Spiced Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce

As autumn leaves begin to fall, ushering in crisp air and cozy moments, my thoughts invariably turn to the comforting flavors of pumpkin and apple. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce recipe beautifully marries these two quintessential fall ingredients, offering a delightful blend that means never having to choose just one flavor. Crafted with only 5 simple ingredients, this delightful autumn treat comes together effortlessly. And for those without a pressure cooker, fret not! I’ve included detailed instructions for preparing this delicious applesauce on your stovetop or in your trusty slow cooker, ensuring everyone can savor its homemade goodness.

Just yesterday, I found myself telling my husband how much I cherish living in a place where we get to experience all four distinct seasons each year. We were discussing the impending end of summer, and he might have given me a playful side-eye when I confessed that Fall remains my absolute favorite time of year. While I always feel a touch of sadness when summer days grow shorter, the arrival of autumn brings with it so much to adore. From the vibrant foliage to the refreshing chill in the air, and most importantly, the rich, warm, and inviting flavors of the season, autumn makes the transition from summer a little sweeter and a lot more exciting.

There’s a unique magic to autumn, a time for reflection, cozy evenings, and indulging in nostalgic tastes. Pumpkin and apple, in particular, stand out as the superstars of fall cuisine. They evoke memories of festive holidays, family gatherings, and comforting homemade treats. This Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce is a celebration of these flavors, offering a healthy and versatile way to infuse your home with the essence of autumn. Imagine the aroma filling your kitchen as this simple yet profound dish simmers – it’s truly an experience for all the senses.

Why You’ll Fall in Love with This Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce Recipe

This pumpkin applesauce recipe is remarkably simple and convenient, largely thanks to your Instant Pot or pressure cooker doing most of the heavy lifting. If you’re a fan of classic applesauce, prepare to be amazed by this seasonal twist. It delivers a bounty of rich fall flavors, with warm spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, and ginger creating an incredible aroma that will make your entire home smell inviting and absolutely amazing. Beyond its irresistible scent and taste, this recipe offers several compelling reasons to become a staple in your fall cooking repertoire.

Firstly, the speed and efficiency of the Instant Pot are unparalleled. What typically takes longer on the stovetop or in a slow cooker is drastically reduced, allowing you to enjoy fresh, homemade pumpkin applesauce in a fraction of the time. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick, wholesome snack or ingredient. Secondly, this recipe is incredibly customizable. Whether your ideal applesauce consistency is a rustic, chunky texture or a velvety smooth puree, I’ve got you covered. A simple potato masher will yield a lovely chunky applesauce, while an immersion blender will transform it into a silky-smooth delight, catering to everyone’s preference.

Furthermore, this healthy pumpkin applesauce is a fantastic alternative to store-bought versions, which often contain excessive added sugars and artificial ingredients. By making it from scratch, you control the quality of your ingredients and can adjust the sweetness to your liking. It’s naturally low in calories and packed with the goodness of fresh fruit and vegetables. This great recipe can be used as a delicious substitute for plain applesauce in a variety of other recipes, adding a unique pumpkin-spiced twist. Imagine the elevated flavor in dishes like:

• Banana Applesauce Oatmeal Bread: The pumpkin and spice notes will add a wonderful depth to this comforting quick bread.
• Applesauce Coffee Cake: Transform a simple coffee cake into a fall-inspired masterpiece with this flavorful applesauce.
• Easy Applesauce Bread with Chocolate Chips: A delightful pairing where the subtle pumpkin spice complements the chocolate beautifully.

This versatility alone makes the Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce a valuable addition to your kitchen during the autumn months and beyond.

Essential Ingredients for Homemade Pumpkin Applesauce

Creating this delightful pumpkin pie applesauce is incredibly easy, requiring just a handful of straightforward ingredients. You’ll find all the precise measurements and complete instructions at the bottom of this post in the printable recipe card, but let’s dive into what makes this recipe so special.

