Citric Acid Free Instant Pot Applesauce
Warm, fragrant, and made entirely from real ingredients you can control, this pressure-cooker applesauce is the kind of simple recipe that earns a permanent spot in your rotation. For anyone avoiding citric acid — a preservative and flavor enhancer that sneaks into nearly every commercial applesauce on the shelf — making it at home is honestly the only reliable way to know exactly what you're eating. The Instant Pot does the heavy lifting here, cooking the apple chunks down in just five minutes under pressure so the whole process is fast and fuss-free. A splash of apple juice and a touch of cinnamon bring out the natural sweetness of the fruit, and you can mash it chunky or blend it silky smooth depending on your mood. The optional nutmeg and brown sugar let you dial in the flavor to your taste without relying on any additives. It stores beautifully in the fridge and thickens up as it cools, making it just as good spooned cold over oatmeal as it is served warm alongside a pork chop.
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Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 lbs apples (about 6 medium), peeled, cored, and cut into 1-inch chunks
- ¼ cup apple juice or water
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp ground nutmeg (optional)
- 1–2 tbsp sugar or brown sugar, to taste (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Add the apple chunks, apple juice, lemon juice, and cinnamon to the Instant Pot insert. Stir briefly to combine.
- 2
Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
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