Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch

My Love for Apples

I have always loved apples. Their crunch is so satisfying. But cooked apples are a different kind of magic.

They become soft and sweet all on their own. This is why homemade applesauce is so special. You are just helping the apple become its best self.

Picking Your Apples

Let’s talk about the apples. I use two kinds. I use tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp.

Together, they create a perfect balance. You don’t need much sugar this way. The flavor is deep and rich, just like a dessert.

A Little Kitchen Helper

Now, peeling all those apples can be a chore. I have a little tool called a Johnny Apple Peeler. It peels, cores, and slices in one turn.

My grandson calls it my “apple machine.” I still laugh at that. It makes the job feel like a game. What’s your favorite kitchen tool that makes cooking fun?

The Magic Happens

You put everything in the pot. Then you close the lid. In just eight minutes, something amazing happens.

You open the lid and the apples have turned to sauce. Doesn’t that smell amazing? All you do is give it a stir. It matters because it shows how simple real food can be.

Make It Your Own

I always add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon at the end. It makes the whole kitchen smell like love. You can eat it warm or cold.

It is good on its own or with pork chops. Fun fact: A bushel of apples makes about 15 quarts of applesauce! How do you like to eat your applesauce?

Why This is a Good Habit

Making food from scratch connects you to what you eat. You know exactly what is in it. There are no strange words you cannot pronounce.

This is so important for our bodies. It is a simple act of care. I feel good when I make it for my family. What is a food you feel proud to make from scratch?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Granny Smith apples	4 large	peeled, cored and roughly chopped (or Golden Delicious apples)
Honeycrisp apples	4 large	peeled, cored and roughly chopped
Water	1 cup
Fresh lemon juice	1 Tablespoon	from about ½ a lemon
Ground cinnamon	1/2 teaspoon	plus more to taste after cooking

My Cozy Instant Pot Applesauce

There is nothing like the smell of cooking apples. It fills your whole kitchen with warmth. I love making this simple applesauce in my Instant Pot. It reminds me of my own grandma’s kitchen.

She would spend all afternoon stirring a big pot. My way is much faster, but just as delicious. The secret is using two kinds of apples. I like a mix of tart Granny Smith and sweet Honeycrisp. They become best friends in the pot.

Ingredients

• 6-8 medium apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
• 1/4 cup water
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Instructions

Step 1: First, let’s get our apples ready. Peel them, take out the cores, and chop them up. I have a little tool that does all three jobs at once. It makes me feel like a kitchen wizard. (A hard-learned tip: a little lemon juice keeps the apples from turning brown.)

Step 2: Now, put everything into your Instant Pot. That’s the chopped apples, water, lemon juice, and cinnamon. Give it all a good stir. I always take a big sniff at this point. Doesn’t that smell amazing? It already smells like a happy kitchen.

Step 3: Lock the lid on and cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. When the timer beeps, carefully let the steam out. Open the lid and just look. The apples have magically become sauce! I still laugh at how easy it is.

Step 4: All you need to do now is give it a stir. You can mash it a bit if you like some chunks. I sometimes add an extra sprinkle of cinnamon. Do you like your applesauce smooth or a little chunky? Share below!

Cook Time: 8 minutes
Total Time: About 20 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Snack, Side Dish

Three Fun Twists to Try

This applesauce is wonderful all on its own. But sometimes, it’s fun to play with the recipe. Here are a few ideas my grandkids love. They make a simple snack feel extra special.

Apple Pie Spice: Swap the cinnamon for a pinch of apple pie spice. It tastes like a slice of warm pie in a bowl.

Berry Blast: Stir in a handful of fresh raspberries after cooking. They make the sauce a pretty pink color.

Pear-Fect Pair: Use two apples and two pears instead of all apples. It gives a lovely, gentle sweetness.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving Your Masterpiece

We love eating this applesauce warm, right from the pot. But it is also lovely cold from the fridge. It is perfect with crispy potato latkes or a simple pork chop. You can even swirl it into your morning oatmeal.

For a drink, a cold glass of apple cider is just right. For the grown-ups, a crisp hard cider pairs beautifully. It is a match made in heaven. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Applesauce Happy

This applesauce keeps well in the fridge. Just put it in a sealed container. It will stay fresh for about a week. You can also freeze it for later.

I like to freeze it in small jars. This way, I always have a little treat ready. I once made a huge batch for my grandson’s school party. Having it in the freezer saved me so much time.

Batch cooking like this makes busy days easier. It means a homemade snack is always close by. It feels good to be prepared.

To reheat, just warm a scoop in a small pot. You can enjoy it warm or cold. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Perfect Applesauce

Is your applesauce too watery? This can happen with very juicy apples. Just cook it for a few more minutes without the lid. The extra water will evaporate away.

I remember when my first batch was too tart. I had used only green apples. I learned to mix sweet and tart kinds. This creates a better flavor balance.

Not sweet enough for you? You can stir in a little brown sugar. Do this after the applesauce is cooked. Getting the flavor right builds your cooking confidence.

It also makes the food taste just how you like it. A small fix makes a big difference. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Applesauce Questions Answered

Q: Is this applesauce gluten-free? A: Yes, it is naturally gluten-free. All the ingredients are safe.

Q: Can I make it ahead of time? A: Absolutely. It is a great make-ahead snack. The flavor is even better the next day.

Q: What if I don’t have lemon juice? A: You can leave it out. It just helps the apples keep their bright color.

Q: Can I double the recipe? A: Yes, you can easily double it. Your pot will just be very full. *Fun fact: Some applesauce was once sold in clay pots as medicine!*

Q: Do I have to peel the apples? A: No, but the sauce will have bits of skin. It is still delicious and full of fiber. Which tip will you try first?

A Note From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this recipe as much as I do. It always makes my kitchen smell wonderful. It reminds me of autumn afternoons with my family.

I would be so happy to see your creation. Sharing food is a way of sharing joy. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest!

Happy cooking!

—Grace Ellington.