Homemade applesauce is my new Fall favorite! I NEVER thought I would make my own applesauce. EVER! Why would I bother when I can get organic unsweetened applesauce for under $3 at the store? If you’re asking yourself the same question…I’ll tell you why! Because it is so flippin’ good! It tastes NOTHING like the jarred stuff!
Let’s be real, I always have a jar of applesauce on hand. The kids love it, it’s a healthy snack in a pinch, works great when they have a tummy ache…the list goes on. That being said, making my own has become a total favorite because it tastes like apple pie filling, the house smells amazing, it’s super healthy and delicious, and the kids actually get to SEE what goes into the applesauce that they love so much! So many wins! Did I mention that it makes your entire house smell like FALL!?! Keep scrolling for my recipe, lots of photos, and tools that I love to use for recipes like this. Comment with questions or comments – let me know what you think – and happy cooking!
Ingredients
- 8 Organic apples (I used 4 fuji and 4 gala)
- 1 Cup water
- 1/2 Lemon – juiced and seeded
- 1/2 Tsp apple pie (or pumpkin pie) spice
Instructions
- Wash your apples! Yes, you are peeling them, but if you or your kids like to snack on the peel, wash them before you get started. My kids sit and wait for the peels to munch on while they watch me peel all the apples. Yummy and so cute!
- Peel your apples. Do this in any way you like. I use a small knife to peel, though I have friends who have apple peelers, veggie peelers, or other preferred methods. Have at it and peel all 8 apples!
- Core and slice your apples. I tend to slice them into the same size I would if I was going to eat apple slices. Not too big and not too small. They are about to cook down anyways!
- Put all of your apple slices into the Instant Pot. Add water, lemon juice and spices.
- Use a large spoon to mix the apples until everything is pretty evenly coated with the water and spices (only takes a few seconds).
- Close the lid and ensure the valve is closed. Pressure cook for 8 minutes on manual.
- When the timer goes off, turn the pot off and let the pressure slow release for about 5 minutes. If there is any pressure left, manually release it and open the lid.
- The apples will look like they are in tact, but they are VERY mushy! Use your big spoon to mush up the apples a bit. It has wonderful texture and almost tastes like pie filling without any added sugar!
- That’s it! Time to eat!
Let it cool a little bit and enjoy warm (my favorite) or cool it off in the fridge and enjoy cold! It keeps well for a couple of days in an airtight container in the fridge. This is a favorite treat in our house so it doesn’t tend to last long! 😉
Iools
