Instant Pot Zucchini Applesauce is gluten-free and no sugar added, making it a great snack for any kid that is easy and fast to make!
My kids love applesauce, and would eat it all. the. time. if I let them. Which is why I wanted to add a little nutrient boost to my last batch of Instant Pot Applesauce.
Since zucchini is looking great at the grocery store (but unfortunately not in my garden…), I grabbed a bunch to bake and cook with, including this Instant Pot Zucchini Applesauce! Zucchini is great to add to applesauce because it has a high water content, very little flavor, and is super nutritious.
A note about “hiding” vegetables in food. I’m all for you doing whatever you feel is best for your kids. This is a debated topic in feeding kids, and I’m not here to take sides. Personally, I like to tell Lars when I add vegetables to things that wouldn’t typically have vegetables in them (like applesauce, muffins, bars, etc.).
So, I had him help me add all of the apples and zucchini to the Instant Pot, so he knew what was going in it, and then I mentioned to him when serving it to him that it was Zucchini Applesauce.
In turn, the nonchalant conversation about it made it not a big deal and he ate the applesauce happily. I don’t think he would have even noticed if didn’t tell him, but I think it’s good that he knows that he likes and eats zucchini.
What is in Instant Pot Zucchini Applesauce?
The ingredients are really quite simple. There are about 5 pounds of apples, 2 large zucchinis, some lemon juice, and cinnamon. No added sugar and it doesn’t even need it! The sweetness from the apples is perfect.
Since apples are on the dirty dozen list and especially since I don’t peel my apples before making them into applesauce, I used organic apples to make this Zucchini Applesauce.
Common Questions about Instant Pot Zucchini Applesauce
What Kind of Apples Should I Use? You can really use any kind of apples, but I think Fuji, Honeycrisp, Golden Delicious, Braeburn, and Zestar are all great options.
Can I Add Other Spices? Definitely! You can add some nutmeg and cloves to your applesauce in addition to the cinnamon.
Can I Add Other Vegetables? I don’t see why not! You could try adding summer squash, carrots, and butternut squash could all work.
Can This Be Made in the Slow Cooker? Yep! Just follow the instructions and cook on low for about 6-8 hours.
Can This Be Frozen? Yes, it will last up to 3 months in the freezer.
Lastly, my kids can get pretty messy serving theirselves applesauce. Especially Soren my 20 month old. I love using these reusable pouches to put the applesauce into so they can eat it mess-free!
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Save RecipeIngredients
- 5 lbs apples, cored and chopped into large chunks
- 2 large zucchini, diced
- Juice from 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 1/2 cup water
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in an Instant Pot.
- Cook on high for 5 minutes and let the pressure naturally release for 10 minutes.
- Release the remaining pressure.
- Using an immersion blender or a high speed blender, puree the applesauce.
- Cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 10 days, or up to a few months in the freezer.
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