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When summer’s warmth brings a bounty of juicy strawberries and crisp apples, I can’t help but dream of my quick and easy homemade strawberry applesauce. As the vibrant colors swirl together in my Instant Pot, the kitchen fills with the sweet aroma of the fruit, making it impossible to resist. This delightful snack is so much more than just applesauce—it’s a wholesome treat that’s perfect for all ages!

Picture this: a fresh, tangy applesauce with a choice of smooth or chunky texture, blending beautifully in just minutes. I stumbled upon this recipe as a way to elevate my family’s snacking routine, steering us away from the overly sugary store-bought versions. With just a handful of ingredients and a simple approach, you can whip up a batch in no time, making it an ideal companion for summer picnics or a healthy lunchbox filler. So grab your ingredients, and let’s create a fruity masterpiece that the whole family will adore!

Why is Homemade Strawberry Applesauce a Must-Try?

Quick and Easy: This recipe requires minimal effort, letting you enjoy delicious applesauce with just a few simple steps.
Fresh Ingredients: Using seasonal fruits ensures vibrant flavor and nutrition in every bite, far surpassing any store-bought option.
Child-Friendly: Kids will love the sweet and tangy taste, making it a perfect healthy snack or dessert for all ages.
Endless Possibilities: Feel free to experiment by adding other fruits or varying textures—smooth or chunky, the choice is yours!
Make-Ahead Delight: Prepare this delicious treat in advance; it keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you’ll always have a wholesome option on hand.

Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Ingredients

For the Applesauce

Apples – Use sweet varieties like Jonathon or Honey Crisp for the best flavor and texture.
Strawberries – Fresh strawberries add natural sweetness and vibrant color; just rinse and remove the tops before use.
Juice/Cider or Water (¼ cup) – This adds moisture for cooking; you can swap juice for extra flavor if desired.
Brown Sugar (¼ cup) – This is an optional sweetener to elevate the taste; feel free to adjust or omit based on the sweetness of your apples.

Embrace the joy of making Homemade Strawberry Applesauce and indulge in a snack that’s both delicious and nutritious!

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Applesauce

Chop: Start by washing and drying the apples and strawberries. Remove any cores and stems, then chop the fruits into 1-inch pieces for even cooking.
Add: Place the chopped apples and strawberries into the Instant Pot along with ¼ cup of juice or water. This will create the perfect moisture for your applesauce!
Pressure Cook: Secure the lid of the Instant Pot, close the vent, and set it to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. The fruit will become tender and flavorful.
Release: Once the cooking time is up, carefully perform a quick release of steam. Make sure to keep your hands and face protected while doing this!
Sweeten: After removing the lid, stir in brown sugar if you’re using it. This optional step enhances the flavor, but you can adjust it based on how sweet your apples are.
Puree (optional): If you prefer a smoother applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a regular blender. Blend until you reach your desired consistency.

Optional: Enjoy your applesauce chilled or serve warm over pancakes or yogurt!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.

Expert Tips for Homemade Strawberry Applesauce

Choose the Right Apples: Use sweet varieties like Fuji or Honey Crisp; they yield the best flavor for your homemade strawberry applesauce. Avoid bitter apples like Granny Smith.
Prep for Cooking: Chop apples and strawberries into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking, ensuring they all soften nicely during pressure cooking.
Sweetness Adjustment: Always taste your mixture before adding brown sugar. Depending on the sweetness of your fruits, you might skip the sugar entirely for a healthier twist.
Storing Your Creation: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week, or freeze in portions for up to 6 months for a tasty snack anytime!
Experiment with Flavors: Don’t hesitate to mix in other fruits like peaches or blueberries to create unique variations of your homemade strawberry applesauce. Each combo offers a new tasting adventure!

What to Serve with Homemade Strawberry Applesauce?

Elevate your homemade strawberry applesauce experience with these delightful pairings that will tantalize your taste buds.

Fluffy Pancakes: Serve your applesauce on top of fluffy pancakes for a vibrant and fruity breakfast that feels like a treat any day of the week.
Creamy Yogurt: A scoop of your applesauce mixed into yogurt adds natural sweetness and an extra burst of flavor, perfect for a healthy snack or breakfast.
Oatmeal: Swirl in your applesauce into a warm bowl of oatmeal for a sweet and comforting morning meal that packs a nutritional punch.
Granola Parfait: Layer applesauce with granola and fresh fruit for a crunchy, creamy parfait that’s both satisfying and visually appealing—great for brunch!
Savory Pork Chops: Pair your applesauce with seared pork chops for a delightful contrast of flavors; the sweet sauce complements the savory meat beautifully.
Cheese Board: Add a small bowl of applesauce to a cheese board featuring sharp cheeses and nuts. The sweetness cuts through the richness, enhancing each bite.
Fruit Salad: Combine your applesauce with a mixed fruit salad for a light, refreshing treat; it not only adds flavor but also forms a delicious dressing.
Vanilla Ice Cream: For a simple dessert, serve warm applesauce over vanilla ice cream for a comforting, cozy treat that melts in your mouth.
Cocktails: Use your applesauce in cocktails. Mix it with sparkling water and a hint of lime for a refreshing drink on a warm day.

Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Variations

Feel free to switch things up and make this deliciously fruity applesauce your own!

Peachy Twist: Substitute strawberries with juicy peaches for a sunny summer flavor that brightens up your applesauce.
Berry Combo: Try adding a mix of berries like blueberries or raspberries. Their tangy notes add depth and dimension to the sweetness!
Cinnamon Spice: Sprinkle in a teaspoon of cinnamon before cooking for a warm, cozy flavor that elevates the whole dish.
Maple Sweetener: Swap brown sugar for maple syrup for a unique sweetness that pairs beautifully with the fruits. Just reduce the added liquid slightly.
Zesty Lemon: Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice post-cooking for a delightful zing that balances the sweetness beautifully!
Chunky Delight: If you love texture, leave some apple and berry pieces larger while blending for a rustic, hearty finish.
Heat It Up: Toss in a pinch of cayenne or fresh ginger for a whisper of heat that contrasts delightfully with the fruity sweetness.
Nutty Crunch: Mix in toasted nuts like walnuts or almonds after cooling for added crunch and healthy fats that complement the soft applesauce.

Make Ahead Options

These Homemade Strawberry Applesauce are perfect for busy meal prep enthusiasts! You can chop the apples and strawberries up to 24 hours in advance and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep them fresh. Alternatively, you can prepare the applesauce itself and refrigerate it for up to 3 days. To maintain the quality, ensure you let it cool completely before transferring to a container, and seal it tightly to prevent oxidation. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat it gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This way, you’ll have a delightful, wholesome treat with minimal effort, perfect for grabbing a healthy snack anytime!

How to Store and Freeze Homemade Strawberry Applesauce

Fridge: Store your homemade strawberry applesauce in an airtight container for up to 1 week to maintain its fresh taste and flavor.

Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the applesauce in individual portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 6 months.

Thawing: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen applesauce in the fridge overnight or microwave it in short bursts until soft and ready to eat.

Reheating: If you prefer warm applesauce, gently reheat on the stove or in the microwave, stirring to ensure even warming before serving.

Homemade Strawberry Applesauce Recipe FAQs

What kind of apples are best for homemade strawberry applesauce?
Absolutely! For the best flavor and texture, I recommend using sweet varieties like Jonathon, Honey Crisp, or Fuji apples. These apples add a natural sweetness to the applesauce, making it far superior to using tart apples like Granny Smith. Aim for apples that are firm and free from dark spots to ensure a delicious outcome.

How should I store my homemade strawberry applesauce?
You can easily store your homemade strawberry applesauce in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 1 week in an airtight container. If you want to enjoy it beyond that timeframe, feel free to freeze it! Just pour your applesauce into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving a little room for expansion, and you can keep it for up to 6 months.

Can I freeze homemade strawberry applesauce? How?
Absolutely! Freezing is a fantastic way to extend the shelf life of your homemade strawberry applesauce. To freeze, first, ladle the cooled applesauce into airtight freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags. Make sure to leave some space at the top of the container for the sauce to expand as it freezes. Label with the date and freeze for up to 6 months.

When you’re ready to enjoy it, simply thaw it overnight in the refrigerator or use the defrost setting on your microwave. After thawing, stir well before serving to redistribute any liquid that may have separated.

How can I make my homemade strawberry applesauce smooth?
If you prefer a smooth applesauce, just blend it after cooking! Once you have released the steam and removed the lid from the Instant Pot, use an immersion blender right in the pot for convenience. Blend until you reach your desired consistency. Alternatively, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender, blending thoroughly. Remember to let it cool slightly before blending to avoid any splatter!

Is this recipe safe for kids and those with allergies?
Yes, homemade strawberry applesauce is generally safe for kids, and you can easily omit the brown sugar if you want to avoid added sugars. However, be sure to check for allergies! Some individuals may be allergic to strawberries or apples, so always take necessary precautions and consult with a healthcare professional if in doubt. Plus, a fantastic substitute for strawberries could be peaches or blueberries if allergies are a concern!

How long can I keep homemade strawberry applesauce in the freezer?
You can enjoy your homemade strawberry applesauce frozen for up to 6 months if stored properly in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags. Just be sure to label them with the date so you can use them within that timeframe. A great tip is to remember to thaw it in the fridge for the best texture and flavor when you’re ready to enjoy!