• Apples: The foundation of any great applesauce! I personally prefer using a combination of Granny Smith and Pink Lady apples for their excellent balance of tartness and sweetness, which holds up beautifully during cooking. However, most firm, crisp baking apples will work wonderfully. Consider Honeycrisp for extra sweetness and crunch, Golden Delicious for a milder, sweeter flavor, or Braeburn for a good all-around choice. Aim for apples that aren’t too soft, as they can turn mushy quickly.
• Apple Juice or Apple Cider: This liquid not only helps prevent scorching in the Instant Pot but also intensifies the natural apple flavor, creating a richer, more profound taste. For a slightly healthier version or to reduce overall sugar content, you can easily substitute water. However, the juice or cider truly enhances the fruity notes.
• Pumpkin Purée: This is the key ingredient that introduces that creamy texture and distinct fall flavor. It’s crucial to use 100% pure pumpkin purée, not pumpkin pie filling. Pumpkin pie filling is already spiced and sweetened, which would throw off the balance of this recipe. Look for cans that explicitly state “100% Pure Pumpkin” on the label.
• Salt: A small pinch of salt is often the unsung hero in sweet recipes. It doesn’t make the applesauce taste salty, but rather helps to amplify and balance all the other flavors, making them pop. Any type of salt, such as fine sea salt or kosher salt, will work perfectly.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice: This spice blend is what truly transforms the applesauce into a “pumpkin pie” experience. It typically contains cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and cloves, delivering that quintessential fall aroma and taste. If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, apple pie spice makes a fantastic substitute, or you can create your own blend using individual spices. I even have recipes for both Homemade Apple Pie Spice and Homemade Pumpkin Pie Spice right here on my website, allowing you to customize the flavor profile to your heart’s content.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Make Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce

Making homemade Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce is a surprisingly quick and satisfying process. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious, spiced applesauce that will become a fall favorite:

Step One: Prepare the Apples

Begin by thoroughly washing your chosen apples. Next, peel them using a vegetable peeler, core them to remove the seeds and tough center, and then cut them into roughly 1-inch chunks. Consistent sizing helps them cook evenly. If you want to prevent the apples from browning while you prepare them all, you can squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the cut apples and toss gently.

Step Two: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot

Carefully place all the prepared apple chunks into the inner pot of your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. Then, add the apple juice (or apple cider/water), 100% pumpkin purée, a pinch of salt, and the pumpkin pie spice. Stir all the ingredients gently to ensure they are well combined and the spices are distributed throughout the apples.

Step Three: Pressure Cook

Securely place the lid on your Instant Pot, ensuring it is properly sealed. Set the vent to the “Sealing” position. Select the “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” setting and set the cooking time to 5 minutes on high pressure. The Instant Pot will take some time to come to pressure before the cooking countdown begins.

Step Four: Release Pressure

Once the 5-minute cooking cycle is complete, allow the pressure to naturally release for 5 minutes. This natural release period helps prevent foamy applesauce and allows the flavors to meld beautifully. After 5 minutes of natural release, carefully switch the vent to the “Venting” position to manually release any remaining pressure. Once the floating pin drops, it’s safe to open the lid.

Step Five: Achieve Desired Consistency

Now for the fun part – customizing your applesauce! For a delightful, rustic and chunky applesauce, simply use a potato masher to gently mash the hot apples directly in the Instant Pot. Mash to your preferred consistency. If you prefer a velvety smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender (also known as a stick blender). Carefully blend the applesauce until it reaches your desired creamy texture. Be cautious as the applesauce will be hot. Once cooled, transfer your homemade pumpkin applesauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Love It? Pin It!

If you adore this delightful Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce recipe as much as we do, make sure you don’t lose track of it! Pin it to your favorite Pinterest recipe board now so you can easily find it whenever those fall cravings strike.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Pumpkin Applesauce

Here are some common questions about pumpkin purée and homemade applesauce to help you master this delicious fall recipe.

What can pumpkin purée be used for beyond pies?

Pumpkin purée is incredibly versatile! While it’s most commonly associated with baking pies, quick breads, cakes, and muffins, its uses extend far beyond desserts. Aside from this wonderful applesauce recipe, you can stir it into your morning oatmeal or yogurt for a nutritious boost. Enhance your pancake and waffle mixes with a few spoonfuls for a fall-themed breakfast. Add it to milkshakes and smoothies for a creamy texture and subtle sweetness. In savory dishes, pumpkin purée can deepen the flavor and color of curries and stews, and it works as a natural thickener. You can even combine it with ricotta cheese for unique pasta fillings or layered dishes like Pumpkin Lasagna – a definite must-try for autumn!

Can pumpkin purée be substituted for applesauce in other recipes?

