Sunshine in a Jar (Homemade Strawberry Applesauce)

When the warm days of summer roll around, nothing feels quite as delightful as a burst of juicy strawberries and crisp apples coming together in a sweet, velvety embrace. This Homemade Strawberry Applesauce is pure magic; it’s like summer in a jar! With its vibrant color and luscious flavor, this easy recipe is perfect for snacking, spreading on toast, or just enjoying a spoonful straight from the jar. Let’s dive into the juicy details of creating this irresistible treat!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Homemade Strawberry Applesauce is more than just a snack; it’s an experience that will leave you smiling. Here’s why you’re going to adore it:

– Big, Bold Flavors: The combination of sweet strawberries and tart apples creates a symphony of deliciousness.
– Kid-Approved: It’s a wholesome snack that children will love, making it a perfect addition to lunchboxes.
– Quick & Easy: Made in an instant pot, it’s ready in under 30 minutes, making it a breeze for busy days.
– Nutritious Goodness: Packed with vitamins and natural sweetness, it’s guilt-free indulgence at its best!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to gather some fresh, vibrant ingredients! The beauty of this Homemade Strawberry Applesauce lies in its simplicity. You’ll need just a few key components to whip up this deliciousness. The strawberries are the real flavor game-changer, adding a delightful sweetness and a pop of color.

– 3 pounds apples (choose a mix of sweet and tart for the best flavor!)
– 1 pound strawberries (fresh or frozen, your choice!)
– 1/4 cup juice or cider (or water, if you prefer)
– 1/4 cup brown sugar (for that extra sweetness, optional)

*Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.*

Variations

The best part about Homemade Strawberry Applesauce? It’s incredibly customizable! Here are some fun twists you can try:

– Go Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free; enjoy without worries!
– Add Extra Protein: Stir in a scoop of protein powder for an extra nutritional boost.
– Make it Spicier: Sprinkle in a dash of cinnamon or ginger for a warming kick.
– Swap the Dressing: Experiment with different types of juice or even a splash of vanilla extract.
– Colorful Additions: Toss in a handful of blueberries or raspberries for more fruity fun!

How to Make Homemade Strawberry Applesauce

Ready to get cooking? Let’s transform those fresh fruits into a delightful applesauce!

Step 1: Chop the Fruits

Wash and dry your apples and strawberries like a pro! Remove the cores from the apples and the stems from the strawberries. Chop them into roughly one-inch pieces. This will help them cook evenly and blend beautifully.

Step 2: Add to the Instant Pot

Throw those chopped apples, strawberries, and your choice of juice or cider into the instant pot. Can you smell that fruity goodness already?

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Close the lid tightly, ensuring the vent is closed. Set your instant pot to cook on high pressure for 8 minutes. This is where the magic happens!

Step 4: Release the Pressure

Once the timer goes off, carefully open the vent to quick release the steam. Stand back and let it hiss and pop!

Step 5: Sweeten to Taste

After the steam has released, open the lid and give your applesauce a good stir. If you want it a tad sweeter, now is the time to mix in that optional brown sugar.

Step 6: Puree for a Smooth Finish (Optional)

For those who love a silky smooth applesauce, use an immersion blender or transfer it to a regular blender. Blend until it’s as smooth as your heart desires!

Pro Tips for Making Homemade Strawberry Applesauce

– Choose the Right Apples: A blend of sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala with tart ones like Granny Smith brings depth to your sauce.
– Adjust Sweetness: Taste before adding sugar; you might find the fruit is sweet enough on its own!
– Let it Cool: Allow the applesauce to cool completely before storing to enhance flavor and preserve freshness.
– Experiment with Texture: For a chunkier sauce, skip the blending step entirely!

How to Serve Homemade Strawberry Applesauce

Garnishes

Elevate your homemade strawberry applesauce by garnishing it with a sprinkle of cinnamon, a dollop of whipped cream, or even fresh mint leaves for a pop of color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair this vibrant applesauce with oatmeal for breakfast, yogurt for a snack, or as a side to pork chops for a sweet-savory combo.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve your homemade strawberry applesauce in cute individual cups for parties, or create a fun applesauce bar with toppings like granola, nuts, and chocolate shavings—perfect for kids and adults alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. Trust me, it’ll be gone before you know it!

Freezing

Yes, you can freeze this delicious applesauce! Pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers, and it’ll be ready to enjoy for up to three months.

Reheating

This applesauce can be enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you prefer it warm, simply reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave!

FAQs

Can I use any type of apple?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples creates the best flavor.

Is this recipe spicy?
Nope! But you can add spices like cinnamon if you want a warm kick.

How do I make this gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free, so dig in without any substitutions needed!

Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it perfect for meal prep.

Final Thoughts

This Homemade Strawberry Applesauce is more than just a snack; it’s a celebration of summery flavors that will brighten your day. Whether you’re serving it at family gatherings, packing it in lunchboxes, or enjoying it solo, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. So grab your fruits, fire up that instant pot, and create a batch of this joyful applesauce that will have everyone asking for seconds! Enjoy every delicious bite!