Learn to make instant pot applesauce in just a few simple steps. This is a snack all ages can enjoy.
When I first received my Instant Pot, I imagined I’d have to learn to cook elaborate fancy meals in it and not SIMPLE items such as this applesauce, quinoa, lentils, oats, yogurt and the list could go on forever about my love for this kitchen gadget! Today I will focus on the Instant Pot applesauce. I normally like to keep my countertops free from extra appliances, but the Instant Pot is such a kitchen staple now, its probably sitting out at least 4 days a week! I don’t mind it one bit!
This Instant Pot applesauce recipe, if you can even call it that, has become a regular snack in our household and is made on a weekly basis. I previously made applesauce in a crockpot with very similar results, but the Instant Pot is definitely my preferred method.
The most time will be spent peeling and chopping the apples, after that the Instant Pot takes over!
WHY MAKE HOMEMADE APPLESAUCE?
Store bought applesauce can contain ingredients such as high fructose corn syrup, ascorbic acid, natural flavors, and apples of course. But all you really need are the apples! All that extra stuff is to give the applesauce an extended shelf life.
We’ve all heard about the dangers of high fructose corn syrup but not so much is discussed about ascorbic acid. That’s just vitamin C, right? Why would that be harmful?
Ascorbic acid is a synthetic form of Vitamin C usually derived from GMO corn. It is found in most kid’s fruit juices/sauces and also in nearly ALL Vitamin C supplements on the market today. Our bodies have a more difficult time recognizing this “fake” form of Vitamin C which has been linked to the formation of genotoxins, which can cause cancer (source).
Natural flavors are not even close to “natural.” They can contain close to 100 added mystery ingredients. Labeling natural flavors as an ingredient is just a way for companies to hide ingredients in their foods. (Source) I’d much rather make my own applesauce for my family instead of putting the above mentioned into our bodies!
If you are interested in a Vitamin C supplement that does not contain ascorbic acid, I love this one on Amazon!
HOW LONG DOES INSTANT POT APPLESAUCE LAST?
In the fridge, this applesauce will last about 7-10 days. That’s how we store ours because it gets eaten up so quickly! If you want to make larger batches you could seal your mason jar lids in a water bath and they will last several months in the pantry, preservative free! (Steps to do this are given at the end)
THINGS YOU WILL NEED
Apples (any variety)
Cinnamon
Instant Pot
Immersion Blender or Hand Mixer
HOW TO MAKE INSTANT POT APPLESAUCE
- Peel and chop approximately 8-10 apples. As I was chopping I had my helper stealing apples as they were being cut 🙂
2. Once chopped, add apples to the Instant Pot along with 1 cup of water and cinnamon, to taste. We like lots of cinnamon! Apples release water as they cook, so you don’t need to add too much water. I have found if I want to double this recipe in the Instant Pot, I don’t need any extra water.
3. Seal the Pot and make sure the steam release valve is closed. Press “Pressure Cook” and change the time to 8 minutes.
I usually just let these “naturally” release mainly because I get busy and forget about them, but you can do a steam release by moving the steam release valve to venting to release the pressure more quickly. You really can’t mess these up!
4. Now take an immersion blender, you could use a hand mixer as well, and puree them into a sauce.
5. Pour up into storage containers or jars and refrigerate.
You could also use the method below for longer storage:
Spoon hot applesauce into mason jars, leaving 0.5″ space at the top. Remove any extra applesauce on jars. Top with a NEW canning lid and ring. Place the jars in a water bath for 20 minutes. Remove the jars and sit on counter. Check to make sure they are sealed by pressing on the lid to see if it pops. If it makes a sound when you press it, it is not sealed. If it is tight and sealed down then you can store it in the pantry!
PIN FOR LATER:
My 8-month old can’t get enough and ate an entire 4-oz jar as soon as they were ready!
Thanks for stopping by the Harris Homestead!
Enjoy!