Instant Pot® Applesauce

5.0
(4)
4 Reviews
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Five minutes of high pressure is all you need to get a smooth, fragrant applesauce - the Instant Pot® does all the work!

Submitted by LauraF
Updated on January 31, 2025
4
4
Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Additional Time:
15 mins
Total Time:
45 mins
Servings:
30
Yield:
3 3/4 cups
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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 30 servings

  • 1 lemon

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 (1/4 inch thick) slice fresh ginger

  • 1 star anise pod

  • 2 whole cloves

  • 1 piece cheesecloth

  • 3 pounds apples - peeled, cored, and quartered

  • ½ cup water

  • ½ teaspoon salt

  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar, or more to taste

Directions

  1. Use a vegetable peeler to remove 2 thick strips of lemon peel, being careful to avoid the bitter pith. Tie up lemon peel, cinnamon stick, ginger, star anise, and cloves in cheesecloth for easy retrieval after cooking.

  2. Place apples in a multi-functional pressure cooker (such as Instant Pot®). Add cheesecloth bundle, water, and salt. Close and lock the lid. Select high pressure according to manufacturer's instructions; set timer for 5 minutes. Allow 10 to 15 minutes for pressure to build.

  3. Release pressure using the natural-release method according to manufacturer's instructions, 15 to 20 minutes. Avoid releasing pressure manually as hot applesauce may splutter up through the vent. Remove the cheesecloth bundle with a slotted spoon and discard.

  4. Mix brown sugar into the applesauce until dissolved. Taste and adjust the level of sweetness if needed.

Cook's Notes:

I planned to use this applesauce in cakes so I didn't want it to be too sweet. Adjust the levels of sweetness and acidity (with lemon juice) to your taste.

Applesauce freezes well. Just be sure to allow enough headroom as you fill the jar or container, as it will expand when frozen.

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

28 Calories
0g Fat
8g Carbs
0g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 30
Calories 28
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 0g 0%
Sodium 40mg 2%
Total Carbohydrate 8g 3%
Dietary Fiber 1g 5%
Total Sugars 6g
Protein 0g 0%
Vitamin C 5mg 6%
Calcium 8mg 1%
Iron 0mg 1%
Potassium 57mg 1%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.