As summer’s sweetness lingers, I can’t resist the vibrant red hues of fresh strawberries that burst with flavor. One sunny afternoon, while rummaging through my kitchen, I found an abundance of crisp apples and decided to turn them into something special. That’s how my Homemade Strawberry Applesauce came to life—a delightful harmony of tart strawberries and sweet apples, simmered to perfection in my trusty Instant Pot.
With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep time, this recipe transforms simple fruits into a smooth, velvety sauce that’s perfect for topping pancakes, swirling into yogurt, or savoring straight from the jar. It’s a nostalgic treat that feels like a warm hug, making it a crowd-pleaser whether shared at a family meal or enjoyed alone.
Join me as we craft this easy, wholesome, and utterly delicious applesauce that is sure to leave fast food behind—where it belongs!
Why is Homemade Strawberry Applesauce a Must-Try?
Deliciously vibrant flavors: The perfect balance of sweet apples and tangy strawberries creates a delightful explosion of taste in every spoonful.
Quick and effortless: With just 10 minutes of prep and 8 minutes of cooking, this recipe is a breeze—ideal for busy weeknight desserts.
Versatile delight: Enjoy it on pancakes, or ice cream, or even blend into smoothies for a nutritious boost—one recipe, countless uses!
Healthy indulgence: Packed with fiber and natural sweetness, this applesauce is a guilt-free treat that everyone will love.
Family-friendly appeal: Perfect for kids and adults alike, it’s a wonderful way to introduce fresh fruits without the fuss—say goodbye to boring fast food!
Try this Homemade Strawberry Applesauce today and rediscover the joy of homemade goodness!
Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Ingredients
For the Applesauce
• 3 pounds apples – choose your favorite variety for sweetness; honeycrisp or fuji work beautifully!
• 1 pound strawberries – fresh strawberries bring out the vibrant flavor, but frozen can be a great substitute too.
• 1/4 cup juice/cider or water – use apple cider for an extra punch or just water if you prefer!
• 1/4 cup brown sugar – adjust to taste; you can leave it out for a naturally sweetened applesauce.
Unleash the homemade goodness with these tasty ingredients and elevate your experience with Homemade Strawberry Applesauce!
How to Make Homemade Strawberry Applesauce
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Prepare the fruits: Start by washing and drying the apples and strawberries. Remove the cores and stems, then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces—this helps them cook evenly and infuses their flavors.
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Combine in the pot: Add the chopped apples, strawberries, and your choice of juice, cider, or water to the Instant Pot. This fragrant mixture will create a luscious sauce as it cooks together.
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Seal and cook: Secure the lid with the vent open. Close the vent and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes—this will perfectly soften the fruits, making them ready to blend.
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Release steam: Once the cooking time is up, carefully open the vent for a quick steam release. Listen for the sizzle as the steam escapes, signaling that your saucy creation is almost ready!
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Add sweetness: After the steam has fully released and it’s safe to open the lid, stir in the brown sugar, if desired. This step is optional but adds a delightful depth of flavor to your applesauce.
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Blend it smooth: For a silky applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender, processing until there are no chunks left. Enjoy the satisfying transformation!
Optional: Serve with a drizzle of honey for an extra touch of sweetness.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Homemade Strawberry Applesauce?
Looking to create a full meal that showcases your deliciously crafted applesauce? Let’s explore some delightful pairings that will elevate your dining experience.
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Fluffy Pancakes: The soft, warm pancakes beautifully soak up the sweet-tart goodness, making for a delightful breakfast or brunch treat. Pour your applesauce on top for a fruity twist!
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Creamy Yogurt: A dollop of your applesauce swirled into tangy yogurt offers a refreshing and nutritious snack. The crunch of granola adds an exciting texture contrast!
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Savory Oatmeal: Stirring in some of your applesauce into warm oatmeal introduces a hint of sweetness while balancing the nutty flavors perfectly. It’s a comforting way to start your day!
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Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: A classic comfort food that pairs deliciously with the fruity notes of your applesauce. Try it as a dip to bring this combo to the next level!
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Vanilla Ice Cream: Drizzle your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce over creamy vanilla ice cream for a refreshing dessert that celebrates the season’s best flavors. It’s a heavenly treat!
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Pork Chops: The tanginess of your applesauce enhances the savory flavor of grilled or baked pork chops, creating a balanced plate that’s perfect for family dinner.
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Baked Chicken: Pairing your applesauce with tangy baked chicken brings a burst of sweetness that elevates the dish and tantalizes the taste buds.
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Sparkling Water: Enjoy a glass of sparkling water with a splash of lime for a refreshing beverage that complements the fruitiness of your applesauce.
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Cinnamon Sugar Tortilla Chips: Serve crispy tortilla chips dusted with cinnamon sugar alongside your applesauce for a fun, finger-friendly dessert or snack that kids and adults will love!
