• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer
  • Home
  • Recipes
    • Appetizers
    • Breakfast
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Entrees
    • Lunch
    • Side Dishes
    • Snacks
    • Dog-Friendly
  • Life
    • Travels
    • Gift Guides
  • About
    • About Sues
    • Work With Me
    • Privacy Policy
  • Contact
    • Newsletter

We are not Martha

menu icon
go to homepage
  • Home
  • Recipes
  • Life
  • About
  • Contact
  • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • subscribe
    search icon
    Homepage link
    • Home
    • Recipes
    • Life
    • About
    • Contact
    • Where I've Been
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • ×
    Home » Snacks

    Sep 21, 2018 · Modified: Sep 8, 2023 by Sues · This post may contain affiliate links, uses cookies, and generates income via ads · View privacy policy + disclosure statement linked in footer · 18 Comments

    Pumpkin Pie Applesauce {in the Instant Pot}

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    You don't have to decide between apples and pumpkins this fall! Enjoy them together with this Pumpkin Pie Applesauce made in the Instant Pot! It's the easiest and quickest applesauce ever, but if you don't have a pressure cooker, it can also be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

    Head-on view of a bowl of pumpkin pie applesauce with a spoon, apple, can of pumpkin puree, leaves, and Instant Pot in the background with "Pumpkin Pie Applesauce in the Instant Pot" text at top.
    Jump to:
    • ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe
    • 🗒 Ingredients
    • 🍎 How to make pumpkin pie applesauce in the Instant Pot
    • 🎉 Variations on recipe
    • ⏲️ How to store
    • 🎃 More pumpkin recipes
    • 🍏 More apple recipes
    • 📖 Recipe
    • 💬 Comments

    Life is filled with tough choices... You know the ones. Dog or cat? Bacon or home fries? Pancakes or eggs? Cake or pie? Beer or wine? And the incredibly critical decision you're faced with every fall: apple or pumpkin??

    Luckily, most of us aren't forced into choosing just one option and sticking to it. It's perfectly acceptable to own both a dog and a cat (though they may not get along!). You can get your meal with home fries and also ask for a side of bacon (guilty as charged). Most restaurants serve breakfast options that appeal to both savory and sweet lovers (yes, I will always order the "hungry man," "lumberjack," or whatever other masculine name restaurants give breakfasts that have both pancakes and eggs).

    Things like cake pie and cherpumple exist (God is good). And you can proudly enjoy a glass or wine followed by a cold beer (just remember "liquor before beer, you're in the clear").

    And apple versus pumpkin? Stop the debate right now! Fall is such a short season that you need to be enjoying both seasonal delights as often as you possibly can. And together if at all possible.

    You can do so by making this pumpkin applesauce immediately!

    ❤️ Why you'll love this recipe

    There are some foods that just aren't worth making at home. Applesauce is not one them. Store-bought applesauce can never compare to homemade; not to mention, it's usually packed with added sugars.

    I've made applesauce in my slow cooker before as well as on the stovetop, and I can now tell you that nothing compares to Instant Pot applesauce! But even better than that is pumpkin pie applesauce made in the Instant Pot.

    Not only is this so easy to make, but it has all the best flavors of fall- fragrant pumpkin pie and fresh and juicy apples. It tastes great and will make your whole house smell incredible.

    🗒 Ingredients

    You don't need too many ingredients to make this pumpkin applesauce. Here's everything required (but be sure to view the recipe card at the bottom of this post for ingredient amounts and full recipe directions);

    • Apples: you can use the apples of your choice. I used Pink Lady and Granny Smith, but use whatever you like
    • Pumpkin pie spice
    • Cinnamon
    • Salt
    • Honey
    • Water
    • Pumpkin puree

    🍎 How to make pumpkin pie applesauce in the Instant Pot

    Instant Pot applesauce is incredibly quick to make and doesn't require any transferring to a blender or food processor. Which means one less step and one less dish to wash.

    Adding the pumpkin pie element into the applesauce simple requires some pumpkin puree and a little pumpkin pie spice. The toughest part of this recipe is peeling and slicing the apples (though you're welcome to leave the peels on if you want).

    Then everything goes right into the pot, aside from the pumpkin puree.

    Overhead view of Instant Pot bowl filled with sliced apples and spices.

    The apples are brought to pressure for 6 minutes and then sit for 2 minutes before the pressure is manually released the rest of the way and the pumpkin puree is stirred in.

    You can mash the applesauce a little if necessary until you get it to the consistency of your preference. But the pressure cooker should make the apples mushy enough that I didn't have any large chunks in mine.

