Mom’s Homemade Applesauce

Applesauce is one of those foods that remind me of my mom. Every time I taste cinnamon applesauce, I am flooded with memories of her standing over a large pot, stirring, as a tangy-sweet aroma wafted through the kitchen. She always added a generous spoonful of cinnamon to the pot. On special occasions, she would add red-hot candies to make it spicy and pink! Every fall, as I stop at our local orchards, I think of mom and her applesauce. What a comforting association. If one day my kids remember me in happy moments, nostalgic flavors, and cozy aromas, I will know I did my job well. Today’s Homemade Instant Pot Applesauce recipe is a nod to mom. She kept applesauce simple, with only a few key add-ins such as sugar, cinnamon, and a pinch of salt. (Oh, and sometimes butter!) After all, when apples are good there’s no need for a long list of ingredients.

Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe

Ingredients

Firm Tart Apples – any variety (Granny Smith is a good choice, but you can also choose Fuji, Golden Delicious, Honeycrisp, Gala, Pink Lady, Cortland, or McIntosh.) Water Granulated Sugar (or honey) Ground Cinnamon Salt

Nowadays, modern pressure cookers, like the Instant Pot, eliminate the need for standing over our applesauce while it cooks. Back in the day, one would need to stir incessantly as the apples softened, so they wouldn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. However, an Instant Pot makes it possible to throw in peeled apples, sugar, and spice. Then pressure cook on High Pressure for 3-4 minutes for perfect apple sauce. Isn’t that just crazy?! Here I’ve made a simple dairy-free vegan version, so anyone can enjoy it, no matter their diet. Yet, sometimes I like to add in a little butter for richness and sheen. It just gives the applesauce a touch of luxury. Either way, this recipe is quick to make and ridiculously delicious!

Pressure Cooker Applesauce Cooking Tips

How Long Does It Take To Make Applesauce In A Pressure Cooker?

Does it really only take 3-4 minutes to cook the apples down to applesauce in an Instant Pot? Why, yes! Just remember, the pressure cooker will take about 10 minutes to heat up before the cooking starts. Yet once the timer begins, you’ll have amazing applesauce in less than 5 minutes. (Plus, the pressure release time.)

How Long Does Applesauce Made In A Pressure Cooker Last?

Keep the applesauce in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.

Can You Freeze Homemade Applesauce?

Absolutely! Homemade Applesauce freezes beautifully. I package it in gallon bags and lay it flat in the freezer. Once the bags are all frozen, you can stack them to save room in the freezer.

Why Did My Applesauce Turn Brown? 

Just like apples turn brown when cut and air is exposed to the enzymes, applesauce does the same. A simple way to fix this is to add a little bit of lemon juice to increase the acidity and preserve the color.  The applesauce will also vary in color based on how much cinnamon you decide to add.

How to Serve Applesauce?

We like to enjoy applesauce as a side dish with southern meals. However, you can use it as a sauce over ice cream and yogurt, on pancakes and waffles, or as a spread on toast and biscuits!

More Amazing Pressure Cooker Recipes

Instant Pot Sweet Soy Chicken Pressure Cooker Perfect Carnitas Instant Pot Indian Butter Chicken Curry IP Herb Chicken Orzo Pressure Cooker Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta IP Spiced Apples Pressure Cooker Corned Beef Cabbage Irish Stew Mexican Pinto Beans Recipe (Frijoles de la Olla) Best Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes

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