These pairings will not only complement your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce but also create a delightful and memorable dining experience!
Expert Tips for Homemade Strawberry Applesauce
Choose Wisely: Select a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor profile. Honeycrisp and Granny Smith create a delightful balance!
Chop Small: Cut your apples and strawberries into 1-inch pieces to ensure even cooking. Larger chunks might remain raw, ruining the smooth texture.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with less brown sugar if you want a lighter version. You can always add more later during blending if needed.
Be Patient: Allow the steam to release naturally if you’re not in a hurry. This can enhance the flavors as the fruits sit together longer.
Blend Thoroughly: Use an immersion blender for convenience, or transfer to a blender for a silky-smooth applesauce. Just be careful of hot splashes!
With these expert tips, your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce will shine brighter than any fast food option!
How to Store and Freeze Homemade Strawberry Applesauce
Fridge: Store your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week. It makes a perfect snack or topping for various dishes!
Freezer: Freeze the applesauce in freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This way, you can enjoy a burst of summer flavor all year round.
Thawing: When ready to enjoy, simply thaw in the fridge overnight or microwave in short intervals, stirring in between, until warm.
Reheating: For best results, reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. This will revive its lovely texture and flavors!
Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Variations
Feel free to get creative with this delightful recipe, as flavors and textures can be customized to suit your preferences.
- Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a fun, spicy twist that complements the sweetness beautifully.
- Berry Bliss: Substitute half of the strawberries with raspberries or blueberries for a mixed berry sauce that’s bursty and bright.
- Cinnamon Swirl: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of ground cinnamon before blending for a warm, comforting flavor that dances on the palate.
- Apple Butter Style: After blending, cook the sauce down further to create a thicker spread reminiscent of apple butter for a dreamy toast topper.
- Maple Sweetness: Swap the brown sugar for maple syrup, adding a rich, earthy sweetness that enhances the fruitiness.
- Nutty Addition: Stir in some chopped walnuts or pecans for added crunch and a delightful contrast to the smoothness.
- Chia Power: Mix in a tablespoon of chia seeds after blending for a nutritious boost and slightly thicker texture—perfect for topping yogurt!
- Citrus Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon or orange zest for a bright, zesty pop that brings a refreshing twist to your sauce.
These variations not only enhance the flavor but also make this Homemade Strawberry Applesauce a versatile treat you can enjoy all year round!
Make Ahead Options
Preparing your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce in advance is a fantastic way to save time during busy weeks! You can chop the apples and strawberries up to 24 hours ahead and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh and vibrant. When you’re ready to cook, simply add the prepped fruits and juice or cider to the Instant Pot and continue with the recipe as directed. Additionally, you can also prepare the applesauce completely and refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, giving it a good stir to maintain that silky smooth texture. Enjoy the convenience of homemade goodness with less hurry, making those quick snacks an absolute delight without the fast food compromise!
Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe FAQs
How do I choose the right apples for my strawberry applesauce?
Absolutely! Opt for a mix of sweet (like Honeycrisp or Fuji) and tart varieties (like Granny Smith) for a balanced flavor. Choosing ripe apples is key—look for ones that are firm and blemish-free to ensure the best taste.
How should I store my Homemade Strawberry Applesauce, and how long will it last?
You can store your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just make sure to keep it sealed to maintain that fresh flavor!
Can I freeze the applesauce, and what is the best way to do it?
Yes, you can definitely freeze your Homemade Strawberry Applesauce! Pour it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easier portioning. It lasts for up to 3 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to enjoy it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight or microwave in short intervals until warmed.
What if my applesauce is too chunky after blending?
No worries! If you find it’s not as smooth as you’d like, simply blend it again. For the best results, add a splash of juice or water to loosen it up if needed. Blend until it reaches your desired consistency!
Is there a way to adjust the sweetness if it’s too sweet?
Very much so! If your applesauce turns out sweeter than you prefer, just mix in a bit of lemon juice. This will counterbalance the sweetness and add a lovely brightness. Just remember to stir thoroughly to incorporate the flavor!
Can I make this without adding sugar?
Of course! You can leave out the brown sugar for a naturally sweetened Homemade Strawberry Applesauce. The ripe fruits should provide enough sweetness on their own, so feel free to experiment based on your preference!
Deliciously Easy Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Start by washing and drying the apples and strawberries. Remove the cores and stems, then chop them into roughly 1-inch pieces.
- Add the chopped apples, strawberries, and your choice of juice, cider, or water to the Instant Pot.
- Secure the lid with the vent open. Close the vent and set the Instant Pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes.
- Once the cooking time is up, carefully open the vent for a quick steam release.
- After the steam has fully released, stir in the brown sugar, if desired.
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender, processing until there are no chunks left.
