Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade strawberry applesauce is a delightful twist on the classic favorite, combining sweet apples with fresh strawberries for a vibrant and flavorful treat. This easy recipe uses an Instant Pot to quickly create a naturally sweetened sauce perfect for snacking or serving with meals.
Ingredients
- 3 pounds apples
- 1 pound strawberries
- 1/4 cup juice, cider, or water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
Instructions
- Step 1: Wash and dry the apples and strawberries. Remove the cores from the apples and the stems from the strawberries. Chop all the fruit into approximately 1-inch pieces.
- Step 2: Add the chopped apples, strawberries, and juice (or cider/water) to the Instant Pot.
- Step 3: Replace the lid with the vent open. Secure the lid and close the vent. Set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Step 4: When the cooking time is complete, carefully open the vent to quick release the steam.
- Step 5: After the steam has finished releasing, open the lid and stir in the brown sugar, if using, to sweeten the applesauce.
- Step 6: For a smooth texture, use an immersion blender or regular blender to puree the sauce until no chunks remain. This step is optional if you prefer a chunky applesauce.
Tips & Variations
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith for a tangier sauce or sweeter varieties like Fuji for a milder flavor.
- Adjust the brown sugar based on your sweetness preference or omit it for a naturally sweet sauce.
- Add a pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg for extra warmth and depth of flavor.
- If you don’t have an Instant Pot, cook the fruit gently on the stove in a covered pot until soft before blending.
Storage
Store the strawberry applesauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to three months. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before serving.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen strawberries instead of fresh?
Yes, frozen strawberries work well; just thaw them slightly before adding to the Instant Pot to ensure even cooking.
Is it necessary to add sugar?
No, the sugar is optional. The natural sweetness of the fruit often suffices, especially if you use sweet apple varieties and ripe strawberries.
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Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: About 6 cups 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This homemade strawberry applesauce recipe combines fresh apples and juicy strawberries to create a naturally sweet and flavorful sauce. Cooked quickly in an Instant Pot, it’s perfect as a healthy snack, topping, or baby food. The addition of a touch of brown sugar enhances the natural fruit sweetness, while optional blending allows you to customize the texture from chunky to smooth.
Ingredients
Fruits
- 3 pounds apples, cored and chopped into 1-inch pieces
- 1 pound strawberries, stems removed and chopped into 1-inch pieces
Liquids & Sweeteners
- 1/4 cup apple juice, cider, or water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
Instructions
- Chop the Fruits: Wash and dry the apples and strawberries thoroughly. Remove apple cores and strawberry stems, then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking.
- Add to Instant Pot: Place the chopped apples, strawberries, and your chosen liquid—apple juice, cider, or water—into the Instant Pot. This liquid helps create steam and prevents sticking during cooking.
- Pressure Cook: Secure the Instant Pot lid and close the steam vent. Set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes, allowing the fruits to soften and flavors to meld.
- Quick Release Steam: Once cooking is complete, carefully open the steam vent to quickly release pressure. Wait until all steam has escaped before opening the lid to avoid burns.
- Sweeten the Sauce: After opening the lid, stir in brown sugar if desired to enhance sweetness, adjusting according to your taste preference.
- Puree for Smoothness (Optional): For a silky texture, use an immersion blender directly in the pot or transfer the mixture to a blender and puree until smooth. For a chunkier sauce, leave as is.
Notes
- Use tart apples like Granny Smith or a sweet variety like Fuji depending on your preferred flavor balance.
- If you prefer less sugar, reduce or omit the brown sugar entirely since the fruit itself is naturally sweet.
- To store, keep the applesauce refrigerated in an airtight container for up to one week or freeze for longer storage.
- This recipe is naturally gluten free and vegetarian-friendly.
- Adjust cooking times slightly if chopping fruits smaller or larger than recommended.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: strawberry applesauce, homemade applesauce, Instant Pot applesauce, fruit sauce, healthy snack, baby food, easy recipe
