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Living in Portland means experiencing the beauty of the changing seasons in a truly magical way. As autumn rolls in, our vibrant city transforms into a canvas of rich oranges, fiery reds, and golden yellows. The air becomes crisp, and the scent of earth and leaves fills the streets, signaling that apple season is upon us. And I get some serious inspiration to make more soups and cozy things from scratch. Like this Instant Pot Applesauce.
One of my favorite aspects of living here is the abundance of apple orchards surrounding the city. From small family farms to larger commercial orchards, Portland is blessed with a diverse array of apple varieties. Every September and October, I look forward to visiting local farmers’ markets and picking up a bag of freshly harvested apples. There’s something so satisfying about supporting local growers and enjoying the fruits of their labor.
With all these delicious apples at my fingertips, I couldn’t resist the urge to make homemade applesauce. It’s a simple yet satisfying way to celebrate the harvest, and my Instant Pot makes the process a breeze! Here’s my go-to recipe for Instant Pot applesauce, perfect for capturing the essence of fall. It also preserves wonderfully. Click here to learn how to use your Instant Pot for Canning/Preserving!
Instant Pot Applesauce
Ingredients
- 6-8 medium apples I love using a mix of Granny Smith and Fuji
- 1/2 cup water or apple juice
- 1/2 cup sugar adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon optional
- 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg optional
- Pinch of salt
- Lemon juice optional, to taste
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Start by washing, peeling, and coring the apples. Cut them into quarters or smaller chunks to ensure they cook evenly.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the apple pieces in the Instant Pot. Add the water or apple juice, sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a pinch of salt. Stir gently to combine.
- Seal and Cook: Close the lid of the Instant Pot and make sure the valve is set to sealing. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 5 minutes on high pressure.
- Release the Pressure: When the cooking time is complete, carefully perform a quick release of the pressure. Once the steam has fully escaped, open the lid.
- Mash or Blend: For a chunky applesauce, use a potato masher. If you prefer a smoother texture, an immersion blender works wonders. Taste and adjust the sweetness and spices as desired, adding a splash of lemon juice for brightness if you like.
- Cool and Store: Let the applesauce cool before transferring it to jars or containers. It can be stored in the fridge for up to a week or frozen for longer enjoyment.
Final Thoughts about this Instant Pot Applesauce
So, as the leaves continue to change and the chill in the air grows more pronounced, take a moment to embrace the season. Find some local apples, whip up a batch of applesauce, and savor the flavors of fall!