Instant Pot Applesauce with Cinnamon and Ginger
Applesauce was one of the very first recipes I ever posted on this site. Juicebox Applesauce, to be exact. It’s a recipe that I’ve cooked dozens of times, that made its way into my first cookbook, and that I’ve adapted using pears in my recipe for pearsauce. My method is similar to the one I grew up eating: unfussy, peels on, a glug of maple syrup for sweetness. I never thought I’d stray from my standard approach, but here we are with Instant Pot Applesauce.
Why Make Instant Pot Applesauce?
Making applesauce is so easy and so superior to what you’ll find at the market that it seems wrong to buy it (though I sometimes do). And though I’m sure I’ll continue to make applesauce using my old school method, it’s hard to argue with the speed and ease of the Instant Pot. There’s no need to watch the pot and it requires just seven minutes of cooking time (plus the time to heat things up, of course).
Season your Sauce
In this recipe, I spice the pot with fresh ginger and ground cinnamon. If you don’t have fresh ginger on hand, you can leave it out or sub in ground ginger instead. As for sweetness, I love the flavor that a tablespoon or two of maple syrup adds to the pot, but it’s purely optional. Sometimes apples are so naturally sweet, it’s not needed.
The Power of the Peels in Instant Pot Applesauce
You leave the peels on in this applesauce recipe. That makes it much quicker to make, but also healthier. Indeed, leaving the peels on adds about 13 grams of fiber to the recipe. The Instant Pot does an excellent job of breaking the apples down into a tender sauce, peels and all. Not to worry, though, if you like a truly creamy sauce. Just run it through the blender or food processor to eliminate any trace of a peel.
If you like Instant Pot Applesauce, check out:
Peanut Butter Granola Apple Stacks
Crockpot Applesauce on Real Mom Nutrition
If you don’t own an Instat Pot and are wondering if it’s worth buying, I wrote a review here
Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 3 1/2 pounds apples (about 10 medium apples)
- 3/4 cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 heaping tablespoon finely chopped fresh ginger, optional (substitute 1 teaspoon ground ginger if you don't have fresh)
- 1 to 2 tablespoons pure maple syrup (optional)
Instructions
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Cut the apples off the cores and cut into slices that are roughly 1 inch wide. An apple slicer/corer will make quick work of this.
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Put the sliced apples, water, cinnamon, and ginger into the Instant Pot and secure the lid. Close the steamer vent. Set the Instant Pot to 7 minutes on Manual High Pressure. Once done, immediately release the steam from the pot (use caution, since that team is hot). Remove the lid and stir.
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When the sauce has cooled a bit, taste and add maple sauce as needed for sweetness. If your peels didn’t soften enough for your liking, or for a smoother sauce, transfer to a food processor or blender and run until creamy.
Comments
03.24.2017 at7:05 PM #
Teresa Mayberry
I enjoyed the video and appreciate the link to this recipe. I haven’t made applesauce before, but my family does love apple butter, which I have made in the crock pot. Apple butter, if you aren’t familiar with it, is very similar to applesauce — thicker, spicier; basically a reduction. My question is, have you tried making apple butter in the instant pot, and, if so, would you share your experience? Thank you.
03.24.2017 at7:05 PM #
Katie Morford
I haven’t, but it’s on my to-do list. My kids love it. I have seen recipes floating around the web for Instant Pot/pressure cooker apple butter, so maybe worth a search?
03.26.2017 at7:24 AM #
Pamela
I’ll try this with my new one pot!
Your posts are super!!!! I am going to have to make up cards so I can quickly hand out your blog info to folks I meet along the way– keep up the great work of helping us to create beautiful healthy food! 💚
10.08.2018 at10:26 AM #
Kim
I just clicked lock on my Instant Pot lid, I’m using your recipe for the applesauce with apples I picked last weekend. 5 or 6 different varieties, so this should be pretty tasty!
I just bought my IP, via an awesome sale at Kohls along with $40 Kohls cash, and I’ve been so excited about using this pot because I never thought I’d be able to afford one. Thanks for your recipe!
10.08.2018 at10:26 AM #
Katie Morford
What a steal! Good for you. Hope you like the applesauce. I have an instant pot section on the site, so you can see if any other of my recipes grab your eye. Enjoy!
10.10.2018 at6:18 PM #
Kim Meekhof
Just trying to sign up
12.06.2019 at5:52 PM #
amabelle
now that the weather has turned colder, i have been OBSESSED with this recipe! i make a stash once a week to sustain me through these chilly days! so delicious and comforting! thank you!
12.06.2019 at5:52 PM #
Katie Morford
Nothing better. One of my girls’ favorites.
12.24.2019 at4:52 PM #
Jan
Used Candy Crisp apples and a shake of nutmeg and allspice, but otherwise your recipe. SO GOOD!
12.19.2021 at11:49 AM #
LindaLu
I love this recipe, I peel so I can leave it a little chunky and not worry about the peels. Plus a sprinkle of cardamom 😘 makes it delish
11.14.2024 at1:45 PM #
An777
This applesauce recipe sounds amazing! I love the addition of cinnamon and ginger for that extra warmth and flavor. Can’t wait to try it in my Instant Pot! Perfect for fall! 🍏🍂
01.01.2025 at1:45 PM #
VIDMATE APK
This recipe sounds fantastic! I love making applesauce in my Instant Pot, and the addition of cinnamon and ginger is such a warm and cozy twist. Can’t wait to try it out this weekend! Thanks for sharing!
01.25.2025 at7:00 AM #
y2Mate
I just made this Instant Pot applesauce recipe, and it’s incredible! The combination of cinnamon and ginger adds such a warm flavor. It’s quick and easy, perfect for fall! Thanks for sharing this delicious recipe!
01.25.2025 at7:00 AM #
Katie Morford
Love to hear it. Thanks for the comment.
04.12.2025 at7:09 AM #
A1 Lottery Game
I tried this Instant Pot applesauce recipe, and it turned out amazing! The combination of cinnamon and ginger adds such a warm, cozy flavor. I love how quick and easy it is in the Instant Pot. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!