Yes, generally speaking, pumpkin purée can be used as a 1:1 substitute for applesauce in many baking recipes. Both ingredients add moisture and a slight sweetness, making them excellent fat replacements in muffins, cakes, and breads. However, keep in mind that pumpkin purée has a milder flavor than applesauce, and its color will obviously be orange. Always consider the overall flavor profile you’re aiming for.

How do you make pumpkin purée taste even better?

To really elevate the flavor of plain pumpkin purée, especially if using it in sweet applications, a simple addition of cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice works wonders. Pumpkin pie spice, with its balanced blend of fall spices, truly brings pumpkin purée to life! While pumpkin purée has a natural sweetness, you can also add a touch of extra sugar, maple syrup, or honey to taste, depending on your recipe and preference. A tiny pinch of salt can also surprisingly enhance its sweetness.

Can I freeze pumpkin purée or this pumpkin applesauce?

Absolutely! Freezing pumpkin purée is a fantastic way to preserve it. I recommend freezing an entire 15 oz can of purée in a quart-sized zip-top bag, flattened for easy storage. Alternatively, for smaller, pre-portioned amounts, you can freeze ½ cup portions in a muffin tin until solid, then transfer the frozen pucks to a gallon zip-top bag or an airtight freezer-safe container. Frozen pumpkin purée will last in the freezer for up to a year. This homemade Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce can also be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure it’s completely cooled before transferring to freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little headspace for expansion.

Pumpkin Applesauce Recipe Substitutions & Variations:

This recipe is quite forgiving and allows for several substitutions to suit your taste or what you have on hand.

• Apples – While Granny Smith and Pink Lady are my preferred choices for their balanced flavor and firm texture, you can truly use almost any type of firm, crisp baking apple. Excellent alternatives include Honeycrisp (for a sweeter profile), Golden Delicious (milder and sweeter), Fuji (sweet and crisp), or Braeburn (tart-sweet balance). Avoid overly soft or mealy apple varieties, as they tend to turn into liquid rather than proper applesauce.
• Apple Juice or Apple Cider – If you’re looking to reduce the sugar content or prefer a less sweet applesauce, you can certainly use water in place of apple juice or cider. The apples themselves will provide plenty of natural flavor. You could also try a pear juice for a slightly different fruity note.
• Pumpkin Purée – Beyond making your own purée from fresh pumpkin (which is a rewarding process if you have the time and a pressure cooker!), there isn’t a direct substitute for 100% pure pumpkin purée. Remember, it’s vital to use pure pumpkin, not pumpkin pie filling, to control the spices and sweetness in this recipe.
• Pumpkin Pie Spice – As mentioned before, if pumpkin pie spice isn’t available, apple pie spice is a fantastic one-to-one substitute, offering a similar warm and comforting flavor profile. Alternatively, you can create your own spice blend by combining individual spices you likely have in your pantry: a generous amount of ground cinnamon, a pinch of ground nutmeg, a dash of ground ginger, and a tiny bit of ground cloves. For a more subtle spice, you could even drop a couple of whole cinnamon sticks into the Instant Pot with the apples and remove them before mashing.

Cooking Variations: Adapting to Your Kitchen Appliances

Don’t own an Instant Pot? No problem! This delicious pumpkin applesauce can easily be made using other common kitchen appliances.

Slow Cooker Pumpkin Applesauce: For a hands-off approach, combine your peeled and chunked apples, 100% pumpkin purée, apple juice (or cider/water), salt, and pumpkin pie spice directly in the crockpot. Cook on high for 3-4 hours, or on low for 6 hours, until the apples are tender enough to be easily mashed. The slow cooker method often results in a slightly darker applesauce with deeply developed flavors.

Stovetop Pumpkin Applesauce: If you prefer the traditional method, place the prepared apples, pumpkin purée, apple juice (or cider/water), salt, and pumpkin pie spice in a large stockpot or Dutch oven. Set the pot over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and cook for 20-25 minutes, or until the apples are fork-tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. This method allows you to closely monitor the applesauce’s consistency and sweetness as it cooks.

