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    You Are Here: Home → Sauces

    Instant Pot Apple Butter

    October 12, 2021 | Updated October 31, 2021 by Ryan Leave a Comment

    92 shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    knife dipped in jar of apple butter
    close up of Instant Pot apple butter in glass jar
    apple butter in glass jar on dish towel

    This post may contain affiliate links. Please read my disclosure.

    This Instant Pot apple butter recipe takes less than an hour to prepare, but tastes like it's been simmering all day. It is better than anything you can buy at the store.

    apple butter in glass jar on dish towel

    When it comes to fall, I'm a fan of everything apple - from apple cider chicken to baked apple cider donuts to an apple pie with crumb topping to an apple Dutch baby.

    And apple butter is right up there. But let me make one thing clear - it is not butter. It actually gets its name from its smooth and buttery texture created from highly concentrated apples cooked over a long time.

    In this case, we shorten what is normally an eight hour process to less than an hour by using an Instant Pot. And trust me the flavor is no different.

    It is perfect to spread on toast or use in replace of applesauce in recipes.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredient Notes
    • Ingredient Swaps
    • Step-by-Step Photos
    • FAQs
    • Pro Tips/Recipe Notes
    • Similar Recipes
    • Instant Pot Apple Butter
    close up of Instant Pot apple butter in glass jar

    Ingredient Notes

    • Apples - I'm a fan of Honeycrisp apples for its nice sweet/tart balance.
    • Sugar - I like to use a combination of dark brown and granulated sugar for added sweetness.
    • Cinnamon - ground cinnamon adds a warm spice and woody flavor the the apple butter.

    Ingredient Swaps

    Like any recipe, you can mix up the ingredients you use. Some variations include:

    • While I'm a fan of Honeycrisp, you can also use Granny Smith, Fuji or Gala apples or use a mix of any of your favorites.
    • I like the combo of dark brown and granulated sugar but you can use all of one or the other or even light brown sugar.
    • You can replace cinnamon with nutmeg or allspice but only use ¼th of the amount. You could also use pumpkin pie spice.

    Step-by-Step Photos

    process shots of mixing apples with sugar and spices and cooking in Instant Pot

    Mix the apples with the sugars, cinnamon, vanilla and salt in the Instant Pot. Set to "Manual" and pressure cook on high for 25 minutes before allowing to natural release for 10 minutes.

    process shots of pureeing with immersion blender and sauteing in Instant Pot

    Use an immersion blend to blend until smooth before sautéing on "Less" for 5-10 minutes.

    FAQs

    What is the Difference Between Apple Butter and Applesauce?

    Both are slow cooked apples with some spices but apple butter is cooked longer than applesauce which creates a thicker, smooth and intense apple flavor.

    What are the Best Apples to Use?

    I love the flavor of Honeycrisp apples, but you can use any type of apple you like. Another that works well are Granny Smith apples.

    What Can I Use Apple Butter For?

    There are so many uses. Of course you can spread on toast or homemade buttermilk biscuits or cinnamon apple bread.

    But you can also stir it into oatmeal, add on top of pancakes or waffles or even swirl it into cakes or cupcakes.

    How Do I Know When It is Done?

    When it is thick enough to coat the back of the spoon and leaves a trail when you wipe your finger through it.

    Apple butter continues to thicken as it cools.

    How Long Will It Last?

    If you decide to can it, apple butter will last two years in a cool, dry place. Once opened, it will last about a month in the fridge.

    Pro Tips/Recipe Notes

    • Using undamaged apples is important. Otherwise it will likely deteriorate quickly.
    • Use the freshest apples possible. I make mine when apples are in season. Good thing is it will last for 2 years if sealed properly.
    • You can keep the skin on if you want to save some time and hassle of peeling apples.
    • For the smooth consistency you expect, an immersion blender is easiest to use but if you don't have one, just transfer everything to a blender or food processor.
    • If canning, always use clean, sterilized jars. If they aren’t clean, bacteria will build up and all your hard work will be for not.
    knife dipped in jar of apple butter

    Similar Recipes

    • Low Sugar Strawberry Jam
    • Mango Jam
    • Apple and Pear Jam
    • Pumpkin Seed Butter

    If you’ve tried this Instant Pot apple butter recipe or any other recipe on Chisel & Fork, please let me know how it turned out in the comments below! You can also follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and YouTube to see more tasty meals and anything else I'm up to.

    apple butter in glass jar on dish towel
    Print Recipe
    5 from 1 vote

    Instant Pot Apple Butter

    This apple butter recipe made in an Instant Pot takes less than an hour to prepare, but tastes like it's been simmering all day.
    Prep Time10 mins
    Cook Time50 mins
    Total Time1 hr
    Course: Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 6 cups
    Calories: 24kcal
    Author: Ryan Beck

    Ingredients

    • 5 lbs apples, peeled and chopped
    • ¾ cup dark brown sugar
    • ¼ cup granulated sugar
    • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
    • 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
    • ¼ teaspoon salt

    Instructions

    • Place the chopped apples, sugars, cinnamon, vanilla extract and salt in an Instant Pot and stir to combine.
    • Turn Instant Pot to “Manual” and pressure cook on high pressure for 25 minutes. Allow to natural release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure. The apple butter should be thick and dark brown.
    • Use an immersion blender to blend until smooth. Set Instant Pot to Sauté and press the minus (-) button to adjust to "Less." Cook until desired consistency is reached, about 5-10 minutes.

    Notes

    • Using undamaged apples is important. Otherwise it will likely deteriorate quickly.
    • Use the freshest apples possible. I make mine when apples are in season. Good thing is it will last for 2 years if sealed properly.
    • You can keep the skin on if you want to save some time and hassle of peeling apples.
    • For the smooth consistency you expect, an immersion blender is easiest to use but if you don't have one, just transfer everything to a blender or food processor.
    • If canning, always use clean, sterilized jars. If they aren’t clean, bacteria will build up and all your hard work will be for not.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 24kcal | Carbohydrates: 6g | Protein: 0g | Fat: 0g | Saturated Fat: 0g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0g | Trans Fat: 0g | Cholesterol: 0mg | Sodium: 8mg | Potassium: 31mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g
    Did You Try This Recipe?I love seeing what you make so mention @ChiselandFork or tag #chiselandfork on Instagram and please give a star rating below!
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    Hey there! Welcome to Chisel & Fork, a blog with tasty recipes and DIY projects. I'm Ryan and here you'll find hundreds of recipes ranging from true comfort food to vegan. Oh and if you like woodworking, you might just find your next inspiration. Read More About Chisel & Fork…

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