Finger-licking Good: Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
Hey there foodies! Are you ready to transform your apples into a mouth-watering instant pot applesauce recipe that will knock your socks off? Whether you have a sweet tooth or simply love healthy snacks, this recipe is perfect for you.
Say goodbye to store-bought applesauce, because making homemade applesauce has never been easier. With the help of your trusty instant pot, you can create the most delicious pot applesauce in under ten minutes! Shockingly easy instant pot applesauce recipe makes for a great snack or topping for your meals.
This recipe is not only quick and easy, but it’s also healthy and free from preservatives. Plus, you can customize the taste to your liking with different spices and sweeteners. Whether you prefer chunky or smooth applesauce, unsweetened or with a hint of sugar, cinnamon or nutmeg, the possibilities are endless.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s grab those granny smith apples and get started on this ultimate instant pot applesauce adventure that will leave everyone craving more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Hey there foodies, have you ever tried making homemade applesauce? If not, then you’re missing out! Let me introduce you to my Instant Pot Applesauce recipe – it’s shockingly easy to make and will make your taste buds dance with joy.
Why will you love this recipe, you ask? First of all, it’s quick! You only need 6 minutes on high pressure to cook the applesauce in your Instant Pot. Secondly, it’s healthy! Unlike store-bought applesauce that often contains added sugar or preservatives, this recipe is made from scratch with fresh ingredients such as apples and lemon juice. Plus, you can adjust the level of sweetness by adding maple syrup or nutmeg according to your liking.
Another reason why you’ll adore this recipe is the flexibility it offers. You can make chunky applesauce if you prefer texture or puree it for a smoother result. Not to mention the different variations you can create by adding spices like cinnamon or ginger.
If you’re still not convinced, let me tell you about the convenience of this recipe. You don’t have to take the time to peel and core the apples because cooking the whole fruit is quicker and easier. Plus, it’s a great way to use up any excess apples that are starting to go bad.
Last but not least, this homemade applesauce lasts for up to ten days when stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator. So, you can enjoy it with every meal – breakfast yogurt parfait, oatmeal topping, sandwich spread, pork loin condiment – just let your creativity guide you!
In conclusion, whether you’re new to Instant Pot cooking or a seasoned pro, this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe is perfect for everyone who wants a quick and healthy snack that tastes amazing. So grab some apples and get ready to embrace the crisp fruity flavor of homemade goodness!
Ingredient List
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this delicious instant pot applesauce:
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Apples: You will need about 8 medium-sized apples (about 3 lbs). I recommend using Granny Smith apples as they are tart, which balances well with the sweetness. But you can also use other varieties such as Honeycrisp, Jonathan or Golden Delicious.
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Water: The water will add moisture and make it easier to cook the applesauce in the Instant Pot.
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Lemon juice: Lemon juice is added for a tangy flavor and to help prevent browning.
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Cinnamon sticks: Cinnamon sticks will add a warm and cozy flavor to your applesauce. If you don’t have cinnamon sticks, you can substitute with ground cinnamon.
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Nutmeg: Nutmeg adds depth and warmth to the recipe.
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Maple syrup (optional): If you prefer a sweeter applesauce, you may add 1/4 cup of maple syrup.
That’s it! These simple ingredients make up a shockingly easy yet delicious instant pot applesauce recipe.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let me walk you through the Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe step-by-step. Don’t worry; it’s shockingly easy to make, and trust me, it tastes amazing.
Ingredients
- 10 medium-sized apples, peeled, cored and chopped
- 1 cup of water
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ¼ teaspoon of nutmeg
Steps
- First, add the chopped apples into your Instant Pot, followed by water, lemon juice, cinnamon stick and nutmeg. Give it a quick stir.
- Next, close the lid and set the pressure valve to ‘Sealing.’
- Select the ‘Manual’ setting and adjust the timer to cook on high pressure for 6 minutes.
- Once the Instant Pot has beeped, you can do a quick release immediately by moving the pressure valve from ‘Sealing’ to ‘Venting.’ Make sure to stand back as the steam escapes!
- Open the lid and with a fork, remove the cinnamon stick from the pot.
- Then use a potato masher or an immersion blender to mash or blend the apples into your desired chunkiness.
- Taste test your applesauce; if you prefer it sweeter, add a tablespoon of maple syrup at a time until you reach your desired sweetness. Mix it well with a spoon.
