As the nights grow longer and the air turns crisp, there’s a certain warmth that fills my kitchen during Hanukkah preparations. The delightful aroma of cinnamon and tart Granny Smith apples dancing together in the Instant Pot is an experience that sparks nostalgia and joy. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season in full swing, I stumbled upon this incredibly easy recipe for Instant Pot applesauce, and it instantly became a family favorite.
Imagine serving a warm, homemade applesauce at your Hanukkah table—a comforting side dish that not only pairs beautifully with crispy latkes but also brings a taste of tradition to your feast. This version makes use of seasonal apples, delivering a sweet-tart flavor that will remind you of cozy childhood memories. Plus, it takes only about 30 minutes to prepare! Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a busy home cook, this recipe offers a simple, crowd-pleasing addition to your celebrations that’s ready to impress your guests without any hassle. Let’s dive into this delightful recipe that’s bound to become a cherished part of your holiday festivities.
Why Love Instant Pot Applesauce for Hanukkah?
Simplicity: Preparing Instant Pot applesauce is effortlessly simple, needing just a few ingredients and minimal hands-on time.
Nostalgic Flavor: The blend of tart Granny Smith apples and warm cinnamon invokes cherished memories, creating a comforting experience.
Time-Saving: In just 30 minutes, you can enjoy a homemade delight, making it perfect for busy holiday schedules.
Versatile Use: Beyond serving with latkes, this applesauce is fantastic in baking or as a topping for desserts.
Crowd-Pleasing: Its warm, inviting taste is sure to impress guests, making it a delightful addition to your Hanukkah celebrations.
Instant Pot Applesauce Ingredients
For the Applesauce
- Granny Smith Apples – Offers the perfect balance of tartness and sweetness; feel free to swap for sweeter varieties like Honey Crisp.
- Water – Essential for creating steam, ensuring the apples cook evenly; adjust for your preferred consistency.
- Packed Brown Sugar – Adds delightful sweetness with a hint of molasses; substitute with granulated sugar for a lighter touch or skip for no-sugar applesauce.
- Ground Cinnamon – Infuses warm flavor, making it comforting; consider adding nutmeg or allspice for an extra flavor twist.
- Kosher Salt – Balances the sweetness, enhancing overall flavor; optional for those preferring no added salt.
How to Make Instant Pot Applesauce
-
Combine Ingredients: Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the Granny Smith apples into even-sized pieces. Place them into your Instant Pot along with the water, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix gently to combine.
-
Seal and Cook: Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring it’s locked in place. Set your cooker to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes. Listen for the comforting beep, indicating it’s time to proceed!
-
Release Pressure: Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes; this creates a smoother texture. After that, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
-
Stir and Serve: Open the lid and give the applesauce a good stir. You’ll see a lovely warm, slightly chunky texture! Serve it warm as a side dish or let it cool for storage in the fridge.
Optional: Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon before serving for extra flavor.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Make Ahead Options
These Instant Pot Applesauce are perfect for busy home cooks looking to streamline their meal prep! You can peel, core, and chop the Granny Smith apples, and mix them with the water, brown sugar, cinnamon, and salt up to 24 hours in advance. Just store the prepared mixture in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep the apples fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to enjoy your homemade delight, simply transfer the mixture to the Instant Pot and proceed with the cooking instructions as usual. The result will be just as delicious and comforting as if made fresh that day, allowing you more time to savor the flavors of the season!
What to Serve with Instant Pot Applesauce?
Imagine a vibrant holiday table, where the warmth of tradition comes alive with every bite.
-
Crispy Latkes: The contrast between the savory, crispy latkes and the sweet-tart applesauce creates an irresistible harmony perfect for Hanukkah feasts. The creamy applesauce complements the crunch, making each forkful delightful.
-
Roasted Brussels Sprouts: Tender caramelized Brussels sprouts bring a rich depth of flavor, balancing the sweetness of the applesauce. Their nutty undertones will elevate your side dish game to another level.
-
Grilled Chicken Thighs: Juicy grilled chicken thighs are a fantastic pairing, with their hearty flavor perfectly complementing the smooth applesauce. The combination invites savoring every moment of the meal together.
-
Savory Stuffed Challah: Fill your challah with savory herbs and cheese, and serve it warm alongside the applesauce. The blend of textures—soft bread and smooth applesauce—will make your tastebuds dance.
-
Spiced Oatmeal: A delightful breakfast pairing, warm spiced oatmeal topped with a dollop of applesauce is cozy and nourishing. It’s a fantastic way to use leftover applesauce while embracing autumn flavors.
-
Honey Drizzled Yogurt: For a light dessert, serve a bowl of creamy yogurt drizzled with honey and topped with a spoonful of applesauce. This refreshing treat offers a sweet ending to your Hanukkah meal.