    Collage with one photo showing apples after being cooked in the Instant Pot and another photo of applesauce with pumpkin puree stirred in.

    Does it get any easier than that?? I do love the way my house smells when I make applesauce in my slow cooker, but don't worry pressure cooker applesauce will still make your house smell amazing.

    And it's ready to enjoy so much faster.

    Head on view of bowl of pumpkin pie applesauce with a spoon, leaves, and Instant Pot in the background.

    There are so many different varieties of applesauce you can make in the Instant Pot, but there's nothing quite like a pumpkin pie applesauce just as the weather is starting to get cool (I've had to wear a sweatshirt when walking my dog this week!!).

    Not only will it help get you into the fall spirit, but the pumpkin adds a nice little nutrition boost. Yes, pumpkin is not only low in calories, but it's super good for you! It's packed with beta-carotene, fiber, and even a little bit of protein.

    The only added sugar in this applesauce comes from honey and you can certainly omit that if your apples are sweet enough and you want to keep sugars even lower.

    🎉 Variations on recipe

    If you ask me, this applesauce is pretty perfect as is with all the flavors of pumpkin pie, but there are also some things you can do to bring in more flavors and make it your own. Here are some ideas:

    • Add fresh ginger
    • Add citrus, like lemon juice or zest
    • Mix in rum or brandy to give it an extra fun kick
    • Add sugar or a substitute for extra sweetness
    • Add nuts or dried fruit
    • Use pears instead of apples
    • Use mashed sweet potato instead of pumpkin

    You might also like my lime ginger pear sauce!

    Landscape photo of bowl of pumpkin pie applesauce surrounded by leaves, a spoon, an apple, and a can of pumpkin puree.

    This pumpkin pie applesauce is quite amazing when served warm, but is also delicious when served cold. I ate it for a snack and on some nights, for dessert, for an entire week and it totally hit the spot.

    Now that fall is basically here, that means it's also apple picking season!! I'll be honest that I haven't actually gone apple picking in years, but I do love going to the orchard or farmstand and picking up a huge bag of apples.

    And then slightly panicking when I realize there's no way I can eat all of them within in the week and need some easy apple recipes STAT. This pumpkin pie applesauce in the Instant Pot totally qualifies.

    ⏲️ How to store

    When pumpkin applesauce is mostly cooled, it can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge and will keep fresh for about a week.

    You can store it in glass or Tupperware containers, but I like to use large mason jars, like how you'd buy applesauce in the store.

    You can also feel free to freeze this applesauce. I recommend freezing it in individual serving sizes (large ice cube molds, silicone molds, etc.). Once frozen, you can store all of them in a large Ziplock bag or airtight container.

    Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm on the stovetop before enjoying.

    🎃 More pumpkin recipes

    I'm all about pumpkin in the fall and here are a few of my favorite pumpkin recipes:

    • Head-on view of a plate with three pumpkin crepes filled and topped with maple cream cheese with fall leaves all around
      Pumpkin Crepes with Maple Cream Cheese Filling
    • Head-on of an Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte with pumpkin bread all around.
      Iced Pumpkin Cream Chai Tea Latte {Starbucks Copycat}
    • Close-up view of a small bowl of pumpkin fluff.
      Pumpkin Fluff
    • Head-on closeup view of a pumpkin macaron on wooden board with more macarons and sprinkles in background
      Pumpkin Macarons

    🍏 More apple recipes

    But if you're on team apple over team pumpkin, you might prefer these delicious apple recipes!

    • Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese -- For the ultimate simple fall comfort food, make this Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese. With layers of melty brie and apples sandwiched between toasty cinnamon sugar bread, this is the kind of comfort food you crave in the fall | wearenotmartha.com #grilledcheese #cinnamonsugar #brie #brieandapples #fallrecipes
      Cinnamon Sugar Brie and Apple Grilled Cheese
    • Head-on closeup view of a bowl of cranberry apple oatmeal with second bowl and holiday garland in background and recipe title at top
      Cranberry Apple Oatmeal
    • Closeup view of an Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso.
      Iced Apple Crisp Oatmilk Shaken Espresso {Starbucks Copycat}
    • Overhead closeup view of an apple walnut cinnamon roll on a plate with sliced apples on the side.
      Apple Walnut Cinnamon Rolls

    For more Instant Pot ideas try this Instant Pot apple cider.

    Head-on view of a bowl of pumpkin pie applesauce with a spoon, apple, can of pumpkin puree, leaves, and Instant Pot in the background.

    This is only the first of many apple and many pumpkin recipes I'll be making this fall and though I'll miss 85 degree weather with all my heart (it's my favorite), I'm fully embracing the chill in the air and all of the good (and delicious) things that come with it.

