There’s nothing like homemade applesauce. Some things are created equal when it comes to making them homemade vs. buying it at a store, but applesauce is not one of those things. And the good news is, it couldn’t be any easier.
People often ask me what kind of apples to use when making homemade applesauce? My favorite thing to do is use a variety! I think this creates the most complex and delicious applesauce you’ll ever taste. Go to your local farmer’s market or even an apple orchard and pick all different kinds! It’s fun for the kids too!
If you have an Instant Pot then you know how easy this is to make. Literally done in minutes! But this can also be made in a slow cooker which is just as delicious (it just takes more time).
It’s up to you if you want to keep the skin on the apples. If you decide to peel them, the applesauce will of course be much more smooth, but if you don’t mind a slightly thicker/chunkier sauce then keep the skins on!
I can’t wait for you all to try this. I eat it with EVERYTHING.
Easy Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 pounds your favorite apples (I used gala, fuji, honey crisp and granny smith) - peeled or not peeled
- 1/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon allspice
- Pinch of salt
- juice from half a lemon
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
Instant Pot Instructions
- If peeling the apples, do this first. Then chop the apples into a large dice.
- Place the apples, water, cinnamon, allspice, salt, lemon juice and brown sugar into the Instant Pot. Close the lid and cook on manual high pressure for 5 minutes.
- Natural release and using an immersion blender, ricer or potato masher, blend the applesauce to your desired consistency. Serve warm, room temperate or cold. The flavors will change slightly as it cools, so adjust to taste as needed.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- If peeling the apples, do this first. Then chop the apples into a large dice.
- Place the apples, water, cinnamon, allspice, salt, lemon juice and brown sugar into the slow cooker. Cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours.
- Using an immersion blender, ricer or potato masher, blend the applesauce to your desired consistency. Serve warm, room temperate or cold. The flavors will change slightly as it cools, so adjust to taste as needed.
Niki cotton
Wonderful and so easy. I added some mashed strawberries and pineapple. I will never buy store applesauce again
Life is but a Dish
SO happy you enjoyed it!
Brittany Lentz
Made this today (doubled the batch for my 8qt) and it is fantastic! Thank you! Any idea on the shelf life if it is just refrigerated and not canned? Thanks!
Life is but a Dish
Oh yay!! So glad you liked it! I would at least 1-2 weeks!
Lisa
It sounds yummy, healthy and super easy! Can it be frozen in batches also?
Life is but a Dish
yes!!
Piper Green
Hi, is this 3 lbs of apples before or after peeling and coring?
Life is but a Dish
before!
Laurie
I am not an applesauce lover, but my husband and my mom, who lives with me, are. I made this for them, but holy cow!!! I am an applesauce LOVER now. It makes me so happy to make things that have typically been crappy, horrible ingredient things, with fresh, in-season ingredients and what a bonus that they taste so good!!! Love feeding my family healthy things.
Thank you for this recipe, Laney.
Life is but a Dish
Oh this makes me so happy!!
Karen
OMG I just made this and it is amazing not to mention easy! I added a little honey and it is a perfect healthy snack or dessert. I did peel the apples as I have never cared for chunky applesauce and is is like butter cream! Even my sugar addicted husband loves it! I”ll get him off sugar one way or another.
Life is but a Dish
Yay!!!
Julie Dooling
Can this applesauce be canned? if so, hot water bath or pressure cooker?
thanks~