If you like chunkier applesauce, use a potato masher. Delicious Applesauce is ready! Enjoy this applesauce on its own or spread it on toast. Top it on your oatmeal or waffles, or pancakes. You can also use it in baking recipes to replace eggs or butter.

Why add lemon juice to Applesauce?

I read here that lemon juice helps preserve the applesauce’s color (especially when canning). Although, I just love the flavor of the applesauce with lemon juice.

How to Store Applesauce?

This applesauce can be stored in the refrigerator for 4-5 days and frozen for up to 3 months. Store in small containers.

Instant Pot Applesauce Tips

Vary the spices you add to your applesauce: Cinnamon, Nutmeg, Cloves, Cardamom. Try them and see what you prefer. The good part of applesauce is that any apples can work. They will all get mush, so don’t worry about getting the perfect-looking apples.