Instant Pot Apple Butter

Sharing is caring!

Made with tangy Granny Smith apples, molasses, brown sugar, and fall spices, this Instant Pot Apple Butter is sweet, creamy and delicious! It’s perfect for toast, pancakes, waffles, bagels, and more.

*I use affiliate links in this post. If you buy anything from my links I will earn a small commission*

Why We Love Homemade Apple Butter

Every fall, I used to pick up a jar of apple butter from my local pumpkin patch to use for my biscuits on Thanksgiving, but once Covid hit, I couldn’t get my delicious apple butter. So, I decided to find out how to make my own, and we are in love with this homemade Instant Pot apple butter. Here’s why:

• It’s way cheaper. It’s always cheaper to make things homemade, but apple butter is definitely worth it if you want to save some moolah.
• Tastes better. With fresh ingredients and spices, homemade apple butter is packed with sweet, creamy flavor that just can’t be beat with any store bought jar.
• Takes less than an hour to make. Using my Instant Pot, I can have delicious apple butter at my disposal in less than an hour! Recipes like this used to take hours, and now I can quickly whip it up.

Apple Butter Ingredients

For creamy apple butter, you’ll need a variety of spices, sugars, and of course apples. Get out your shopping list, and jot these ingredients down:

• Apples: I use Granny Smith Apples, but you can use whatever apple variety you like.
• Molasses: You should find molasses in the baking aisle, but if not, check the aisle with corn syrup.
• Sugar: For this recipe, you will need both light brown sugar and regular white sugar.
• Vanilla: You can use vanilla extract or flavoring.
• Lemon juice: The acid from the lemon juice helps to break down the apples making them easier to mash into butter.
• Spices: Fall spices like nutmeg, cinnamon, and all spice are what give this recipe it’s incredible flavors.

How to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

Making your own homemade apple butter in your Instant Pot is actually really easy. With just a little prep work, the Instant Pot works its magic.

Step 1: Peel and Cut the Apples

Peel all of your apples. Then, cut the apples into quarters and remove the core. Place cut apples in your Instant Pot.

Step 2: Add All the Ingredients

Then, add all the rest of the ingredients into the Instant Pot. Mix to incorporate everything.

Step 3: Pressure Cook

Place the lid on your Instant Pot, put the pressure valve into the sealing position, and hit your manual or pressure cook button. Set the time for 20 minutes.

Step 4: Naturally Release

Once the time is up and your Instant Pot beeps, let the Instant Pot completely naturally release the pressure. You don’t need to do anything. Just let it sit and the pressure will release on it’s own in about 20-30 minutes.

Step 5: Blend The Apple Butter

Next, pour everything from your Instant Pot into the blender and blend it until smooth. Place your apple butter in mason jars.

Enjoy!

Will Apple Butter Thicken as It Cools?

Yes, apple butter does thicken as it cools. If your apple butter looks runny, don’t worry because it will thicken. If you find it is still too thin after it has cooled, you can simmer it on the stove until it reaches your desired thickness.

What if My Apple Butter is Too Thick?

If the apple butter is too thick for your liking, you can thin it out by adding small amounts of applesauce to it until it reaches your desired consistency.

How to Store Homemade Apple Butter

Canning Apple Butter is the best way to extend the shelf life of your apple butter. Be sure to follow the USDA canning guidelines. If you don’t wish to go through that process, apple butter stored in a mason jar with a lid and placed in the refrigerator will last for about a month.

Serving Suggestions

So, now that you’ve made your apple butter, what do you do with it? Apple butter is a delicious spread that can be used in a variety of different ways. Here are just a few suggestions:

• Spread it on toast, bagels, biscuits, pancakes, waffles, or bagels.
• Stir it into a bowl of oatmeal
• Use it instead of pumpkin or applesauce in recipes.
• Swirl it into fall cakes or cupcakes
• Brush it on your chicken or pork during the last few minutes of cooking for a sweet glaze.

Other Apple Recipes to Try

In the mood for recipes with a sweet apple flavor? Check out some of my favorites, below. You could also use your apple butter with some of these recipes as well.

• Honey and Apple Stuffed Pork Tenderloin
• Delicious Instant Pot Cinnamon Apples
• Layered Instant Pot Apple Spice Cake
• Instant Pot Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal
  

Check out more Instant Pot Fall Recipes here!

About Angela Milnes

Angela Milnes is a Qualified Early Years Teacher who has specialised in teaching. She has a wealth of experience teaching young children and adults. Angela has also taught cooking classes and loves to share both family recipes and easy instant pot recipes here on The Instant Pot Table. Follow her on Pinterest!