If you’ve been on the hunt for a comforting, easy-to-make applesauce that you can whip up in no time, then you’re going to adore this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe. This homemade applesauce is naturally sweet, perfectly spiced, and super creamy without any added weird stuff—just pure, fresh apples and a few pantry staples. Plus, the Instant Pot does all the hard work so you can enjoy it any time you want with minimal fuss. Stick around and I’ll walk you through my favorite way to make it, along with some tricks to make sure your batch turns out flawless every single time.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Super Quick and Easy: From prep to finish, it only takes about 35 minutes total with just a few simple steps.
Naturally Sweet & Healthy: No preservatives or artificial sugar here—just real apples with a hint of cinnamon.
Versatile Use: Perfect as a snack, topping, or ingredient in other recipes like muffins and pancakes.
Great for Beginners: The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting, so little hands or busy weeks won’t slow you down.

Instant Pot Applesauce, homemade applesauce recipe, easy applesauce recipe, healthy applesauce, quick apple sauce - A white bowl filled with a thick, chunky, light brown apple sauce with a slightly shiny, wet texture that shows small soft apple pieces. A silver spoon lifts a spoonful of the apple sauce out of the bowl, held by a woman's hand in the top right corner. The bowl is placed on a blue and white striped cloth on a white marbled surface, with a green apple blurred in the background on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Ingredients & Why They Work

The beauty of this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe is in how just a handful of ingredients come together to create deep apple flavor balanced with warm spice. Each ingredient plays a role to keep it naturally sweet, vibrant, and creamy. I’ll share a few notes below so you know what to look for when shopping.

Instant Pot Applesauce, homemade applesauce recipe, easy applesauce recipe, healthy applesauce, quick apple sauce - Flat lay of bright green Granny Smith apples, some whole and some peeled with cores removed, small piles of warm brown sugar crystals, a scattering of ground cinnamon powder, and a few tiny grains of kosher salt, all beautifully arranged with fresh apple leaves and a splash of clear water droplets nearby, placed on a white marble surface, photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Granny Smith Apples: They give a nice tartness that keeps the sauce from being too sweet and hold up well during cooking.
Water: Just enough to steam the apples without making the sauce watery.
Brown Sugar: Adds a touch of caramel-like sweetness, but you can adjust or omit depending on your taste.
Ground Cinnamon: Brings warmth and a classic applesauce flavor boost.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the flavors, making everything taste more balanced and bright.

Note: Exact ingredients and measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

Make It Your Way

What I love most about making this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe is how flexible it is. You can easily customize sweetness levels, swap spices, or even add in extras for a personal flair. Don’t be afraid to experiment a little to suit your family’s preferences.

Variation: I sometimes add a pinch of nutmeg or ground cloves along with cinnamon for extra depth—it turns out wonderful!
Dietary Option: Leave out the brown sugar if you want a completely unsweetened applesauce; the apples are naturally sweet enough if you choose sweeter varieties.
Seasonal Twist: In autumn, I toss in some diced pears for a fruity upgrade that feels festive and cozy.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Combine Your Ingredients

First things first—peel, core, and chop your Granny Smith apples into roughly the same size chunks. This helps them cook evenly in the Instant Pot. Then, add the apples to the pot along with water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and kosher salt. Give everything a good stir so the sugar and cinnamon are evenly distributed. This little stir ensures every bite bursts with balanced flavor.

Step 2: Pressure Cook on High

Secure the Instant Pot lid and set the valve to sealing. Pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. This short cook time steams your apples to tender perfection without turning them into mush. It’s magic how the Instant Pot keeps the flavor concentrated while softening those apples so they mash easily later.

Step 3: Natural Release and Stir

When the cooking cycle finishes, let the pressure release naturally for 10 minutes—don’t skip this step! It helps prevent a sudden boil-over and lets the applesauce settle. After that, carefully do a quick release for any remaining steam, remove the lid, and give everything a good stir. The applesauce will be hot and fragrant. I like to mash a few chunks with a spoon for a chunkier texture or puree with an immersion blender for silky smooth. It’s entirely up to you!

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Pro Tips for Making Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Choose the Right Apples: I always opt for Granny Smith for tartness, but mixing in sweeter varieties like Fuji can help balance if you prefer sweeter applesauce.
Don’t Skip Natural Release: This step lets the steam subside slowly and improves texture—plus, you avoid messy splatters when opening the lid.
Adjust Sweetness After Cooking: I often taste when it’s done and add a bit more brown sugar or cinnamon if needed rather than beforehand.
Storage Tip: Cool applesauce completely before sealing containers to avoid condensation and extend shelf life.

How to Serve Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle a little extra cinnamon on top just before serving because it gives a burst of aroma and extra cozy feeling. Sometimes I also add a pinch of chopped toasted walnuts or a drizzle of honey for texture and sweetness—especially when serving as a dessert.

Side Dishes

This applesauce pairs beautifully with classic breakfast dishes like pancakes, oatmeal, or French toast. For lunch or dinner, I love serving it alongside pork chops or roasted chicken—the sweetness complements savory meat perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a special brunch or holiday treat, I’ve served this applesauce layered in small glass jars topped with granola and Greek yogurt for a parfait-style dessert or snack. It also makes a charming homemade gift when jarred pretty and tied with a ribbon.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover applesauce in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days. Make sure it cools completely before sealing the container to keep it fresh and avoid excess moisture buildup. It’s such a handy fridge staple for quick snacks or adding to recipes.

Freezing

This recipe freezes beautifully! I portion applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and stir well before serving.

Reheating

To reheat, I just warm a small batch on the stovetop over low heat or microwave for 30-60 seconds, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. If the applesauce thickened in the fridge, adding a splash of water can help loosen the texture.

FAQs

Can I use other apple varieties for this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe?

Absolutely! While Granny Smith apples provide a nice tart base, you can mix in sweeter apples like Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp to suit your taste. Using a blend adds complexity and natural sweetness, reducing the need for added sugar.
Is it necessary to peel the apples?

Peeling is recommended in this recipe for the smoothest texture and appearance, but you can leave the skins on if you prefer a more rustic, fiber-rich applesauce. Just expect a chunkier consistency and flecks of skin.
How do I adjust the sweetness?

Start with the brown sugar amount suggested, then taste your applesauce after cooking. You can easily stir in more sugar, honey, or maple syrup while it’s still warm, adjusting until it hits your preferred sweetness.
Can I omit the cinnamon?

Yes! Cinnamon gives that classic warm flavor, but if you’re not a fan or have allergies, feel free to leave it out, or substitute with other spices like ginger or cardamom for a unique twist.
How long does homemade applesauce last in the fridge?

Stored in an airtight container, homemade applesauce will keep fresh for about 4 to 5 days in the refrigerator. Always smell and check for any mold or off smells before consuming.

Final Thoughts

This Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe has been such a staple in my kitchen for years now—it’s comforting, effortless, and so versatile. Whether you’re making it as a wholesome snack for your kids, a cozy side dish for dinner, or a guilt-free dessert, it always delivers. If you haven’t made homemade applesauce before, I can’t recommend this recipe enough to get you started. Trust me, once you try it fresh and warm from the pot, you’ll never want the jarred stuff again!