Instant Pot Cranberry Applesauce

Making homemade apple sauce is easier than you’d think. This Instant Pot cranberry applesauce requires minimal effort & is perfect for using up seasonal produce and embraces Fall flavors. This sweet treat makes a perfect snack for the whole family to enjoy.

Our house, and everyone in it, loves apples.  Loves them in all forms too!

Whether it’s in a sandwich, a fritter, or even in a salad– we do not discriminate.

We simply can’t get enough of them!

Which is probably why I’m hard pressed to pay for applesauce in the Fall.

It’s so easy to make, especially when apples are in abundance for cheap.

Combine that with the ease of using my Instant Pot, and homemade apple sauce is really where it’s at.

Throw in some extra vitamin C by adding some fresh cranberries, and you’ve got this easy Instant Pot Cranberry Applesauce.

It’s the perfect seasonal snack, and makes a great dessert too!

Ingredients Needed

You know we love recipes with short ingredient lists around here, and this cranberry applesauce fits the (short) bill.

To make a batch, you’ll need:

• Apples – Roughly 10 LARGE apples are needed for this recipe. If your apples are on the smaller side, you may need to use a couple more.
• Cider – You’ll need 1/3 cup of apple cider, either fresh pressed or store bought will both work.
• Syrup – Maple syrup is what’s needed for this recipe. Don’t try to substitute breakfast syrup, it doesn’t hold up to pressure cooking.
• Cranberries – Fresh, whole cranberries- they’re only going to be found seasonally in your produce section.
• Butter – Salted butter, that little bit of salt is just the right amount to really make the simple sweetness pop.
• Sugar – Brown sugar, NOT granulated sugar- although you can use either light or brown.

That’s it!

Once you’ve gathered your ingredients, you’re ready to whip up a batch of homemade cranberry applesauce in your instant pot.

How To Make

Luckily making this Instant Pot cranberry applesauce is as easy as the ingredient list implies.

To start wash, peel, and core the apples you’re using.

You’ll need 10 large apples, and I recommend a mixture of tart and sweet.

Once prepped, slice the apples roughly into thick slices. No need to chop, dice, or even thinly slice.

Add the cut apples to the liner of your instant pot.

Pour the cider into the pot over the apples, and add the fresh cranberries to the top of the cut apples.

Pour the maple syrup and melted butter evenly out over the fruit, then sprinkle the brown sugar evenly out over top.

Add the lid to the instant pot, turning to close. Make sure the vent valve is set to the sealed position.

Pressure cook the mixture on HIGH for 9 minutes.

When done, carefully open the vent valve for a quick release.

I like to do this with the handle of a wooden spoon, that way my skin isn’t anywhere near the hot escaping pressurized steam.

Open the lid, and set aside. Let the mixture rest for about 5 minutes.

Using an immersion blender, blend the applesauce into a smooth consistency.

Don’t worry if it seems to thin, the sauce will thicken as it cools.

Serve warm, or refrigerate until chilled, and enjoy!

Who knew making homemade applesauce could be so easy?!

The Best Apples To Use For Homemade Applesauce

While no apple is wrong to use in this Instant Pot cranberry applesauce recipe, there are some that work better than others.

I recommend using a mixture of granny smith, gala, and fuji- although you can mix and match to your preference.

The mixture of tart and sweet apples, plus apples with firmer flesh creates a perfect blend for creamy applesauce that’s not too sweet or tart- even with the addition of cranberries- without the need for adding too much extra sugar.

Storing

Can’t eat all the applesauce in one sitting? That’s ok!

Store it in a large mason jar, or other air tight container, in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Can This Cranberry Applesauce Be Frozen?

Yes! This Instant Pot applesauce with cranberries freezes beautifully!

Allow the applesauce to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container.

It can be frozen as one serving, or divided up into individual containers/servings.

Freeze for up to 3 months.

When ready to enjoy, just thaw, stir, and serve.

TIPS & TRICKS

• Don’t want warm applesauce? Allow the mixture to cool completely, then spoon it into an air tight container. Chill, and serve cold.
• DO NOT try substituting sparkling cider for apple cider- they are not the same thing!
• Can substitute blueberries, strawberries, or blackberries for the cranberries. However, you may need to increase the sugar depending on the tartness of the berries. Taste & tell!
• Want to taste more of the cranberries in your applesauce? You can double the amount called for. Note your applesauce will be a deeper shade of pink and taste to see if additional sugar is needed before serving.
• If you want a chunkier style applesauce, use a potato masher instead of an immersion blender to roughly mash the chunks in the sauce after cooking.

Other Easy Apple Recipes

Take advantage of seasonal produce, and when the weather gets cooler whip up a batch of this easy Instant Pot cranberry applesauce.

It’s a sweet treat with less sugar than traditional desserts, making it a perfect snack for the whole family to enjoy!

Looking for other easy way to use up apples? Try one of these fan favorites:

• Instant Pot Apple Pie Filling
• Apple Cheddar Paninis
• Easy Fried Apple Fritters

If you’ve tried this INSTANT POT CRANBERRY APPLESAUCE, or any other recipe on the site, let me know in the comment section how it turned out, we love hearing from our readers! You can also follow along with me on PINTEREST, FACEBOOK, and INSTAGRAM to see more amazing recipes and whatever else we’ve got going on!

recipe adapted from The Typical Mom