Homemade applesauce is so easy and the instant pot makes it even easier
Prep Time15 minutesmins
Cook Time10 minutesmins
Natural Pressure Release10 minutesmins
Total Time35 minutesmins
Course: Breakfast, Preserves & pickles, Snack
Cuisine: Vegan
Keyword: apples, freezer, lunch
Servings: 5cups
Author: Trish | The In Fine Balance Food Blog
Ingredients
about 3lbsapplesany variety, peeled, cored and cut into chunks
juice from half a lemon
waterto make a ½ cup total liquid when combined with lemon juice
2-3cinnamon sticks(or a ½ teaspoon of ground cinnamon)
1tablespoonbrown sugar(or more to taste)
Instructions
Add lemon juice to a measuring cup. Fill with enough water to make a ½ cup of liquid.
In the instant pot insert add the apples, cinnamon, lemon water, and sugar. Stir to distribute the sugar. Secure the lid of the instant pot, set the steam release value to sealing and ensure lid is in locked position. Select manual (beans on the Crock Pot Express) and set to cook at high pressure for 10 minutes.
Once cooking cycle is complete, let steam release naturally for about 10 minutes. Then release remaining steam and remove lid. Using a potato masher, mash apples to the consistency that you want. We like a chunky apple sauce. Taste for sweetness and add more sugar if needed.
Store apple sauce in the refrigerator in sealed containers. Applesauce will keep for about 1 week.
Notes
I like to use a variety of different apples when I make applesauce. Usually I'm using up whatever I have on hand. Some apples like granny smith will stay a bit firmer and are bright and tart. But use whatever kind of apple you like to eat.Adjust sugar to your taste. The amount you use will depend on the apples and how you like your applesauce. It really is up to you and your tastebuds. We like our applesauce more on the tart side. You can substitute honey or maple syrup for the brown sugar if you prefer.Don't skip the lemon, lemon keeps the apple flavour fresh.