Published 8/10/2023 Living in Minnesota where apples are abundant, trips to the apple orchard happen every year. My favorite thing to make with them (other than apple cider and apple cake) is applesauce. Applesauce can be used as substitution for oil or butter in lots of our baking recipes. Add your chopped apples, orange juice, and cinnamon sticks to the Instant Pot and seal shut. Cook on high for 6 minutes with a quick release. Blend everything together and transfer it to a container to chill.
What do you need for Instant Pot applesauce?
Instant Pot applesauce is a rather straightforward recipe calling for Gala apples, orange juice, and a little cinnamon. The citrus helps balance the flavors of the apple and the cinnamon adds a bite. PS: We tested this recipe with a little lemon and much preferred the orange juice! In addition to the 3 ingredients above, make sure to have an Instant Pot or pressure cooker available along with an immersion blender.
What apples do you use for applesauce?
Pretty much any kind of apple can be used for applesauce. Our favorites include Gala, Red Delicious, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith.
Variations
Apple: like we mentioned above, really any kind of apples work. Here are our favorites:
Gala: perfect blend of sweet and sour Green/Granny Smith: a green apple will create a more sour applesauce. Red Delicious: this will create a sweeter applesauce.
Citrus: if you plan to use a different citrus such as lemon, we recommend reducing it a bit since it’s much more sour. Use 3 tablespoons of lemon juice and sub the rest with water. Spices: instead of cinnamon sticks, try using other whole spices like star anis, cardamom, nutmeg, or allspice.
Storage
Homemade applesauce will last you around 10-14 days. Make sure that you store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for best results. If your applesauce starts to mold or smells funny, discard it. Try our Crockpot applesauce recipe, too!
Can you freeze applesauce?
You can easily freeze applesauce and it’s super easy. We suggest transferring your applesauce into an ice cube tray and freezing it that way. Once frozen, transfer your applesauce cubes into a freezer-safe gallon-size bag for later!
What to Make with Applesauce
Healthy Carrot Cake Pancakes Apple Cinnamon Muffins Apple Cinnamon Bread Grain-Free Applesauce Pancakes Applesauce Skillet Pancake Cake Zucchini Bread
