Instant Pot Applesauce (Easy, Simple, No Added Sugar)

Instant Pot Applesauce is by far the easiest way to make applesauce at home. It is absolutely delicious and comes out perfect every single time! The best part is it only takes 3 minutes to make and there is no added sugar.

Raise your hand if you grew up eating Motts Applesauce as a kid? I grew up eating Motts Applesauce and it was one of my favorite after school snacks. If you loved Motts, you are going to love this Instant Pot Applesauce! In less time it takes to drive to the grocery store to pick up the store-bought Applesauce (that is usually loaded with preservatives by the way) you can easily make your own.

This is great if you have toddlers, preschoolers or even older kids who want a nutritious snack. You can just store in Mason Jars in the refrigerator and enjoy it anytime.

How To Make Instant Pot Applesauce

Step One: Prepare Your Apples

The very first thing you need to do to make Applesauce is to select your apples. Because I do not add sugar to my Applesauce, I always make sure to select apples that are naturally sweet and somewhat firm.

For this recipe for Instant Pot Applesauce, my favorite apples to use are Fuji or Honeycrisp. Any apples will technically work so it is mostly up to you and your personal preference.

After washing and drying the apples, you just need to peel and remove the core from the apples, either by using an apple corer or by cutting around the core and cut into 2-inch chunks.

Step Two: Pressure Cook the Apples

The next thing you need to do is place the apples inside the Instant Pot with 1 cup of water along with lemon juice, cinnamon, ginger, and sea salt.

I use a full cup of liquid for this homemade Applesauce in my 6 quart Instant Pot. The apples will give off enough liquid for pressure to be reached and maintained.

Step Three: Mash or Blend Apples into Applesauce

Once the Applesauce has finished cooking, promptly use a wet rag to quick-release the pressure. This is necessary to prevent burning. Turn off the warming function and remove the lid. Allow it too cool for at least 10 minutes.

As for blending up your Applesauce, you can either mash the apples with a potato masher, immersion blender or transfer to a blender or food processor to blend until smooth.

My favorite way to eat it is warm but, you can also chill it in the fridge before serving too.

Modifications for Instant Pot Applesauce

• Tart Applesauce: If you prefer a tart taste to your Applesauce, use Granny Smith apples for half the amount of apples and add 1 tsp. of fresh lemon juice.

• Thick Applesauce: If you like your Applesauce on the thicker side, you would need to decrease the cooking liquid to 1/2 cup for a 6 quart Instant Pot. The Instant Pot will still be able to come to pressure due to the moisture content of the apples. But, if you have a pressure cooker that is prone to burn warnings, you may want to stick to using 1 cup of liquid. Note: Instant Pot models vary greatly with their sensitivity levels.

• Sweetened Applesauce: If after making your Applesauce you notice that it is not as sweet as you prefer, add in 1-2 tbsp. of honey.

How To Store Instant Pot Applesauce?

This Instant Pot Applesauce is so delicious, you will want to make a large batch! In fact, when Apples are in season, you may want to make this recipe several times and freeze to use throughout the winter months.

To Store in the Refrigerator: Allow Applesauce to cool slightly before transferring to Mason Jars. You can store the Applesauce in the fridge for 4-5 days.

To Freeze Homemade Applesauce: Allow the Applesauce to cool completely and then place in freezer-safe bags or containers by filling 2/3 of the way full. Homemade Applesauce lasts for 4-6 months in the freezer.

How To Use Your Instant Pot

If you are new to using the Instant Pot, one of the most important things you need to know is how to cook on manual and also whether your recipe calls for a natural release or quick release. This Instant Pot recipe includes step by step instructions below, but these photos help to give you an idea of what your machine should look like during the process.

I have both a 6-quart Instant Pot Lux and a 6-quart Instant Pot Duo. On the Lux, you would use the “Manual” button. But, on newer models like the Duo, you would press the button that says “Pressure Cook.” Both buttons do the same thing. For this particular recipe, we are cooking at high pressure for 3 minutes.

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The Instant Pot will take about 6 to 10 minutes to come to pressure and the cook cycle countdown doesn’t start until the pot is pressurized. You can tell when the pot is pressurized when the floating valve on the lid has popped up.

This recipe calls for a 15 minute natural release. When 15 minutes has passed, the screen on the Instant Pot will read LO:15 and that is when you can move the steam release valve to Venting. Any remaining steam pressure will release through the top of the valve, and when the floating valve next to it drops, that is when you will know it is safe to remove the lid. The floating valve will be silver or red, depending on the Instant Pot model that you own.

Looking for more easy Instant Pot recipes? It is Instant Pot month on Wholly Revived after all! Be sure to check out all of the Instant Pot Wonders.

Do you struggle with trying to figure out how long to cook something in the Instant Pot or which Release Method to use? Be sure to grab my Instant Pot Cheat Sheets that tells you the exact cook time, liquids required, and Release Method needed for meats, veggies, beans & legumes.

If you like this Instant Pot Applesauce recipe, try these other AIP instant pot recipes.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Chili

Instant Pot Chicken & Cauliflower Rice Soup