Tips and Tricks for Making the BEST Pumpkin Applesauce

To ensure your homemade pumpkin applesauce is absolutely perfect every time, keep these helpful tips in mind:

• Prevent Browning: A simple trick to keep your peeled and cut apples from browning while you prepare the rest is to toss them with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. This acidulant helps preserve their natural color.
• Adjust Sweetness: The natural sweetness of apples can vary, as can your personal preference. For a bit more sweetness, especially if you’re using water instead of juice, consider stirring in 2-4 tablespoons of dark brown sugar, maple syrup, or honey after cooking. Taste and adjust to your liking. Maple syrup or honey also offers a lovely natural sweetness that complements the fall flavors beautifully.
• Versatile Breakfast Topping: This applesauce is not just a snack! It makes a wonderful addition to breakfast. Spoon it generously over pancakes or waffles for a seasonal twist, or stir a generous dollop into a warm bowl of oatmeal for a comforting and flavorful start to your day. It can also be a healthy swirl in plain yogurt.
• Proper Storage: Once your applesauce has cooled completely to room temperature, transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, refer to the freezing tips in the FAQ section.
• Experiment with Spices: Don’t be afraid to tweak the spice levels. If you love a stronger ginger kick, add a tiny bit more ground ginger. For a deeper, richer flavor, a pinch of allspice can be a great addition.
• Serving Suggestions: Beyond a simple snack, this pumpkin applesauce pairs wonderfully as a condiment for savory dishes. It’s an excellent accompaniment to roasted pork chops or chicken, adding a sweet and tangy counterpoint to rich meats.

More Delicious Apple and Pumpkin Recipes for Fall

Autumn is truly a season to celebrate, and we are absolutely *here for* all its delicious offerings! If you’re looking for more ways to enjoy those two irresistible fall flavors – apple and pumpkin – here are some fantastic recipes to inspire your seasonal cooking and baking:

• Crock Pot Applesauce (pictured above): A classic, hands-off method for delicious, simple applesauce.
• Apple Pumpkin Strudel: A flaky, sweet pastry combining the best of both fall fruits.
• Glazed Pumpkin Donuts: Soft, spiced donuts perfect for a cozy morning treat.
• Banana Pumpkin Muffins: A moist and flavorful muffin that’s perfect for breakfast or a snack.
• Pumpkin Bread: A quintessential fall quick bread, rich with pumpkin and spices.
• Pumpkin Butter: A luscious spread that’s perfect for toast, pancakes, or charcuterie boards.

Keep this versatile pumpkin recipe handy throughout the season. Homemade pumpkin spice applesauce is the perfect afternoon snack – beloved by kids and adults alike. It’s not only incredibly delicious but also a healthy choice, with minimal added sugar and a naturally low-calorie profile. Enjoy it on its own, as a delectable spread on warm toast or muffins, or as a wonderfully unexpected condiment to elevate savory dishes like roasted pork chops or chicken. It’s a simple pleasure that embodies the warmth and comfort of autumn in every spoonful.

Welcome to the fourth annual #FallFlavors celebration! We have 21 bloggers sharing over SIXTY recipes using delicious fall ingredients like squash, apples, maple, pecans, and many more. Follow #FallFlavors across social media to discover all the mouth-watering recipes shared by our community.

Wednesday #FallFlavor Recipes We’re Celebrating:

Beverages

• Cranberry Orange Bourbon Cocktail from Family Around The Table
• Orchards be Dram-ed Cocktail from The Spiffy Cookie

Breakfasts and Breads

• Apple Pie Pancakes from Magical Ingredients
• Instant Pot Pumpkin Applesauce from An Affair from the Heart
• Pumpkin Chocolate Chip Scones from Hezzi-D’s Books and Cooks
• Pumpkin Spice Oatmeal from Jolene’s Recipe Journal

Mains and Sides

• Chicken Parm Stuffed Spaghetti Squash from A Kitchen Hoor’s Adventures
• Chicken Sausage with Apples from Cheese Curd In Paradise
• Roasted Whole Butternut Squash from Jen Around the World
• Sauerkraut with Tomato Sauce from Palatable Pastime

Desserts

• Air Fryer Candied Walnuts from Devour Dinner
• Caramel Apple Pie from Sweet Beginnings
• Easy Apple Pie Cake from A Little Fish in the Kitchen
• Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Cheesecake from Blogghetti
• Pumpkin Bread Pudding from Hostess At Heart
• Old Fashioned Ritz Pie from Art of Natural Living
• Pecan Butter Cookies from Books n’ Cooks
• Pecan Pie Bars from Best Cookie Recipes

Follow the Favorite Fall Recipes Facebook group and check out the Favorite Fall Flavors Pinterest board for even more delightful fall inspiration!