Fall is here, and that means one thing—apple season! 🍂 Whether you’ve been apple picking at a local orchard, brought home a big bag from the farmers’ market, or just grabbed a mix from the grocery store, this is the perfect time to turn those crisp apples into something warm, cozy, and delicious.
Homemade applesauce is simple, wholesome, and makes your whole kitchen smell like fall. And thanks to the Instant Pot (or Slow Cooker) it comes together in a fraction of the time. Even better? This recipe is made with no added sugar, making it a healthy, budget-friendly alternative to what you’ll find at the grocery store. Plus, it’s typically a win with picky eaters—smooth, naturally sweet, and familiar enough that kids (and adults) will happily eat it by the spoonful.
Whether you’re packing school lunches, looking for a healthier snack, or just craving something comforting, this recipe is quick, easy, and absolutely delicious.
Why I Love This Recipe đź’ź
Homemade applesauce is one of those recipes that proves simple really is best. It’s budget-friendly, naturally sweet with no added sugar, and you know exactly what’s going into it. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never want to go back to the store-bought kind.
👉 Try this recipe out and let me know how your family likes it! Chances are, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too—healthier, cheaper, and almost always picky-eater approved.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples – about 6-7 (a mix of sweet and tart varieties works best)
- 1 small lemon, juice of
- ½ cup water
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional, but highly recommended)
Instructions
INSTANT POT:
1. Prep the apples – Peel, core, and slice the apples. (Pro tip: If you’re short on time, leave the skins on for extra fiber and color, then blend them smooth at the end.
2. Place apples in the bottom of the Instant pot, add the lemon juice, water and optional cinnamon.
3. Attach lid, and make sure vent is in the SEALED position. Push the PRESSURE COOKER button, and manually set the time for 6 minutes.
4. When done, let the steam vent on its own, takes about 6 minutes. Move the vent to open, careful not to burn yourself as there may still be steam left. Remove lid and let cool a bit,
5. Mash or puree: If cooking with the skins on, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the mixture, or transfer to a blender or food processor to puree until desired consistency. When cooking without the skins, you can simply mash with a potato masher or back of a fork or slotted spoon.
SLOW COOKER:
1. Add the apples to the bottom of the crockpot, add the lemon, water and optional cinnamon, and cover with lid.
2. Set the slow cooker on high for 4 hours, stirring once or twice. Let cool a few minutes, remove cinnamon stick, and mash or puree.
3. Mash or puree: If cooking with the skins on, use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the mixture, or transfer to a blender or food processor to puree until desired consistency. When cooking without the skins, you can simply mash with a potato masher or back of a fork or slotted spoon.
Store your applesauce in the refrigerator for up to 7 days, or freeze for up to 2 months.
Makes 4 – 4 1/2 cups
For ultra-smooth applesauce, use a blender to puree.
If you prefer more sweetness, add a tad of sugar 1 – 2 teaspoons at a time until desired sweetness.
Why I Love this Recipe
This makes homemade applesauce incredibly easy—no babysitting a pot on the stove, no long simmering. It’s ready in under 30 minutes, naturally sweet with no added sugar, and always a hit with kids and adults alike.
👉 Try this recipe out and let me know how your family likes it! Chances are, it’ll become a staple in your kitchen too—healthier, cheaper, and almost always picky-eater approved.
From Work to Table 