You are going to love this EASY Unsweetened Applesauce recipe! I've been making homemade apple sauce for the last few years, and it truly doesn't compare to what you buy in the store. In my opinion apple sauce does not need ADDED SUGAR. It's deliciously sweet and flavorful on its own.
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Why I love this recipe
For this recipe, I do not add any sugar, just a variety of organic apples, cinnamon and fresh nutmeg. Plus, I leave on the peel! The peel adds more fiber, and less prep time. In the past I've made this recipe in the crockpot, but sometimes I don't have time to wait HOURS for it to cook.
If you don't have a pressure cooker, I did leave instructions in the FAQ section for how to make it in the crockpot! Both ways taste amazing and make your house smell like FALL.
🍴Ingredient Notes
- Organic Apples - I used a combination of Gala and Honeycrisp for this batch.
- Filtered Water - You need one cup of water in order to use the instant pot, but I like to add it when I use the crockpot too!
- Cinnamon - I use Organic Ceylon Cinnamon from one of my favorite brands - Terrasoul.
- Nutmeg - Freshly ground nutmeg tastes the best, but you can use whatever kind you have on hand!
What kind of apples are best for applesauce?
You really can't go wrong with what apples you choose for apple sauce! My personal favorite is a combination of Honeycrisp and Gala. In my opinion, the apple sauce flavor is best when you mix a variety of apples! Leave your favorite combinations in the comments below.
Organic vs. Non-Organic Apples
I prefer to use organic apples because they're 5th on the EWG Dirty 12 list! According to the Environmental Working Group, apples contain on average about 4.4 pesticide residues. (And some at high concentrations.)
You can read more about this topic from their article. If you're not familiar with EWG, they're an excellent resource for all things clean living! I use their guides to decide whether I should spend the extra money on organic or not. They also offer a Clean Fifteen list which shares the fruits and vegetables with the lowest pesticide residues!
Why is applesauce good for gut health?
Check out this article for more information!
🍴Step by Step Instructions
Prepping your apples
- Start by washing your apples. You can leave them in a fruit soak for a few minutes in the sink, or give them a light scrubbing! You won't be peeling off the skin so you want to make sure they are clean.
- Next slice your apples into large chunks. You can do this by hand, or use an apple slicer! Don't worry about making the slices even, it's just for quicker cook time.
- Pour your apple slices into your instant pot or pressure cooker. Next add in cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Give it a good stir until the apples are evenly coated.
How to cook and blend Apple Sauce
- Place the cover on your pressure cooker, and make sure it's set to SEAL. Cook on HIGH for 25 minutes.
- When it's done, release the pressure and remove the cover. Use a hand masher or immersion blender to blend until desired consistency. If you want it on the chunkier side, don't fully puree the mixture.
- Let it cool for a bit, then add to a mason jar or a glass container. Place in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve! Enjoy!
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you want to use a crockpot you can! I prefer the instant pot because it's so much faster. If you use a crockpot set the timer to high for about 4 hours. Check if they're done by sticking a fork in an apple slice! You can also cook them low and slow for 6 hours.
No, I do not add sugar to this recipe - it's plenty sweet! By cooking the apples, you'll naturally bring out the sweetness. You can also choose sweeter apples like Honeycrisp if you're looking for a sweeter version.
No you do not need to peel the apples! You can if you want to, but I like that it adds a bit more fiber. (Plus less prep time!!) Once they cook down, you don't even notice the skin is there!
You can use an immersion blender, or hand masher. I prefer the immersion blender because it's easy to use, and takes less time! It's one of my most used kitchen tools.
Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Ninja Pressure Cooker - I have the 8 quart.
- Instant Pot - I also have an Instant Pot! Both work great, it just depends what you need.
- Apple Slicer - This little tool will save you a ton of time when you're prepping the apples! One press, and you have perfect apple slices. It's also great if you want to prepare a quick apple snack!
