Do I need to peel the apples before making Instant Pot pumpkin applesauce?

Peeling apples is optional for this recipe. Leaving the skin on saves time and adds extra fiber, but peeling results in a smoother applesauce texture. The Instant Pot cooks the apples thoroughly, so if you prefer a chunkier texture or more rustic feel, you can leave the skins on. It’s best to choose fresh, firm apples to get the best flavor regardless of peeling.

How do I get the right consistency for pumpkin applesauce in the Instant Pot?

The pressure cooking in the Instant Pot softens the apples and pumpkin puree well, often resulting in a smooth applesauce without extra effort. After cooking, simply stir the mixture. If you prefer an even smoother texture, you can use an immersion blender or potato masher. Adjust cooking time slightly if your apples aren’t softening enough before blending.

Which apple varieties work best for making pumpkin applesauce?

Combining tart and sweet apples produces the best flavor. Granny Smith apples add a tartness that balances the sweetness from varieties like Honeycrisp or Pink Lady. Mixing these apples enhances the complexity of your applesauce and complements the fall spices and pumpkin puree perfectly.

Can I make this pumpkin applesauce recipe without adding sugar?

Yes, this recipe relies on the natural sweetness of apples and pumpkin, so added sugar isn’t necessary. If you want a touch of extra sweetness, you could add honey or maple syrup. The use of pumpkin pie spice and 100% pumpkin puree adds flavor depth, making added sugars unnecessary in most cases.

What are some easy ways to serve or use Instant Pot pumpkin applesauce?

This applesauce is versatile—it’s delicious on its own as a snack, stirred into oatmeal, or served over vanilla ice cream for a cozy dessert. You can also use it as a yogurt topping, add it to smoothies, or substitute it for oil in baking recipes to add moisture and natural sweetness.

Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce Recipe With Fall Spices

Name: Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce
Prep time: PT-494590H46M6S
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: – 10-12 large apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp); – 3/4 cup filtered water; – 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice; – Juice of 1 lemon; – 2 teaspoons vanilla extract; – 2/3 cup 100% pumpkin puree

Ingredients

– 10-12 large apples (a mix of Granny Smith and Honey Crisp)

– 3/4 cup filtered water

– 1 tablespoon pumpkin pie spice

– Juice of 1 lemon

– 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

– 2/3 cup 100% pumpkin puree

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1-Seal the Instant Pot and set it to cook on high pressure for 5 minutes.

2-After cooking, let it naturally release pressure for 10-15 minutes, then manually vent any remaining pressure carefully.

3-Remove the lid, stir the applesauce well, and mix in the 2/3 cup 100% pumpkin puree until smooth.

4-Let it cool down, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for freshness.

Notes

🍏 Peeling the apples is optional to save preparation time and retains more fiber.
🌿 Use pumpkin pie spice or a custom blend of allspice, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and ginger to customize flavor.
⏳ Adapt the recipe for a slow cooker by cooking on low for 3-4 hours or high for 5-6 hours for a no-fuss alternative.

Author: Brandi Oshea
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Pressure Release Time: 10-15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Category: Dessert, Snack
Method: Pressure Cooking
Cuisine: American
Diet: Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1/2 cup
Calories: 93 kcal
Sugar: 21 g
Sodium: 2.4 mg
Fat: 0 g
Saturated Fat: 0 g
Unsaturated Fat: 0 g
Trans Fat: 0 g
Carbohydrates: 24.2 g
Fiber: 4 g
Protein: 0.6 g
Cholesterol: 0 mg