Strawberry Applesauce Instant Pot: Easy Recipe & Guide

Strawberry Applesauce Instant Pot: Get ready to experience a flavor explosion that will redefine your love for applesauce! Forget the bland, store-bought stuff. We’re diving headfirst into a vibrant, homemade version that’s bursting with the sweetness of ripe strawberries and the comforting warmth of apples, all thanks to the magic of the Instant Pot.

Applesauce itself has a long and storied history, dating back to medieval Europe where it was often used as a natural sweetener and accompaniment to savory dishes. Over time, it evolved into a beloved comfort food, especially for children. But why settle for ordinary when you can elevate this classic with a touch of summer sunshine?

What makes this Strawberry Applesauce Instant Pot recipe so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of tart and sweet, the incredibly smooth texture, and the sheer convenience of using an Instant Pot. Imagine: in just minutes, you can have a batch of homemade applesauce that’s healthier, tastier, and far more satisfying than anything you can buy in a jar. Plus, the addition of strawberries not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful rosy hue that makes it a feast for the eyes as well as the palate. It’s a delightful treat for breakfast, a healthy snack, or even a delicious dessert topping. Let’s get cooking!

Ingredients:

• 2 lbs Apples (such as Gala, Fuji, or Honeycrisp), peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 lb Fresh Strawberries, hulled and halved (or quartered if large)
• 1/2 cup Water
• 1/4 cup Apple Cider Vinegar
• 1/4 cup Honey (or Maple Syrup, adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon Ground Cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon Ground Nutmeg (optional)
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice (optional, for brightness)

Preparing the Apples and Strawberries:

Alright, let’s get started! First things first, we need to prep our fruit. This is probably the most time-consuming part, but trust me, it’s worth it for that delicious homemade applesauce.

1. Peel, Core, and Chop the Apples: Grab your apples and get to peeling! I like to use a vegetable peeler for this, but a paring knife works just as well. Once they’re peeled, core them using an apple corer or carefully cut around the core with a knife. Now, chop the apples into roughly 1-inch pieces. Don’t worry about being too precise; they’ll all cook down together.
2. Hull and Halve (or Quarter) the Strawberries: Rinse your strawberries under cool water and pat them dry. Then, hull them by removing the green tops. You can use a strawberry huller, a paring knife, or even a straw! If your strawberries are on the larger side, go ahead and halve or quarter them so they cook evenly with the apples.

Cooking in the Instant Pot:

Now for the magic! The Instant Pot makes this applesauce incredibly easy and quick. If you don’t have one, don’t worry, I’ll include instructions for stovetop cooking later on.

1. Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot: Add the chopped apples, strawberries, water, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt to the Instant Pot. Give everything a good stir to combine. The apple cider vinegar helps to balance the sweetness and adds a nice tang.
2. Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and make sure the valve is set to “Sealing.” Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the timer for 8 minutes.
3. Natural Pressure Release: Once the cooking time is up, let the Instant Pot naturally release pressure for 10 minutes. This means you just leave it alone and let the pressure come down on its own. After 10 minutes, carefully release any remaining pressure by turning the valve to “Venting.” Be careful of the steam!

Pureeing and Finishing:

Almost there! Now we just need to puree the cooked fruit and add a little extra flavor.

1. Puree the Applesauce: Carefully open the Instant Pot lid. The apples and strawberries should be very soft. Use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the Instant Pot until it reaches your desired consistency. If you prefer a chunkier applesauce, just pulse the blender a few times. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender or food processor. Be careful when blending hot liquids!
2. Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Taste the applesauce and add a tablespoon of lemon juice if you want to brighten up the flavor. This is totally optional, but I find it adds a nice zing.
3. Adjust Sweetness (If Needed): If the applesauce isn’t sweet enough for your liking, add a little more honey or maple syrup, one tablespoon at a time, until it reaches your desired sweetness.
4. Cool and Store: Let the applesauce cool slightly before serving. You can enjoy it warm or chilled. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Stovetop Cooking Instructions (Alternative):

If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can easily make this applesauce on the stovetop. Here’s how:

1. Combine Ingredients in a Pot: Add the chopped apples, strawberries, water, apple cider vinegar, honey (or maple syrup), cinnamon, nutmeg (if using), and salt to a large pot or saucepan.
2. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are very soft and easily pierced with a fork. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
3. Puree and Finish: Follow steps 4-6 from the “Pureeing and Finishing” section above to puree the applesauce and adjust the flavor to your liking.

