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Instant Pot applesauce in jar on burlap with cinnamon stick and apples in background

Instant Pot Applesauce

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes
Natural Pressure Release 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Serving Size 12

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • immersion blender

Ingredients

  • 2 kg (4.4lb) apples, peeled, cored, and roughly chopped
  • 1 cup water
  • 2 tsp cinnamon (optional)
  • 1–2 Tbsp lemon juice (optional)
  • 1 –2 Tbsp brown sugar or honey (optional — depending on how sweet your apples are)

Instructions

  • Add the water, chopped apples, cinnamon, and lemon juice (if using) to the Instant Pot. Give everything a quick stir.
  • Lock the lid and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes. Let the pressure naturally release for 10–15 minutes, then carefully release any remaining pressure.
  • Open the lid and give the apples a stir. They should be very soft. For smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender directly in the pot and blend until completely smooth.
  • Let the applesauce cool, then ladle it into jars for storing in the refrigerator. You can also freeze it flat in Ziploc bags or divide it between silicone muffin cups for convenient, ready-to-thaw portions.

Notes

  • Sweetener: I never add sugar to applesauce because I prefer it unsweetened—it makes it more versatile (and healthier, too!). However, you can add sugar or honey after cooking if your apples are very tart and you prefer a sweeter sauce.
  • Lemon juice: I only add lemon juice when I’m using sweet apples. If I’m using tart apples, I leave it out.
  • Water: Add 1 cup of water to the Instant Pot. This helps it come to pressure properly and prevents the apples from scorching on the bottom and triggering the Burn warning.