Instant Pot Applesauce 

Homemade applesauce is the best! And using an Instant Pot is a way to make this option with even greater ease. My Instant Pot Applesauce is not only simple but also extremely flavourful with cinnamon and all natural sweetness. That’s right – no added sugar or salt, which means it’s suitable for babies and people of all ages. Personally, I enjoyed whipping up this homemade applesauce during my baby girl’s first food introductions. I then topped mine with Greek yogurt or Skyr for a snack and dessert option. 

All simple ingredients for my Instant Pot Applesauce

What is an Instant Pot? 

The Instant Pot is a multipurpose electric pressure cooker and a big time-saver for many. As a pressure cooker, it can reach temperatures higher than boiling to achieve faster cooking. It does the job of regulating the temperature for you, which means you’re free to do whatever you want, while it does all the work! I love how I can just add my ingredients and don’t have to worry about checking on them. Just seal the pressure valve and enter the right amount of time to cook. Presto! 

Instant Pot Applesauce recipe is simple and flavourful! Check it out 🙂 #RDrecipe Share on X

Can I Serve Applesauce to My Baby?

Yes, you can absolutely serve applesauce to babies. In fact, making it at home was a fun and simple exercise. As a new momma and dietitian, making homemade applesauce was my preference so I could be in the driver’s seat of what gets added. Nevertheless, it’s a good idea to always read the nutrition labels and the ingredient list for added ingredients. Check out this blog on sugar for more information on how to interpret the labels when it comes to added versus naturally occurring sugar. 

Here’s Andrea and baby during first food introductions!

Importantly, this Instant Pot Applesauce recipe includes only apples and cinnamon; you have option of adding unsalted butter but it’s also tasty without. 

This applesauce mixes well with iron-fortified infant cereal, which is a vital nutrient to emphasize during first food introductions. Finally, the vitamin C in the apples enhances iron absorption in the cereal. Be sure to read all about Iron Rich Foods for more information. 

Is Salt Needed in Applesauce? 

No, salt is not needed for applesauce. If you follow my blog and recipes, you know that I love Kosher salt. Salt pulls flavours and enhances taste by using just a little. However, you really don’t need salt for this homemade applesauce. You can taste it at the end and add a pinch if you wish, but I found the natural flavours and sweetness didn’t need anything. Also, when making foods for babies we don’t add salt or sugar. 

How to Make Instant Pot Applesauce:

• Choose apples – Use what you like! I used Galas but you can go with your preference for sweet or tart apples. Peel or don’t peel.  Up to you! I did a mix of peeled and unpeeled for added fibre.

• Add your apples to the Instant Pot. Pour in ½ cup of water. Add your cinnamon. 
• Set manual high pressure cook for 5 minutes. Ensure the top valve is turned so it’s sealed. 
• Allow instant pot to come up to temperature and when time is done can do a quick release (opening the valve carefully) to release the steam. I tend to allow it to sit for a while to allow it to release pressure gradually. 

• Use a masher, hand blender or even your fork to puree the applesauce to your desired texture. 

• Finally, taste the finished product and adjust with seasoning to your preference! You may choose to add little extra cinnamon, salt or even sugar or sweetener if you desire. 

Enjoy our recipe and steps to make Instant Pot Applesauce 

How to Include Applesauce in the Diet 

• Add a scoop served with pork or chicken for dinner
• Spoon on top of Yogurt or Skyr for a balanced snack
• Use in muffins or baking to replace half the butter or oil and provide moisture
• Serve warm with ice cream
• Top for oatmeal for sweetness
• Add to cheese and crackers! It’s just so delicious! 

A bowl of Homemade Instant Pot Applesauce with Plain yogurt for snack

How long does Apple Sauce last? 

Homemade Applesauce can be stored for 7 to 10 days in the fridge. You can also freeze in airtight container or durable bags for up to six months. Just always be sure to let your warm applesauce cool before storing. For more freezer ideas see our blog on healthy freezer meals. 

Looking for balanced snacks?

Free Snack Handout!

Other snack recipes you might like! 

Peanut Butter Oat Prune Bites

Mango Oatmeal Muffins

Blueberry Chia Seed Pudding

Lupini Beans

Ingredients: 

1 tsp butter, unsalted (optional)

3 cups of apples (about 4 medium-sized apples, peeled or unpeeled)

¼ tsp cinnamon 

½ cup water

Instant Pot Applesauce Directions:

1. First, cut and core apples into pieces and place into your instant pot. 
2. Add water and cinnamon into the instant pot and stir to combine. 
3. Secure the lid and set manual (high pressure) for 5 minutes. Ensure valve is set to sealed. 
4. When timer has ended, allow pressure to naturally release for 15 minutes (or longer.) Can also do a quick release but I prefer not to have the steam release quickly.
5. Allow to cool. Use a hand blender or potato masher to puree the applesauce to your desired consistency. 
6. Finally, taste to adjust cinnamon, sugar or salt to your liking.