I’m convinced there’s nothing quite as comforting as the scent of cinnamon-spiced apples filling my kitchen on a crisp autumn day. This Instant Pot applesauce recipe has become my go-to when I want something wholesome yet effortless. With just three ingredients and practically hands-off cooking, I can whip up a batch while tackling other tasks around the house. The natural sweetness of the apples means no added sugar, but the flavor? Pure fall magic. Wonder what makes this simple recipe so special?
Why You’ll Love this Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce
When fall arrives with its crisp air and colorful leaves, nothing feels more comforting than the sweet aroma of cinnamon-spiced applesauce filling your kitchen.
I’m convinced this Instant Pot applesauce might become your new seasonal obsession. Why? It’s ridiculously simple, requiring just three ingredients—apples, cinnamon sticks, and water. No added sugar needed! The pressure cooking intensifies the natural sweetness of the apples while the cinnamon infuses everything with that warm, cozy flavor we all crave.
The best part? You control the texture. Want it chunky? Give it a quick mash. Prefer silky smooth? Blend away. Your perfect applesauce awaits.
What Ingredients are in Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce?
This incredibly simple recipe needs just a handful of ingredients to create the most comforting, aromatic applesauce you’ll ever taste.
- 7-8 apples (any variety works beautifully)
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/2 cup water
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and flexibility—you can mix different apple varieties for a more complex flavor, or stick with your personal favorites like Honeycrisp for sweetness or Granny Smith for a touch of tartness.
How to Make this Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce
Making this applesauce couldn’t be easier, and your Instant Pot does most of the heavy lifting. Start by cutting 7-8 apples into chunks—no need to be precise here, just make sure to remove the cores completely. You don’t even need to peel them unless you prefer a smoother texture. Toss those chunky apple pieces directly into your Instant Pot, where they’ll soon transform into something magical.
Next, add 2 cinnamon sticks and 1/2 cup water to the pot with your apples. The cinnamon infuses the applesauce with that cozy, warming flavor that makes this recipe so special, while the water prevents burning and helps create steam. Secure the lid on your Instant Pot, set the valve to sealing, and cook on high pressure for 5 minutes. Yes, just 5 minutes! While that mightn’t seem like enough time, the pressurized environment breaks down those apples remarkably fast.
After cooking, let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes—this extra steaming time softens any stubborn apple pieces—then carefully release any remaining pressure. Now comes the fun part: grab your immersion blender and pulse until you reach your desired consistency. Want it chunky? Just a few pulses will do. Prefer silky smooth? Blend away! If you don’t have an immersion blender, a potato masher works wonderfully too. The warm, cinnamon-scented steam that rises when you open the pot might be my favorite part of the whole process, filling the kitchen with the essence of fall comfort no matter what time of year. This recipe showcases why the Instant Pot pressure cooker has become such a beloved kitchen essential for quick, flavorful cooking.
What to Serve with Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce
Now that your kitchen smells amazing and your applesauce has reached the perfect consistency, let’s talk about all the delicious ways to enjoy it.
I love serving this warm cinnamon applesauce with pork chops or roasted chicken for a sweet complement to savory dishes. It’s also perfect stirred into oatmeal on chilly mornings, or spooned over vanilla ice cream for an effortless dessert.
Want a quick breakfast? Top your yogurt with applesauce and granola.
Kids absolutely devour it as an after-school snack with graham crackers for dipping. And honestly, there’s nothing wrong with enjoying it straight from the bowl, still warm from the pot.
Leftovers and Storage for this Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce
Most homemade applesauce disappears quickly in my house, but when you make a big batch in your Instant Pot, you’ll likely have some delicious leftovers to enjoy later. I recommend storing your cinnamon-spiced creation in airtight containers in the refrigerator, where it’ll keep beautifully for up to a week.
Want to extend the applesauce joy even longer? Pop those containers in the freezer for up to three months. Just remember to leave a little headspace for expansion, or you might find yourself with an applesauce explosion, and trust me, nobody wants that cleanup job. Thaw overnight in the fridge when you’re ready to indulge again.
Cozy Cinnamon Applesauce Substitutions and Variations
The beauty of this cozy cinnamon applesauce lies in its incredible flexibility—you’re never stuck with just one version.
Want to switch things up? Try swapping cinnamon sticks for 1-2 teaspoons of ground cinnamon or add a sprinkle of nutmeg for warmth. I’m a huge fan of mixing apple varieties—tart Granny Smiths with sweet Honeycrisps create amazing depth.
For sweetness without refined sugar, try adding a chopped pear or a splash of maple syrup. Can’t do cinnamon? Vanilla bean or cardamom pods work beautifully. And for a grown-up twist, a tablespoon of bourbon (after cooking) transforms this humble applesauce into something truly special.
Final Thoughts
Making homemade applesauce might seem like a small kitchen accomplishment, but I’ve found that simple dishes often bring the most satisfaction. There’s something magical about transforming a handful of apples and cinnamon sticks into a warm, fragrant treat with minimal effort.
Your Instant Pot does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with applesauce that’s infinitely better than store-bought. Can you really beat the cozy aroma that fills your kitchen? Or the satisfaction of controlling exactly what goes into your food?
I think this recipe might become your new autumn tradition. Simple, versatile, and utterly comforting. For another seasonal breakfast option that features apples, try a baked oatmeal recipe that combines sweet and tart flavors for a nutritious morning meal.