The Smell of Fall in 10 Minutes
The first time I made this applesauce, my kitchen smelled like a cider mill. Warm cinnamon, tart apples, and a hint of lemon filled the air. My kids ran in, asking if we’d baked a pie. Ever wondered how you could turn a few apples into something this cozy? This recipe proves simple ingredients can feel magical. It’s fall in a bowl, ready in minutes.My First Applesauce Disaster (And Why It Worked)
I forgot to peel the apples once. The skins made the sauce chunky, but my neighbor loved the texture. Now I leave them on for extra fiber. Cooking teaches us to embrace surprises—even the messy ones. Home cooking isn’t about perfection. It’s about making something real, with your own hands. What’s your favorite kitchen “oops” that turned out great?Why This Applesauce Tastes Like More
– The mix of sweet and tart apples gives depth, like a good pie filling. – Cinnamon sticks add warmth without being overpowering. Which flavor combo surprises you most—tart Granny Smith or sweet Crispin? Try both for balance. The lemon juice brightens everything up. It’s like a secret trick from grandma’s kitchen.Applesauce’s Humble (But Ancient) Roots
Applesauce dates back to medieval Europe. Cooks simmered bruised apples with spices to avoid waste. *Did you know early settlers brought apple seeds to America just for sauce?* Today, it’s a global comfort food. From German pancakes to latkes, it’s more than a side dish. Share your favorite way to eat applesauce—straight up or in recipes?
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Apples (peeled, cored, and sliced) | 6 medium/large | I used apple crisp and Granny Smith |
| Water | 1/2 cup | |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp | |
| Cinnamon sticks | 2 | or use 1/4-1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon |
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Without Sugar
Step 1 Grab your peeled, cored, and sliced apples. Toss them into the Instant Pot. Add water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Stir gently to mix. (Hard-learned tip: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance.)
Step 2 Close the lid and set to “Pressure Cook” on high. Timer should read 7 minutes. Walk away—no peeking! The steam will do the work.
Step 3 After cooking, let the pot sit for 10 minutes. Then quick-release the rest of the pressure. Open carefully—hot steam escapes!
Step 4 Fish out the cinnamon sticks. Mash or blend the apples to your liking. Chunky or smooth? Your call!
Step 5 Taste and adjust. Need a touch of sweetness? A drizzle of honey works. Serve warm or chilled. What’s your favorite apple variety for sauces? Share below!
Cook Time: 7 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Snack, Dessert
3 Fun Twists on Homemade Applesauce
Spiced-Up Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom with the cinnamon. Warm and cozy flavors shine here.
Berry Blast Toss in a handful of frozen raspberries before cooking. Tangy and pink—kids love it!
Savory Swap Skip the cinnamon. Stir in rosemary and a dash of black pepper. Perfect with roasted meats. Which twist would you try first? Vote in the comments!
Serving Ideas for Your Applesauce
Top oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast. Pair with pork chops at dinner. *Fun fact: Applesauce cuts grease in cakes!* Sip sparkling cider or a crisp white wine alongside. Kids? Try apple juice with a cinnamon stick. Which would you choose tonight—breakfast, dinner, or dessert?
How to Store and Reheat Your Applesauce
Keep your applesauce fresh in the fridge for up to a week. Use a clean jar or airtight container. Freeze it for 3 months—thaw overnight before eating. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave. *Fun fact: My grandkids love it warm with oatmeal!* Batch-cook tip: Double the recipe and freeze half. Why this matters: Homemade saves money and cuts waste. Ever tried freezing applesauce? Share your tips below!Fix Common Applesauce Problems
Too thin? Simmer it uncovered to thicken. Too chunky? Blend longer or use a food processor. Bland? Add a pinch of salt or more cinnamon. Why this matters: Small tweaks make big flavor wins. My neighbor swore hers was “boring” until she added lemon zest. What’s your go-to fix for bland food?Your Applesauce Questions Answered
Q: Is this gluten-free?
A: Yes! Applesauce is naturally gluten-free. Just check your cinnamon for additives.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
A: Absolutely. It keeps well and tastes even better after a day.
Q: What apple swaps work?
A: Try Honeycrisp for sweetness or McIntosh for softer texture.
Q: How do I scale the recipe?
A: Double or triple it—just keep the water ratio the same.
Q: Can I skip the lemon juice?
A: Yes, but it brightens the flavor and keeps color fresh.
Wrapping Up
This applesauce is a fall favorite in my house. So simple, so cozy. *Fun fact: I’ve made it every October for 20 years!* Tag@SpoonSway on Pinterest with your creations. Did you try a twist? Tell me below! Happy cooking! —Sarah Cooper.
Easy Instant Pot Applesauce Without Sugar
Description
Make delicious homemade applesauce easily in your Instant Pot without added sugar.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Add apples, water, lemon juice, and optional cinnamon or sweetener to the Instant Pot.
- Set to “Pressure Cook” on high for 7 minutes.
- Allow a 10-minute natural pressure release, then quick release.
- Remove the cinnamon sticks then mash or blend the applesauce to your desired texture.
- Taste and add more sweetener if needed.
Notes
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week or freeze for longer storage.
Applesauce, Instant Pot, Sugar-Free, Healthy