Instant Pot Apple Butter

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Instant Pot Apple Butter is a delicious spread that is filled with sweet fall flavor. If you are looking for a way to use up the apples from the apple harvest then this is the recipe for you!

Instant Pot Apple Butter in jar with spoon. — Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe

If you love the delicious fall flavors of this simple recipe, you may also enjoy this Crock Pot Pumpkin Butter recipe!

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Why you'll love this recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
Equipment
FAQ's
Things to know
Variations
Storage
Related recipes
Serve with
Instant Pot Apple Butter

Why you'll love this recipe

✔️ This smooth apple butter only requires a few simple ingredients.

✔️ Can be made with any apple varieties you enjoy or even a mix of apples for the best flavor.

✔️ Is a great recipe to make in the Instant Pot and can be done in just a few hours. Best part? Make it ahead for the holiday season and freeze!

Ingredients

For the exact measurements, please refer to the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

use your favorite apples - you can use any type of apples, Granny Smith, honey crisp, golden delicious etc. I prefer a tart apple, but you can use sweet apples as well.
granulated sugar and dark or light brown sugar.
pumpkin pie spice mix - can substitute with cinnamon, grated nutmeg and cloves, see variations below for additional options.
pure vanilla extract

Instructions

This is an overview of the instructions. For the complete directions just scroll down to the bottom!

Peel and core apples, cut into chunks, place in pressure cooker.
In a small mixing bowl, combine the spices, pour over apples. Mix to combine.
Turn pressure cooker to manual. Cook for 90 minutes. Natural release for 10 minutes, then release any remaining pressure.
Process with a hand blender or crush with a potato masher until it's smooth.
Turn electric pressure cooker to slow cook function and cook on high for 2 hours. Do not latch the lid, place on top at an angle so the steam can vent. Using a wooden spoon, stir cooked apples occasionally scraping the bottom of the pot.
Spoon the mixture into sterile air tight containers. Cool to room temperature.
Refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze up to two months.

Equipment

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sharp knife
small bowl
Instant Pot
immersion blender
airtight container or mason jars

FAQ's

Can you overcook apple butter?

Apple butter can overcook easily and turn brown. Be sure to cook on low and stir often so it doesn't scorch.

What apples are best for apple butter?

For this recipe, I prefer to use Granny Smith apples because they are tart and have a firm texture. However, you can use any type of apple that you enjoy.

Can you leave skins on for apple butter?

You can leave the skins on for apple butter, but I prefer to peel them off. If you do leave the skins on, be sure to chop the apples into small pieces so they will blend easily.

Why isn't my apple butter thickening?

If your apple butter isn’t thickening there may have been too much water in the apples. You can give it a puree to see if that will thicken it up. You can also continue to cook it without the lid to evaporate some of the moisture.

Things to know

You can use a mixture of apples.
When cooking the apple butter, be sure to cook on low and stir occasionally to prevent scorching.
The pressure cooker apple butter is done when the apple butter will mound in the pot.
Instant Pot Apple butter will thicken as it cools.
You can shorten the cooking time by using the sauté function, HOWEVER the apple mixture must be stirred constantly, scraping the bottom of the pot. If you don't stir constantly it will most certainly scorch.

Jars of Instant Pot Apple butter with apple butter on rolls. — Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe

Variations

For a sugar-free version, you can omit the sugar and add in a sugar-free sweetener.
If you want a spicier flavor, you can add in more cinnamon or even a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle pepper.
You can also add in a splash of apple cider vinegar for a little tang.
No pumpkin pie spice mix? No problem! Substitute with 1 tablespoon cinnamon, ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg and ¼ teaspoon cloves.
Apple pie spice can be used in place of pumpkin spice.

Storage

Refrigerate - Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freezer - Freeze in an airtight freezer-safe container for up to two months.

Reheat - Reheat on the stove over low heat until warmed through.

Homemade fruit butter in jar and on rolls.

Do you like warm biscuits topped with a sweet jam or butter like this one? Then next time give this Strawberry Rhubarb Jam recipe a try!
Want to bring some additional sweet flavor to your recipes? Then this Texas Roadhouse Butter recipe is the recipe for you.
Homemade Apple Sauce Recipe - all the flavors of fall, right here!
Another great jam to make in the fall is Cranberry Jalapeño Jam - the combination of sweet and heat is amazing!
A favorite all year round is this recipe for Pomegranate Jam - the hint of spice is AMAZING. This is a family favorite!

Serve with

This Southwest Breakfast Skillet is perfect for weekend mornings and busy work week mornings. Serve this spicy skillet with a side of sweet apple butter on toast for a delicious well-rounded breakfast.
Add some more sweetness to these Pumpkin Pancakes by topping them with a drizzle or smear of this apple butter.
This would be absolutely amazing topping this easy yeast rolls recipe, easy dinner rolls or homemade biscuits!
Liven up this Simple Overnight Oats recipe by adding a tablespoon of this sweet and rich apple butter.

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