That’s it! Your homemade applesauce is now ready to be served or stored.
If you want your applesauce sugar-free, you can substitute maple syrup with another natural sweetener like honey or stevia.
This recipe makes applesauce for about ten days when refrigerated and can be enjoyed as is or used in baking recipes that call for unsweetened applesauce.
Now that you know how to create this delicious homemade treat it’s time to start creating some of your own spice variations. Try adding some ginger, anise, or a different kind of fruit like pears or cranberries to the mix. Play around, mix and match apples, spices and other fruits to create your perfect version of this classic treat!
Substitutions and Variations
Let’s face it, we all have our own unique preferences and dietary needs. That’s why I’m going to show you a few substitutions and variations to make this instant pot applesauce recipe even more customizable to your liking.
First off, let’s talk about the sweeteners. If you prefer your applesauce on the sweeter side, you can add some sugar or maple syrup during the cooking process. But if you’re trying to cut back on sugar, you can opt for unsweetened applesauce or try substituting with a natural sweetener like honey or agave.
Next up, let’s play around with spices. While cinnamon and nutmeg are classic choices for applesauce recipes, feel free to experiment with other spices like ginger or cloves. You could also try adding a dash of cardamom or allspice for a unique twist.
Now let’s talk about the type of apples you use. This recipe calls for granny smith apples, which are tart and perfect for making applesauce. However, if you want a sweeter applesauce, try using honeycrisp instead. And if you want a chunky texture, use a mix of different apple varieties.
For those looking to make this recipe even healthier, try substituting some of the water with apple juice. You’ll have a subtly sweet and apple-y tasting sauce without having to add extra sugar.
Last but not least, let’s talk about lemon juice. It adds a nice tangy flavor to the sauce but some may find it too sour. If that’s the case for you, try using orange juice instead or skip the citrus altogether.
With these substitutions and variations in mind, let your creativity run wild and create your own unique twist on this instant pot applesauce recipe!
Serving and Pairing
Now that you have your beautiful homemade Instant Pot applesauce, it’s time to serve and enjoy it! The best thing about applesauce is its versatility. You can eat it alone as a healthy snack or pair it with other delicious food items.
For a simple breakfast, layer your applesauce with Greek yogurt and a sprinkle of granola for added crunch. You can also add a dash of cinnamon on top for a flavor kick.
Alternatively, incorporate your applesauce onto your main dishes. Spread some onto your toast or bagel in the mornings or use it as a topping on oatmeal pancakes. It’s also great as a side dish to savory meals like roasted pork, grilled chicken, or even barbecue ribs.
Don’t forget dessert! Apple desserts are classic and comforting. Try drizzling some warm caramel sauce over your bowl of applesauce for an indulgent treat. You can also mix in some maple syrup or honey to enhance sweetness if desired.
For beverage pairing, apples naturally pair well with warm tea or coffee in the mornings. Or try making apple cider by heating up your homemade applesauce with water, nutmeg and cinnamon stick for a warm fall drink.
With its simple yet classic taste, homemade Instant Pot applesauce is sure to be great on its own or combined with other dishes. Plus, you can easily store leftovers in the fridge for up to ten days to enjoy as snacks throughout the week.
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
Even though this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe is shockingly easy and quick to make, sometimes you want to plan ahead, especially if you are hosting a party or have a busy week ahead. The good news is that it’s incredibly easy to make it ahead of time.
Once the applesauce is done and cooled down, simply transfer it to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to ten days. If you want to keep it longer than that, freeze it for up to three months.
When you are ready to serve or reheat, just take out the container and microwave it on medium heat for one minute at a time, stirring in between, until heated through. Alternatively, transfer it back to your Instant Pot and use the sauté function until desired temperature is reached.
If you like chunky applesauce, stir well before serving. If you prefer a smoother consistency, use a blender or immersion blender to puree the applesauce until desired texture is achieved.
This applesauce recipe can be used as a perfect accompaniment for pork chops or roasted chicken, but also makes for a healthy snack any time of day. Add some crushed nuts or dried cranberries on top for extra texture and flavor.
By making this homemade applesauce in advance, you can save yourself from last-minute stress and have an easy way to complement your meals during the week. Plus, it gets better over time since the flavors marinate together making the applesauce taste even more delicious.
Tips for Perfect Results
In order to achieve the best results for your Instant Pot Applesauce, there are a few tips and tricks that I recommend following. These tips will ensure that your homemade applesauce tastes just as good as the store-bought version, if not better.
