Easy Homemade Crockpot Applesauce (No-Peel Recipe)

How to Prepare Apples, Cook Them Fast, and Store Them the Right Way

If you’re craving a cozy winter recipe that fills your kitchen with warm cinnamon and apple aromas, this easy homemade applesauce is the perfect December treat. It’s simple, quick, and requires absolutely no peeling. With just a few ingredients and an Instant Pot, you’ll have a batch ready in minutes.

This guide walks you through exactly how to prepare apples for applesauce, how to make it the simple way, and how to make applesauce step by step so even beginners feel confident.

Whether you have extra apples leftover from fall or you're looking for a comforting side dish for holiday meals, this no-peel recipe deserves a spot in your kitchen this season.

How to Prepare Apples for Applesauce

One of the best things about this recipe is how easy the prep is.

Here’s exactly how to prepare apples for applesauce:

• Wash and dry your apples

• Core them

• Chop into roughly 1-inch pieces

• Leave the peels on

The Instant Pot cooks the apples down beautifully, and keeping the peels adds color, flavor, and nutrients. This quick prep is what makes this a truly simple applesauce that comes together fast.

How to Make Simple Applesauce (Step by Step)

If you’ve ever wondered how to make simple applesauce, here’s the easiest method you’ll ever try. This is truly how to make applesauce step by step without long simmering or stirring.

Ingredients:

• 5 pounds apples

• 1/2 cup Selmi’s unpasteurized apple cider, apple juice, or water

• 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon

• 1/2 cup brown sugar

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prep the apples: Wash, core, and roughly chop. No peeling needed.

2. Add ingredients: Place apples, cider, cinnamon, and brown sugar into the Instant Pot.

3. Pressure cook: Seal the lid, close the vent, and cook on High Pressure for 8 minutes.

4. Quick release: Carefully vent the steam once the timer finishes.

5. Mash or blend:

   • For chunky applesauce, mash with a spoon.

   • For smooth applesauce, blend with an immersion blender.

And that’s it. You now have a batch of warm, cozy, quick applesauce ready to enjoy.

A Quick Applesauce Recipe Anyone Can Make

Because there’s no peeling, no stovetop monitoring, and no long cooking times, this is the ultimate quick applesauce for busy families. It’s great for holiday meals, afternoon snacks, or topping oatmeal, pancakes, and pork dishes.

How Long Can Homemade Applesauce Last in the Fridge?

If you're wondering how long homemade applesauce can last in the fridge, here’s your answer:

• Store in an airtight container

• Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for up to 1 week

• Freeze for up to 6 months

This makes it a great make-ahead recipe for winter meals.