- Potato Masher - I have one for mashing potatoes, but you can use it for this recipe as well. It's great if you want a chunkier apple sauce.
- Immersion Blender - I love the immersion blender because it can puree the apples in seconds! You don't have to transfer them into a separate bowl - just blend it right in the instant pot.
More healthy snacks!
After you make these Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe, make sure to leave a comment & rate the recipe!
Recipe
Unsweetened Applesauce Recipe
Equipment
- Pressure cooker or Instant Pot
- Immersion Blender or Potato Masher
- Apple Slicer
Instructions
- Start by washing your apples. You can leave them in a fruit soak for a few minutes in the sink, or give them a light scrubbing! You won't be peeling off the skin so you want to make sure they are clean.
- Next slice your apples into large chunks. You can do this by hand, or use an apple slicer! Don't worry about making the slices even, it's just for quicker cook time.
- Pour your apple slices into your instant pot or pressure cooker. Next add in cinnamon, nutmeg, and water. Give it a good stir until the apples are evenly coated.
- Place the cover on your pressure cooker, and make sure it's set to SEAL. Cook on HIGH for 25 minutes.
- When it's done, release the pressure and remove the cover. Use a hand masher or immersion blender to blend until desired consistency. If you want it on the chunkier side, don't fully puree the mixture.
- Let it cool for a bit, then add to a mason jar or a glass container. Place in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve! Enjoy!
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the crockpot for this recipe?
Yes, if you want to use a crockpot you can! I prefer the instant pot because it’s so much faster. If you use a crockpot set the timer to high for about 4 hours. Check if they’re done by sticking a fork in an apple slice! You can also cook them low and slow for 6 hours.Does this recipe require any added sugar?
No, I do not add sugar to this recipe – it’s plenty sweet! By cooking the apples, you’ll naturally bring out the sweetness. You can also choose sweeter apples like Honeycrisp if you’re looking for a sweeter version.Do I need to peel the apples before slicing them?
No you do not need to peel the apples! You can if you want to, but I like that it adds a bit more fiber. (Plus less prep time!!) Once they cook down, you don’t even notice the skin is there!How do you mash apples after they're done cooking?
You can use an immersion blender, or hand masher. I prefer the immersion blender because it’s easy to use, and takes less time! It’s one of my most used kitchen tools.Nutrition
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Melanie
I can’t believe how fast it cooks! I usually make mine in the crockpot, but this was much quicker. Thank you!
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Yess it does not take long in the instant pot! (: xo Mariah
Thomas
Cooks up quickly, tastes delicious, and there’s no sign of the peels with all the fiber and vitamins they contain. Ooh how lovely my house smells now.
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So glad you enjoyed!!
Brittany Carroll
I made it and can't tell what made my house smell better, the slow simmered spaghetti sauce or the apples. Popped in my blender and into hot mason jars to be canned. Yummy!
Mariah Knight
YUM! It really does make your kitchen smell amazing. So glad you enjoyed! (:
Ali Swanson
This recipe has been my go to for 2 years now! My toddler absolutely loves it and I had to send the recipe to other moms because they just love it too! Thank you!! So healthy and delicious!
Taylor
How long will this hold? Can you freeze to make it last longer?
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I would say about 5-7 days in the fridge! I have not tried freezing, but I'm sure it would work! To heat back up you could try simmering on low in a sauce pan. (I like serving mine warm.)
Jackie Thompson
Can you water can the apple sauce; and if so, what is the processing time?
Mariah Mandile
I'm having trouble understanding your question, but happy to help!
Sharon
Can i use an immersion blender in the instant pot pan?
Mariah Mandile
Yes! That's usually what I do and then once it's cool I will transfer into a container.
Margaret Doering
Sorry for a dumb question but do you core the apples? I just came home with a bag of small apples off someone’s tree & the apples are really small.
Mariah Mandile
Yes, you definitely want to core the apples! You do not need to peel the apples though. Let me know if you try!