    Do you make homemade applesauce?

    📖 Recipe

    Closeup view of a bowl of pumpkin pie applesauce with fall leaves, apple, can of pumpkin, and Instant Pot in background.

    Pumpkin Applesauce in the Instant Pot

    You don't have to decide between apples and pumpkins this fall! Enjoy them together with this Pumpkin Pie Applesauce made in the Instant Pot! It's the easiest and quickest applesauce ever, but if you don't have a pressure cooker, it can also be made in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Dessert, Side Dish, Snack
    Cuisine: American
    Keyword: Applesauce Recipes, Instant Pot Recipes, Pumpkin Recipes
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 20 minutes
    Total Time: 30 minutes
    Makes: 8 servings
    Author: Sues

    Ingredients

    • 3 lbs. (about 7) apples of your choice (I used Pink Lady and Granny Smith), peeled and sliced
    • 1 Tbsp pumpkin pie spice
    • 1 tsp cinnamon
    • ¼ tsp salt
    • 1 Tbsp honey
    • ½ cup water
    • 1 cup pumpkin puree

    Instructions

    • In the bowl of an Instant Pot or other pressure cooker, combine apples, pumpkin pie spice, cinnamon, salt, honey, and water.
    • Set Instant Pot to manual high pressure for 6 minutes. When time is up, let sit for 2 minutes and then manually release pressure. 
    • Open Instant Pot and stir in pumpkin puree. If you want your applesauce to have a smoother consistency, you can mash it a bit with a potato masher.
    • You can serve the applesauce hot, but it can also be enjoyed cold. Store in a tightly sealed container in the fridge.

    Notes

    • To make this pumpkin pie applesauce in a slow cooker, add all ingredients aside from pumpkin puree into slow cooker and cook on high for 4 hours, stirring a few times throughout the cooking process. After 4 hours, turn heat off and stir in pumpkin puree. .If you want a smoother applesauce, gently mash with a potato masher or move to blender and puree.
    • To make this applesauce on the stovetop, add all the ingredients aside from the pumpkin puree into a large pot and place over medium heat. Cook for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally. Remove pot from heat and stir in pumpkin puree. If you want a smoother applesauce, gently mash with a potato masher or move to blender and puree.
    • When stored in an airtight container, applesauce will stay good in fridge for about a week.

    Useful Products

    Share a Photo of Your Finished Recipe!Mention @wearenotmartha and share a photo if you've made the recipe!
    Pumpkin Pie Applesauce {in the Instant Pot}
    Tweet14
    Share25
    Pin808
    Yum108
    Share
    955 Shares

    More Snack Recipes

    • Peanut butter strawberries with sprinkles.
      Peanut Butter Strawberries
    • Lemon scone with icing drizzle on metal rack with lemon wedges.
      Lemon Scones
    • Close-up view of a bowl of strawberry popcorn with sprinkles.
      Strawberry Popcorn
    • Closeup view of sliced banana bread with pancake mix with box of mix and ripe bananas on side.
      Banana Bread with Cake Mix

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Jaclyn Anne says

      September 21, 2018 at 5:42 pm

      5 stars
      I love applesauce, but I never thought to try pumpkin applesauce before. Yum! Thanks for the great recipe idea!

    2. Emily Hill says

      September 21, 2018 at 6:11 pm

      5 stars
      This would make my home smell so yummy! I need to try it!

    3. Rae says

      September 21, 2018 at 8:45 pm

      5 stars
      My great grandmother would put applesauce into her pumpkin pies, so I can only imagine how tasty the two would be swapped!

    4. Katie says

      September 21, 2018 at 11:25 pm

      5 stars
      My little one would LOVE this!! He loves apple sauce and I know he would love the pumpkin flavor too!

    5. Marisa says

      September 22, 2018 at 12:13 am

      5 stars
      I saw a pumpkin applesauce at the supermarket last week and totally wanted to make it at home from scratch. Thanks for sharing your recipe!

    6. Molly Kumar says

      September 24, 2018 at 2:10 pm

      5 stars
      This looks soooo yummy and I love the flavor combination of pumpkin with apples. Perfect to slather on a warm toast for a quick meal.

    7. Joanie says

      September 24, 2018 at 2:41 pm

      5 stars
      This is a fantastic recipe! I'm just starting to use my Instant Pot and have been gathering recipes to try. This pumpkin applesauce is one of my favorites. It makes the perfect dessert and so easy to make!

    8. Courtney says

      September 28, 2018 at 9:46 am

      5 stars
      I love how easy this recipe looks! I've never made applesauce before, but I'm going to give this one a try - I had no idea it could be so simple using an Instant Pot. Love all the flavours in here, pumpkin and apples sounds like a great combination.