Tips and Variations:

Want to customize your strawberry applesauce? Here are a few ideas:

• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of ground cloves or ginger for a warmer, spicier flavor.
• Use Different Fruits: Experiment with other fruits like raspberries, blueberries, or peaches.
• Add Vanilla Extract: A teaspoon of vanilla extract adds a lovely depth of flavor.
• Make it Chunky: For a chunkier applesauce, don’t puree it completely. Leave some small pieces of apple and strawberry.
• Sweetener Options: You can use other sweeteners like brown sugar, agave nectar, or even stevia. Adjust the amount to your taste.
• For Baby Food: If you’re making this for a baby, omit the honey and salt. Make sure the applesauce is completely smooth and free of any chunks.

Serving Suggestions:

This strawberry applesauce is delicious on its own, but here are a few other ways to enjoy it:

• As a Snack: Enjoy it as a healthy and satisfying snack.
• With Breakfast: Serve it with yogurt, granola, or oatmeal.
• As a Dessert Topping: Use it as a topping for ice cream, pancakes, or waffles.
• As a Side Dish: Serve it as a side dish with pork chops or chicken.
• In Baking: Use it as a substitute for oil or applesauce in baking recipes.

Enjoy your homemade Strawberry Applesauce!

Conclusion:

This Strawberry Applesauce Instant Pot recipe is truly a game-changer, and I wholeheartedly believe it deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation. Why? Because it’s ridiculously easy, bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors, and incredibly versatile. We’re talking about a healthy, homemade treat that comes together in minutes, leaving you with more time to enjoy life and less time slaving away in the kitchen. Forget the store-bought stuff loaded with preservatives and added sugars; this is the real deal, made with love (and your trusty Instant Pot!).

It’s a must-try because it’s:

* Effortless: Seriously, dump everything in the Instant Pot, set it, and forget it.
* Healthy: Packed with the goodness of apples and strawberries, naturally sweetened and free from artificial ingredients.
* Delicious: The perfect balance of sweet and tart, with a delightful fruity aroma that will fill your kitchen.
* Versatile: Enjoy it warm, cold, as a snack, a side dish, or even as a dessert topping!

But the best part? You can totally customize it to your liking! Feeling adventurous? Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for a warm, comforting spice. Want to kick up the sweetness? A drizzle of honey or maple syrup will do the trick. For a more complex flavor profile, try adding a squeeze of lemon juice or a splash of vanilla extract. And if you’re feeling extra fancy, a sprinkle of chopped nuts or granola on top adds a delightful crunch.

Here are a few serving suggestions to get you started:

* For breakfast: Top your yogurt or oatmeal with a generous dollop of this Strawberry Applesauce.
* As a snack: Enjoy it straight from the jar, or pair it with some whole-grain crackers or a piece of cheese.
* As a side dish: Serve it alongside grilled chicken, pork chops, or even a veggie burger for a touch of sweetness.
* As a dessert: Warm it up and serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream or a dollop of whipped cream.
* Baby food: This recipe is perfect for making your own healthy and delicious baby food. Just be sure to puree it until smooth and check the temperature before serving.

I’ve made this Strawberry Applesauce Instant Pot recipe countless times, and it’s always a hit. My kids love it, my friends love it, and I know you will too! It’s the perfect way to use up those extra apples and strawberries, and it’s a guilt-free treat that you can feel good about serving to your family.

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your Instant Pot, gather your ingredients, and get ready to experience the magic of homemade Strawberry Applesauce. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

And now for the fun part! Once you’ve tried this recipe, I would absolutely love to hear about your experience. Did you make any variations? What did you serve it with? What did your family think? Share your photos and stories in the comments below! Your feedback is invaluable, and it helps me create even better recipes for you in the future. Happy cooking! I am confident that you will love this Strawberry Applesauce Instant Pot recipe.