Last Updated on décembre 5, 2024 by Sarah
Are you looking for a simple, versatile way to use delicious apples this Autumn? Check out this recipe for Simple Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot or in a Saucepan.
As Autumn starts, many of us begin to crave the sweet tanginess of apples. When they are in season, in September and October, is when they are at their best, so it makes sense to preserve them when they are at their freshest and tastiest.
That is why I love homemade applesauce (or compote as they call it here in France). The depth of flavour is just incomparable to store bought, especially if, like us, you enjoy going apple picking and can make large quantities of applesauce right away.
When you make your own apple sauce, you control what goes into it. Do you like cinnamon? Add a stick or two! Are your apples already sweet? No need to add sugar! Also, homemade applesauce does not contain any artificial ingredients or preservatives, unlike most store bought applesauce.
As with many homemade recipes, making your own applesauce can seem daunting at first, but, when you start to make it, you will see just how easy it is. Believe me, the quality of the final product far outweighs the inconvenience of preparing all those apples!
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Ingredients Needed for Making Simple Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot or in a Saucepan
- Enough apples to fill your Instant Pot or sauce pan
- 1-2 sticks of cinnamon (optional)
- 1/2 cup of water (or 1/4 cup if you have only half filled your Instant Pot, or if you are making it in a saucepan)
You will notice that I don’t add any sugar to my applesauce. This is because I find that using freshly picked apples, or apples that are in season, provides more than enough sugar to make a delicious applesauce. If I decide to use that apple sauce to make apple crumble, or another warm dessert, I will add a little sugar then.
If your apples are particularly sour, you can sweeten your applesauce but I would always suggest making it, letting it cool down before you taste it (applesauce is always sourer when it is hot), and then sweetening it if needed.
Apples
These are obviously the most essential ingredient and the quality of your apples will affect the quality of your final product. I like to choose apples that soften well, that are fairly sweet but also have a pleasant acidity to them. My favourite varieties that are available here in France are Rubinette and Jonagold.
In England, traditional applesauce is made with cooking apples. These are a very large, acidic variety. They are delicious, but will need a fair amount of sugar to balance the acidity.
I would not suggest using Golden Delicious, Gala or Granny Smith apples as they either lack flavour (especially shop-bought) or do not soften as well as other varieties.
Do you have any other suggestions for apple varieties you like to use for applesauce? Let me know in the comments!
Cinnamon
This is totally optional, but I do enjoy a little hint of spice in my apple sauce. I prefer the delicate flavour that cooking the apples with a stick or two of cinnamon brings, rather than using ground cinnamon.
Water
This is an essential part of the recipe as it will prevent your apple sauce from sticking to the bottom of the Instant Pot or saucepan and burning.
How to Make Simple Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot or in a Saucepan
This really couldn’t be any easier. Simply peel, core and slice your apples (large chunks will work in the Instant Pot, but smaller chunks would be better for a saucepan).
Add your apples to the Instant Pot or saucepan with the water and cinnamon sticks (if using).
Instant Pot
Place the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the pressure knob is set to seal. Press the pressure cook button and adjust the time to 10 mins.
When it has finished cooking, let the pressure release naturally.
Saucepan
Place the lid on the saucepan, cook on a medium heat for 20-30 mins depending on how many apples you have. Stir from time to time and add a little more water if the apples start to stick to the bottom.
You will know that the apple sauce is ready when the apples break up as soon as you stir them
Creating the Texture You Want for Your Homemade Applesauce
There are three possibilities here:
- Leave your apple sauce as it is after stirring. This provides a chunky applesauce that can be good for desserts such as Apple Crumble or Apple Cobbler.
- Stir vigorously with a whisk. This will give you a textured purée which is my personal favourite.
- Use an immersion blender. If you prefer a completely smooth applesauce, this is the best way to obtain it. Just whizz your applesauce with the immersion blender until all lumps have disappeared. Don’t forget to remove the cinnamon stick, if you have used it, before blending!
Instant Pot or Saucepan, Which is Best?
I like the Instant Pot method for ease and rapidity, but with the saucepan you get a more caramelised flavour which is very good. It really depends on what equipment you have and what end result you desire. Using either method will give you an absolutely delicious, healthy applesauce so just use what works best for you!
How to Use Homemade Applesauce
We use our homemade applesauce in a variety of ways. It is delicious on its own as a tasty snack, it makes a great topping for porridge or yoghurt and I like to use it as a base for apple crumble. However, it is also amazing as an accompaniment for savoury dishes such as roast pork or pork chops, or mixed into mashed potatoes and served with sausages.
How to store Homemade Applesauce
Homemade applesauce will keep for about a week in the fridge. If you cannot eat it all in that time, or if you are making several batches, it is possible to can it (check out this article to find out how) or freeze it. I like to put enough applesauce for a family portion in zip lock bags, and that will keep in the freezer for at least 6 months.
So, have I convinced you of how easy it is to start making homemade applesauce? Let me know in the comments which method you prefer, I love to hear from you 🙂
Looking for more apple-based dishes? Check out my Gluten Free Apple Cake, French Style.
Find all of my dessert ideas ici.
Simple Homemade Applesauce in the Instant Pot or in a Saucepan
Ingrédients
- Apples enough to fill your Instant Pot or saucepan
- 1-2 sticks cinnmon (optional)
- 1/4-1/2 cups water
Instructions
- Peel, core and slice your apples (large chunks will work in the Instant Pot, but smaller chunks would be better for a saucepan).
- Add your apples to the Instant Pot or saucepan with the water and cinnamon sticks (if using).
Instant Pot
- Place the lid on the Instant Pot, making sure the pressure knob is set to seal. Press the pressure cook button and adjust the time to 10 mins.
- When it has finished cooking, let the pressure release naturally.
Saucepan
- Place the lid on the saucepan, cook on a medium heat for 20-30 mins depending on how many apples you have. Stir from time to time and add a little more water if the apples start to stick to the bottom.
- You will know that the apple sauce is ready when the apples break as soon as you stir them
Creating the Texture You Want for Your Homemade Applesauce
- There are three possibilities here:
- Leave your apple sauce as it is after stirring. This provides a chunky applesauce that can be good for desserts such as Apple Crumble or Apple Cobbler.
- Stir vigorously with a whisk. This will give you a textured purée which is my personal favourite.
- Use an immersion blender. If you prefer a completely smooth applesauce, this is the best way to obtain it. Just whizz your applesauce with the immersion blender until all lumps have disappeared. Don’t forget to remove the cinnamon stick, if you have used it, before blending!
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