    9. georgie says

      September 28, 2018 at 12:23 pm

      i still don't have an instant pot!! but this looks amazing I love the idea of having pumpkin AND apple together!

    10. Linda says

      October 01, 2018 at 1:05 am

      About how many cups of cooked applesauce do the 7 apples make? You say to add a cup of pumpkin, but how much apples should there be?
      Thanks, sound really yummy & would love to try.

    11. Sues says

      October 01, 2018 at 11:54 am

      @Linda- I didn't measure cups, but believe you should end up with about 5 cups of applesauce... Next time I make this (soon!), I will measure and update.

    12. Sue Kaye says

      October 14, 2018 at 11:33 am

      I had my IP on the counter when I found this recipe. It was wonderful Thanks for posting it

    13. Sues says

      October 14, 2018 at 10:15 pm

      @Sue Yay! I'm so glad you enjoyed it 🙂

    Trackbacks

    1. Pumpkin Recipes | Instant Pot Resources says:
      October 10, 2018 at 12:20 am

      […] Pumpkin Pie Applesauce […]

    2. Apple Recipes | Instant Pot Resources says:
      November 6, 2018 at 7:22 pm

      […] Pumpkin Pie Applesauce […]

    3. 30 Instant Pot Holiday Recipes You Have to Make This Year says:
      November 12, 2018 at 5:55 am

      […] Pumpkin Pie Applesauce| Enjoy this homemade applesauce warm or cold for a unique and fun dessert. Homemade applesauce is easy, and with this fall spin, you have a simple but fantastic dessert. […]

    4. 50 Best Instant Pot Recipes From the Best Bloggers! | You Can Live Rich On Less says:
      January 21, 2019 at 12:26 pm

      […] Image & Recipe: We Are Not Martha […]

    5. 50 Mouthwatering Apple Recipes - Adventures of Mel says:
      September 9, 2019 at 12:47 pm

      […] Pumpkin Pie Applesauce {in the Instant Pot} – We Are Not Martha […]

    Leave a Reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Meet Sues

    Hi and thanks for visiting! I started We are not Martha to show you how to make recipes that impress without stress, including easy weeknight dinners, delightful desserts, + lots of cocktails.

    Learn More...

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter
  • Pumpkin Recipes:

    • Pumpkin Macarons
    • Pumpkin Spice Syrup
    • Pumpkin Crepes
    • Pumpkin Pie Martini
    • Pumpkin Chocolate Chips Squares
    • Pumpkin Pie Milkshake

    Apple Recipes:

    • Iced Apple Crisp Macchiato
    • Apple Cider Chicken Wings
    • Apple Simple Syrup
    • Strawberry Acai Lemonade
    • Flank Steak and Strawberry Tacos
    • Fresh Strawberry Milk

    Popular Now

    • Close-up view of basil chicken in coconut curry sauce with fresh basil in white bowl
      Basil Chicken in Coconut Curry Sauce
    • Overhead view of a stack of Momofuku Milk Bar's cornflake chocolate chip marshmallow cookies with chocolate chips, cornflake crunch, and mini marshmallows all around
      Momofuku Milk Bar's Cornflake Chocolate Chip Marshmallow Cookies
    • Overhead view of purple blueberry vodka lemonade with blueberry skewer and lemon wedge with second cocktail, blueberries and lemon wedges in background
      Blueberry Vodka Lemonade
    • Chicken Dog Treats -- Want to make your pup homemade dog treats with fresh ingredients? These Chicken Dog Treats are easy to make with whole ingredients. Your dog will love them! | wearenotmartha.com
      Chicken Dog Treats

    Footer

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • RSS
    • Twitter

    Footer

    ^ back to top

    About

    • About Sues
    • Privacy Policy
    • Disclosures
    • Web Stories

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact
    • Work with Me

    BE SURE TO CHECK OUT MY AMAZON SHOP TO DISCOVER SOME OF MY FAVORITE COOKING AND BAKING ITEMS THAT I USE IN MY OWN KITCHEN. WE ARE NOT MARTHA IS A PARTICIPANT IN THE AMAZON SERVICES LLC ASSOCIATES PROGRAM, AN AFFILIATE ADVERTISING PROGRAM DESIGNED TO PROVIDE A MEANS FOR SITES TO EARN ADVERTISING FEES BY ADVERTISING AND LINKING TO AMAZON.COM. ORDERING ANY PRODUCTS MENTIONED HERE ARE AT NO EXTRA COST TO YOU. THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT!

    Copyright © 2023 WE ARE NOT MARTHA