This Homemade Strawberry Applesauce comes together in about 30 minutes and uses the Instant Pot, making it a quick and easy treat that your whole family will love! You can switch up the fruits or even toss in a few spices to suit your taste, or use it as a clean out the fridge meal to get rid of those berries before they go bad. Seriously, this is the perfect solution for leftover fruit while keeping everything so flavorful and comforting.
Ingredients Breakdown
- 3 pounds Apples
- 1 pound Strawberries
- 1/4 cup Juice, Cider, or Water
- 1/4 cup Brown Sugar
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Applesauce
1. Chop
Start by washing and drying your apples and strawberries. Remove the cores from the apples and toss those stems from the strawberries. Now chop both into about 1-inch pieces. This will help them cook quicker and more evenly!
2. Add
Snap on the Instant Pot lid, and get ready! Toss those chopped apples and strawberries into the pot along with the juice or cider. It’s amazing how a few moments of prep can lead to something so great!
3. Pressure Cook
Time to secure that lid and close the vent. Set your Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. If you can, resist the urge to peek; this is when the magic happens! The sweet smell will start to waft out, and trust me, it’ll be worth the wait!
4. Release
When the time is up, open the vent and give a quick release of the steam. Watch out for that hot steam! Once it’s all released, carefully remove the lid.
5. Sweeten
At this point, you can stir in the brown sugar (if you’re using it). Taste and adjust sweetness if necessary. Maybe toss in a couple pinches of cinnamon or nutmeg if you feel fancy!
6. Puree (Optional)
If you prefer a smooth applesauce, you can grab your immersion blender or traditional blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency, whether smooth like silk or with a bit of texture, it’s all good!
Why This Recipe Works
Quick & Easy
This fabulous recipe comes together in under 30 minutes! Seriously, it’s a game changer for busy weeknights or last-minute snack ideas.
One Pot Wonder
Minimal cleanup is another key advantage. Everything cooks together in one pot, meaning less time scrubbing pots and pans and more time enjoying the fruit of your labor. Perfect!
Budget-Friendly
This applesauce only requires affordable, everyday ingredients. Odds are you’ve already got most of this stuff in your kitchen. Talk about winning, right?
Customizable
The best part is how customizable this recipe really is! You can substitute different fruits, like peaches or pear-banana, you can even add spices like vanilla or cloves. Use whatever you have on hand!
Comfort Food
Loaded with tons of flavor, this applesauce is comfort food at its best. Serve it warm or chilled, on pancakes, yogurt, or eat it straight from the bowl, no judgement here!
Serving and Storage Tips
Serving Suggestions
I love having this homemade strawberry applesauce on hand! You can serve it over oatmeal or yogurt for breakfast, paired with grain bowls, or even vanilla ice cream for dessert. It’s also a great side dish at family dinners, especially during gatherings.
Storage
Store any leftover applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It’ll keep for about 1 week, if you can resist eating it all first! You can also freeze it for longer storage. Just be sure to leave a little space for expansion when you freeze it, as liquids tend to take up more space in the freezer.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
Freezer Friendly
Yes! This applesauce can be frozen. Pour it into a freezer-safe container and it’ll last about 6 months in the freezer. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw in the fridge overnight.
Personal Connection
This is my go-to recipe when I have a bunch of apples and just a handful of strawberries lingering around the kitchen. I can always count on it to bring comfort and warmth to my family, especially on those chilly nights when we gather for family dinner. You’ll often find me whipping up a batch, listening to my favorite podcast as I chop and toss things in the pot. And the best part is, my kids absolutely adore it, which makes me feel like a super mom. I’m a real sucker for anything that gets them excited about fruits!
If you loved this amazing homemade strawberry applesauce, be sure to check out my Mini Funfetti Yogurt Muffins, my Homemade Strawberry Gummies, or my Homemade Graham Crackers!
The Secret to Making This Recipe Amazing
Use the Right Apples
The secret to delicious strawberry applesauce is in the apples! Depending on your liking, go sweet, tart, or a mix. This blend keeps it interesting.
Mind the Sugar
Sweetness is key. Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Every batch can be a little different, so add sugar according to your preferences.
Watch It Cook
This one-pot wonder means less babysitting! Just set and forget while it cooks, but keep an ear out for that lovely sound of steam escaping when it’s time.
Get Creative
Don’t shy away from experimenting! Substitutions can lead to something amazing! Toss in oats to make it a complete breakfast or blend in a dollop of peanut butter for a creamy twist!
Scents of Home
Come on, that smell of apples and strawberries cooking together is heavenly! This is comfort food that feels like home, and I guarantee it’ll flood you with those nostalgic vibes every time.
So there you have it! Your family will love this homemade strawberry applesauce as a quick addition to meals or a delightful snack all on its own. The best part? You can make it your own! Happy cooking! Follow us on Pinterest for daily meal inspiration!
Homemade Strawberry Applesauce
Ingredients
Method
- Wash and dry the apples and strawberries. Remove the cores from the apples and toss the stems from the strawberries. Chop both into about 1-inch pieces.
- Place the chopped apples and strawberries in the Instant Pot along with the juice or cider. Secure the lid and set the pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- After cooking, perform a quick release of the steam and carefully remove the lid.
- Stir in the brown sugar (if using). Taste and adjust sweetness, adding spices like cinnamon or nutmeg if desired.
- For a smoother consistency, use an immersion blender or traditional blender to puree to your liking.