Picture the comforting aroma of warm spices filling your kitchen as apples transform into a silky, rich spread.
This Instant Pot Apple Butter isn’t only incredibly easy to make, but it also provides a cozy indulgence perfect for any time of year.
As the ingredients meld together, they create a depth of flavor that elevates even the simplest of breakfasts.
Let’s bring this delightful spread to life.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 Peeler
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Blender or immersion blender
- 1 Large spoon
- 1 Airtight container
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while making Instant Pot Apple Butter, follow this timeline:
- Preparation Time (20 minutes)
- 0:00 – 0:05: Gather all ingredients and equipment.
- 0:05 – 0:10: Peel, core, and chop the apples.
- 0:10 – 0:15: Measure and add the sugars, spices, and salt.
- 0:15 – 0:20: Mix the ingredients in the Instant Pot.
- Cooking Time (1 hour)
- 0:20 – 0:35: Set the Instant Pot to ‘Manual’ mode for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- 0:35 – 0:55: Allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes.
- 0:55 – 1:00: Quick release any remaining pressure and open the lid.
- 1:00 – 1:05: Set to ‘Sauté’ mode and stir in the vanilla extract.
- 1:05 – 1:15: Blend the apple mixture until smooth.
- 1:15 – 2:00: Continue cooking on ‘Sauté’ mode for 45 minutes, stirring occasionally to thicken the mixture.
- Resting Time (1 hour)
- 2:00 – 3:00: Allow the apple butter to cool for 1 hour.
- Additional Time (15 minutes)
- 3:00 – 3:15: Transfer the cooled apple butter to an airtight container.
Adjust the timing as needed based on your pace and any additional garnishes you might want to add.
Recipe Instructions
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
Place the apples in the Instant Pot.
Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt to the pot.
Stir the ingredients well to guarantee the apples are evenly coated.
Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set to ‘Manual’ mode for 15 minutes on high pressure.
Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
Open the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode.
Stir in the vanilla extract.
Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.
Continue to cook on ‘Sauté’ mode for an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
Let the apple butter cool for 1 hour before transferring to an airtight container.
Serving Tips
- Spread on Toast: Enjoy a delicious breakfast by spreading apple butter on a warm slice of toast.
- Swirl into Yogurt: Add a flavorful twist to your morning yogurt by swirling in some apple butter.
- Top Pancakes or Waffles: Enhance your pancakes or waffles with a spoonful of apple butter for a sweet and fruity topping.
- Serve with Cheese: Pair apple butter with a variety of cheeses on a charcuterie board for a delightful combination of flavors.
- Use as a Filling: Use apple butter as a filling for pastries or crepes for a sweet and rich treat.
Storage
Store Instant Pot apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
For extended storage, freeze in freezer-safe jars or containers for several months.
Freezing
To freeze Instant Pot apple butter, transfer it to a freezer-safe airtight container.
Leave some space for expansion.
Label with the date and store for up to six months for ideal freshness.
Reheating
To reheat Instant Pot Apple Butter, warm it gently over low heat on the stovetop or use a microwave.
Stir occasionally. Verify it’s heated thoroughly without boiling to maintain texture.
Final Thoughts
Enjoy the delightful taste of homemade apple butter with the convenience of an Instant Pot.
This versatile spread is perfect for adding a touch of sweetness to your breakfast or snacks.
Remember to experiment with different apple varieties to achieve a unique flavor profile.
Store your apple butter in the refrigerator or freezer, and savor it over the coming weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Use Other Fruits Besides Apples for This Recipe?
Absolutely, you can swap apples with pears or peaches for a unique twist. Just adjust the sugar to match the sweetness of the fruit. Experiment and blend until smooth for a personalized, delicious spread every time!
Is It Possible to Make This Recipe Without an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can make this without an Instant Pot. Use a slow cooker or stovetop. Adjust cooking times accordingly, and keep stirring for a thick consistency. It might take longer, but the delicious results are worth it!
How Can I Make This Recipe Sugar-Free or Low-Sugar?
To make this recipe sugar-free, swap the sugars with natural sweeteners like stevia or monk fruit. You can also reduce sugar by using sweeter apple varieties and adding a splash of apple juice for extra sweetness.
Can I Use Apple Butter as a Baking Ingredient?
Absolutely, you can use apple butter as a baking ingredient! It adds moisture and a rich apple flavor to muffins, cakes, or breads. Replace some of the fat or sugar in your recipes for a healthier twist.
What Apple Varieties Are Best for Apple Butter?
You’ll want a mix of sweet and tart apples for the best apple butter flavor. Try combining Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith apples. This balance gives your apple butter a delicious complexity and depth that’s irresistible.
Instant Pot Apple Butter
Equipment
- 1 Instant Pot
- 1 peeler
- 1 Knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Blender or immersion blender
- 1 large spoon
- 1 airtight container
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup brown sugar packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
- Place the apples in the Instant Pot.
- Add granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, ground cloves, ground nutmeg, and salt to the pot.
- Stir the ingredients well to ensure the apples are evenly coated.
- Secure the lid on the Instant Pot and set to ‘Manual’ mode for 15 minutes on high pressure.
- Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for 20 minutes, then quick release any remaining pressure.
- Open the lid and set the Instant Pot to ‘Sauté’ mode.
- Stir in the vanilla extract.
- Use a blender or immersion blender to puree the apple mixture until smooth.
- Continue to cook on ‘Sauté’ mode for an additional 45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until thickened.
- Let the apple butter cool for 1 hour before transferring to an airtight container.
Notes
