Description
This Easy Homemade Applesauce is the tastiest recipe with an incredibly short and wholesome ingredient list. Homemade applesauce is far superior to store-bought in every way. This one has a thick and creamy texture that makes it extra decadent. The apple flavor really shines through and you can customize the sweetness and cinnamon flavor to your liking.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 3 pounds apples (cored, skin left on), halved (no need to slice or chop)
- 1/4 cup filtered water (for pressure cooker only)
- optional: 1 tablespoon maple syrup, maple sugar or coconut sugar OR 2 pitted Medjool dates (for added sweetness)
- optional flavor enhancer: 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- pinch of salt just before blending
Instructions
Pressure Cooker Instructions
- Place cored and halved apples and water directly into the bottom of the Instant Pot. Add pitted dates and ground cinnamon, if using.
- Close the lid and set the valve to Sealed.
- Cook on Manual High Pressure for 3 minutes. Press the OFF button and manually release the steam.
- Once the floating valve drops, carefully remove the lid and let the apples cool slightly.
- Transfer the apples to a high-speed blender. Add a pinch of salt and blend on high until smooth and creamy (about 30 seconds).
- Transfer to a mason jar and refrigerate overnight to thicken. You can enjoy right away, but it will be hot and slightly thinner in consistency.
- Applesauce keeps fresh for up to 1 week if stored properly (avoid introducing used utensils into the jar).
Stovetop Instructions
- Add cored and halved apples (skin on) to a pot of boiling water or use a steamer basket. For quicker cooking, cut apples into smaller chunks first.
- Boil until fork-tender, about 10 minutes. If steaming, allow 20-30 minutes for the apples to fully soften.
- Strain and transfer cooked apples to a blender. Add a pinch of salt.
- Blend until perfectly smooth, adding cinnamon and sweetener if desired. Use your blender's tamper if needed to get the mixture going.
Notes
* Any type of apple will work in this recipe. I like sweet red apples like Honeycrisp, Sugar Bee or Cosmic Crisp the best. Sometimes I like to mix in one or two Granny Smith apples for some tartness.
The flavor and texture will change once the applesauce cools.
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Category: Side Dish
- Method: Pressure Cooker or Stovetop
