Description
This vibrant Strawberry Beet Instant Pot Applesauce combines sweet apples, earthy beets, and fresh strawberries to create a naturally colorful and deliciously healthy fruit sauce. Cooked quickly under pressure in the Instant Pot and pureed to a smooth consistency, this applesauce is perfect as a snack, dessert, or addition to breakfast dishes.
Ingredients
Fruits and Vegetables
- 6 apples, cored and roughly chopped (skins left on for extra fiber; Pink Lady, Gala, or Honeycrisp recommended)
- 1 medium red beet (about 5 ounces), washed, peeled, and roughly chopped
- 16 ounces fresh strawberries (about 4 cups whole; frozen berries also acceptable)
Others
- 1½ Tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1 cup water
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Core and roughly chop the apples, peel and chop the beet, and measure out the strawberries, lemon juice, cinnamon, and water.
- Combine in Instant Pot: Place all prepped ingredients into the Instant Pot insert and spread evenly.
- Seal and cook: Close the Instant Pot lid and lock it into place. Ensure the valve is set to ‘sealing’. Select HIGH pressure cooking and set the timer for 8 minutes. Note that it will take about 10 minutes for the pot to reach pressure before the cooking timer starts.
- Release pressure: When the cooking cycle completes, immediately perform a quick pressure release by carefully turning the valve to venting.
- Puree the sauce: Remove the lid cautiously. Using an immersion blender, puree the contents directly in the pot until reaching your desired sauce consistency. If an immersion blender is not available, allow the sauce to cool slightly, then transfer it in batches to a blender to puree.
- Cool and store: Note that the sauce may appear thin when warm but will thicken as it cools. Enjoy immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to one week or freeze for several months.
Notes
- Using apples with skins increases fiber content, but peeling is optional based on texture preference.
- Frozen strawberries can be used if fresh are not available; no need to thaw before cooking.
- The sauce consistency can be adjusted by blending less or more depending on your texture preference.
- Store leftovers in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
- This recipe naturally contains no added sugar, relying on the natural sweetness of fruits.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes (plus 10 minutes pressure build-up and 5 minutes pressure release)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
