This Instant Pot Homemade Chunky Applesauce is a delightful blend of sweet and tart apples, cooked to perfection in the Instant Pot. The recipe brings out the natural flavors of the apples, enhanced with a touch of cinnamon for warmth and lemon juice for a hint of brightness. With its chunky texture, this applesauce can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for pancakes, oatmeal, or yogurt. It’s a quick and easy recipe that captures the essence of fall and is perfect for using up a bounty of apples.
Ingredients:
- 6 large apples (such as a mix of Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
- Pinch of salt
Instructions:
- Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into large chunks.
- Add Ingredients to the Instant Pot:
- Place the chopped apples in the Instant Pot.
- Add water, lemon juice, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and a pinch of salt.
- Cook the Apples:
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and ensure the valve is set to sealing.
- Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and adjust the time to 5 minutes.
- Release Pressure:
- Once the cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 minutes, then perform a quick release to let out any remaining pressure.
- Mash the Apples:
- Open the lid carefully. Use a potato masher or fork to mash the apples to your desired level of chunkiness.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste the applesauce and adjust the sweetness or spices if necessary.
- Serve or Store:
- Serve warm, or allow to cool and store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Enjoy your homemade chunky applesauce as a comforting and healthy treat!