Firstly, try to choose apples that are tart rather than sweet. Granny Smith apples are an excellent choice as they hold their shape well during the cooking process and add a tangy flavor to the applesauce. Tart apples are also less likely to turn to mush when cooked.
Secondly, don’t be afraid to add spices such as cinnamon and nutmeg to your instant pot applesauce. They will give your recipe a warm and comforting flavor that is perfect for fall weather.
Next, be sure to peel and core your apples before adding them to the Instant Pot, otherwise it may result in chunky applesauce. Using an apple peeler or corer can make this process much easier.
To make your applesauce taste better, you should also consider adding some sweetness. Maple syrup is an excellent choice for those who prefer natural sweeteners or brown sugar can be added instead of white sugar to provide a more robust flavor.
Additionally, remember to add water, lemon juice, and cinnamon stick to your Instant Pot before pressure cooking. This will give your applesauce great depth of flavor and help prevent it from burning.
Lastly, do not overcook the apples. Pressure cooking for 6 minutes on manual high is enough to get perfectly cooked apples without making tar-like consistency apple sauce. When the timer goes off, quick release the pressure according to the recipe instructions.
By following these tips and tricks, you can make shockingly easy homemade Instant Pot Applesauce that tastes better than any brand of store-bought applesauce you’ll ever taste!
FAQ
Before concluding this recipe article, let me share with you some frequently asked questions regarding this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe. Whether it is about the cook time, the type of apples to use, or even how to store it to make it last longer, these questions will surely come in handy when making this delightful homemade applesauce. So, let’s dive into these FAQs and get all the answers you need!
Why do you put lemon juice in applesauce?
When making applesauce, it’s important to balance the loss of natural acidity that occurs as the apples cook down. While lemon juice is commonly used to achieve this, those who aren’t fans of its taste can use orange juice as an alternative.
Why is my homemade applesauce watery?
Have you ever experienced making applesauce that turned out too watery due to excess liquid from the apples or added water? Don’t worry, it’s a common mistake. To thicken your watery applesauce, it just needs a bit of extra cooking time to allow the excess water to evaporate.
What makes applesauce taste better?
Enhance the flavor profile of your applesauce with a liberal pour of maple syrup, which will imbue it with a deep amber hue and a lusciously sweet taste. You can further elevate its taste by sprinkling just a hint of cinnamon to make it so indulgent, it could easily pass as a dessert. This approach is particularly useful when making applesauce from scratch, as it serves as an excellent natural sweetener that can balance out the overall taste of the dish.
How long does homemade applesauce last?
Applesauce made at home can be kept in the refrigerator for up to ten days or preserved for a longer period of time by freezing or canning. When using Mott’s applesauce, it is advised to consume it within ten days from the day of opening.
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe is an easy-to-follow recipe that delivers delicious homemade applesauce in no time. You’ll love how the spices, water, lemon juice, and apples blend perfectly in the Instant Pot to create a mouthwatering applesauce that tastes better than store-bought alternatives. From chunky applesauce to unsweetened applesauce, you can customize the recipe to suit your preferences and add a touch of maple syrup for sweetness.
Making homemade applesauce has never been easier or more shockingly simple than with the Instant Pot. The pot applesauce peel and core make the process of preparing the apples effortless. The cinnamon instant pot stir adds an aromatic touch to the recipe while cooking manually on high pressure for six minutes ensures perfect results.
What’s more, this applesauce instant pot recipe offers several benefits such as being a healthier option with no added sugars or preservatives. This recipe can be stored for up to ten days, which is great for meal prep or a quick snack option.
Whether you’re making it as a side dish, using it as a topping or mixing it into other recipes, this homemade applesauce will elevate any dish it’s paired with. With this recipe’s versatility, easy and quick process, and great taste, you will find yourself whipping up a big batch of applesauce anytime you have spare time! So why not give this instant pot applesauce recipe a try? Your taste buds will thank you!
Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 lbs apples, quartered and peeled
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 nutmeg
Instructions
- Pressure Cook the Apples: Place cinnamon stick, nutmeg, water and apples into the pressure cooker. Close the lid and cook at High Pressure for 5 minutes. Turn off the heat and Natural Release. Open the lid carefully.
- Blend & Season: Remove cinnamon stick(s) and blend the applesauce into desired consistency with an immersion blender.