Instant Pot Applesauce With Skins – No Peel!

This no peel applesauce is quick and easy to make with the skins on in the instant pot. Its smooth, full of flavor and perfect for chilly Fall days when you’re in the mood for a warm cinnamon apple snack.

I’ve been making applesauce since I first got married. It was one of the first homemade healthy snacks I made to replace pre-packaged ones from the store. Probably because we grew up eating it!

My mom used to make a huge pot of applesauce on the stove. She never peeled it. She actually left the peels in big chucks that really looked weird but tasted amazing.

For a fun Summertime twist, check out my strawberry applesauce recipe.

There’s just something so comforting about eating a bowl of warm, homemade applesauce when you’re stuck inside on a rainy Fall day. It makes me happy and reminds me of my childhood.

I got my instant pot about 4 years ago, and first thing I tried in it was applesauce. Only 8 minutes of cooking time compared to the hour it used to take me to make it on the stovetop! Sold!

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Why You’ll Like making applesauce With Skins in the instant pot:

• tastes like apple pie – but healthier and easier to make!
• super easy – you literally just core and chop up the apples, press the button and let the instant pot do it’s thing!
• takes 8 minutes of cooking time – after the pressure builds up in the instant pot, it takes 8 minutes of cooking time to completely soften the apples.
• no need to peel – you can peel the apples, but you definitely don’t have to!
• can be made smooth or chunky – you can enjoy this recipe without mashing it, or if you like smooth applesauce, blend it with an immersion blender.
• healthy – loaded with fiber and antioxidants making it a nutritious snack option.
• can be made without added sugar – You can make this without any added sugar if you want to keep it as healthy as possible.

What You Need To Make Applesauce With skins in the Instant Pot:

ingredients

• apples – any apples will work for making homemade applesauce, but tart and sweet apple varieties are best.
• apple juice/cider – you need a 1/2 cup of liquid to build up pressure in the instant pot. Water would work, but using apple cider or apple juice doesn’t dilute the flavor of the applesauce.
• brown sugar – adding sugar is optional. I usually add sugar to mine since my kids enjoy it when its a bit sweeter. For a healthier option, try using honey or maple syrup instead.
• cinnamon – adding ground cinnamon makes this applesauce taste like apple pie!

supplies

• instant pot – an instant pot is just a great kitchen appliance to have on hand because it has so many uses! I cook chicken, beans, corn, rice and even make homemade yogurt in mine!
• knife and cutting board– for cutting the fruit.
• immersion blender (optional) – if you want a smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender to blend it up.

How To Make Applesauce With skins in the Instant Pot:

chop – Wash and dry the apples. Remove the cores and chop them into about 1 inch pieces.

add – Add the apples, juice/cider and cinnamon to the instant pot.

pressure cook – Replace the lid with the vent open. Secure the lid and close the vent. Set the instant pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.

release – When the time is up, open the vent and quick release the steam.

mash – When the steam has finished releasing, open the lid and mash the apples with the back of a wooden spoon. For a smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender.

Tips For Success:

to serve – This applesauce can be served 2 ways:

• Keep it chunky by serving as is straight out of the instant pot.
• Blend it in the blender or use an immersion blender to chop up the peels.

to store – Homemade applesauce is good in the fridge for 1 week, or frozen in an airtight container for up to 6 months.

variations – For extra tanginess, squeeze a lemon into the apples before cooking.

substitutions – Water can be substituted for the juice.

FAQ About No Peel Applesauce in the Instant Pot

ca you make applesauce in the instant pot?

You sure can! Its super quick and easy. It takes just 8 minutes to pressure cook several pounds of apples until they are soft enough to mash with a fork.

Can you leave the skins on when making applesauce?

No need to peel apples when you make applesauce. The cooking process softens the peels enough to be soft and tender.

If you want to remove them for a smoother applesauce, just press the cooked apples through a fine mesh strainer. Or you can blend the apples, skins and all in a blender or food processor.

what are the best apples to use or homemade applesauce?

Any apples will work to make homemade applesauce. But the best apples to use are tart, sweet and juicy. Using sweeter apples, you won’t have to to add as much sugar (or any at all!)

Johnathon, Pink Lady, Honey Crisp, Fuji ad Gala are my favorites for a flavorful, naturally sweet applesauce.

For no peel instant pot applesauce, avoid Granny Smith and Red Delicious apples because their peels are too tough and won’t be as easy to chew after being cooked.

how to store homemade applesauce?

You can store applesauce in several different ways:

• In an airtight container in the fridge for a week.
• In the freezer in a gallon sized zip lock bag for up to 6 months.
• Homemade applesauce can last up to 18 months if you can it. Here’s a step by step tutorial on canning applesauce.

More healthy Snack Recipes on the blog:

If you liked this recipe, I think you’ll really enjoy these other treats on the blog!

• Instant Pot Strawberry Applesauce
• Healthy Berry Jello
• Homemade Strawberry Marshmallows
• Rice Crispy Treats Sweetened With Dates
• Homemade Honey Lollipops

I hope you love this recipe for easy no peel applesauce with skins in the instant pot! If you make it, I’d love for you to come back and leave a comment and rating so that I know how you like it!

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