-
Festive Wine: Consider a glass of sweet Riesling or sparkling cider to sip alongside your meal. Both beverages will enhance the different sweet and savory elements of your feast beautifully.
Instant Pot Applesauce Variations
Customize your Instant Pot applesauce with these fun and delightful twists that will tantalize your taste buds!
-
Sweeter Apples: Swap Granny Smith for Honey Crisp or Fuji for a naturally sweeter and milder flavor that still shines through.
-
Spice It Up: Add a dash of nutmeg or allspice alongside the cinnamon for a warm, festive undertone that elevates the flavor profile beautifully.
-
Zesty Kick: A splash of lemon juice brightens the flavor and adds a refreshing twist, making every spoonful feel invigorating.
-
Sugar-Free Option: Substitute the brown sugar with maple syrup or a sugar alternative to create a healthier version while keeping the sweetness intact.
-
Creamy Texture: Add a tablespoon of unsweetened applesauce or a bit of coconut milk after cooking for a creamier consistency that surprises everyone.
-
Herbal Infusion: Stir in fresh rosemary or thyme just before serving for an unexpected herbal kick that will leave your guests guessing and delighted.
-
Chunky Delight: Reserve some apple chunks before blending to stir back in afterward for a delightful textural contrast between creamy and chunky bites.
-
Holiday Spice Blend: Try adding pumpkin spice mix instead of cinnamon for a seasonal twist that captures the essence of autumn and holiday vibes!
How to Store and Freeze Instant Pot Applesauce
Fridge: Store your Instant Pot applesauce in an airtight container for up to 5 days in the fridge. This keeps it fresh and ready for quick use during busy Hanukkah celebrations.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to a year. Be sure to leave some space in the container for expansion as it freezes.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen applesauce overnight in the fridge. You can also microwave it for a quick defrost, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature.
Reheating: Warm up the applesauce on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave until it’s heated through. Stir gently and add a sprinkle of cinnamon for that lovely holiday aroma!
Expert Tips for Instant Pot Applesauce
-
Chop Evenly: Ensure your Granny Smith apples are evenly chopped to ensure consistent cooking and avoid any pieces being undercooked or overly mushy.
-
Natural Release Matters: Don’t skip the natural pressure release; it’s crucial for achieving a smooth and creamy texture in your Instant Pot applesauce.
-
Flavor Variations: Feel free to experiment with spices! Adding nutmeg or allspice can elevate your applesauce flavor profile beautifully.
-
Storage Savvy: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days or freeze portions for up to a year, keeping your Instant Pot applesauce readily available.
-
Taste Test: Always taste the applesauce after cooking—adjust sweetness by adding a bit more brown sugar if desired, to match your palate perfectly.
Instant Pot Applesauce Recipe FAQs
What type of apples should I use for the best Instant Pot applesauce?
Absolutely! Granny Smith apples are perfect for making applesauce due to their tartness and natural sweetness. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can easily substitute them with Honey Crisp or Fuji apples. Each variety brings its own unique character, so feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
How long does homemade Instant Pot applesauce last in the fridge?
Homemade Instant Pot applesauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Make sure it’s sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent it from absorbing other odors in your fridge.
Can I freeze my Instant Pot applesauce?
Yes, you can! For longer storage, freeze your applesauce in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to a year. Be sure to leave about an inch of space in each container, as applesauce expands when frozen. When you’re ready to use it, thaw overnight in the fridge or microwave until warmed through.
What should I do if my applesauce is too chunky?
If you find your applesauce has turned out too chunky for your liking, don’t worry! Simply return it to the Instant Pot, use a fork or immersion blender to blend it to your desired consistency, and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on low pressure. This will help smooth it out without losing flavor.
Is Instant Pot applesauce safe for my pets?
While the ingredients in homemade Instant Pot applesauce, like Granny Smith apples and cinnamon, are generally safe, it’s important to avoid adding any sugar or salt intended for human consumption. Always consult your veterinarian before introducing new foods to your pet’s diet.
Can I make Instant Pot applesauce without sugar?
Very much! If you prefer a no-sugar version, simply omit the brown sugar entirely. The natural sweetness from the Granny Smith apples will still shine through. You might consider adding a bit of lemon juice to enhance the flavor if you like!
Instant Pot Applesauce for Hanukkah: Easy Homemade Tradition
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the Granny Smith apples into even-sized pieces. Place them into your Instant Pot along with the water, packed brown sugar, ground cinnamon, and kosher salt. Mix gently to combine.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot, ensuring it's locked in place. Set your cooker to pressure cook on high for 5 minutes.
- Once the cooking time has elapsed, let the pressure release naturally for about 10 minutes; this creates a smoother texture. After that, carefully perform a quick release for any remaining steam.
- Open the lid and give the applesauce a good stir. Serve it warm as a side dish or let it cool for storage in the fridge.