Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
If you’re searching for a quick and delicious preserve that can replace any jam or jelly, look no further. This easy Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe is incredibly simple to make and takes a fraction of the time compared to traditional methods. Let’s dive into the details of this delectable spread!
Why Choose Instant Pot Apple Butter?
Cooking apple butter in the Instant Pot significantly reduces the preparation time. In less than an hour, you can enjoy the best Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe out there. Despite its name, apple butter contains no actual butter. The term refers to its buttery, thick, and soft consistency.
What Is Apple Butter?
Apple butter is a smooth, spreadable apple preserve. Essentially, it’s concentrated applesauce. The difference lies in the cooking process—apple butter is cooked until the sugar in the apples caramelizes, giving it a rich, caramel-like color and a deeper flavor. Seasoned with cinnamon and clove, this super easy Instant Pot Apple Butter is perfect on bread or as an ingredient in baked goods.
Uses for Instant Pot Apple Butter
Spread: Toast, pastries, pancakes, waffles, sandwiches, biscuits, cornbread.
Flavoring: Yogurt, oatmeal, ice cream, marinades.
Side Dish/Condiment: Pairs with pork loin, pork chops, chicken, cheeses, dips.
Filling: Add to pie fillings, muffins, or oatmeal.
Replacement: Substitute for applesauce in recipes.
Best Apples for Apple Butter
Soft apples like McIntosh, Granny Smith, and Cortland are ideal for apple butter because they break down faster when cooked.
The best apples for this easy recipe include:
- Granny Smith
- Gala
- Fuji
- Jonagold
- McIntosh
- Cortland
Feel free to mix and match varieties for unique flavors.
Recipe Details:
The recipe makes approximately 4-5 cups of apple butter.
Given that a typical serving size of apple butter is about 2 tablespoons, this recipe yields around 32-40 servings.
Recipe Ingredients
- 5 pounds of apples, cored and quartered
- ¼ cup water or apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/8 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
- ¼ cup sugar (optional, taste test as the apples may provide enough sweetness)
Equipment Needed
- Instant Pot
- Immersion blender or regular blender/food processor
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Airtight jars for storage
How to Make Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter
- Prep the Apples: Add cored and quartered apples to the Instant Pot.
- Add Ingredients: Pour in water and place cinnamon sticks on top of the apples.
- Cook: Secure the lid, set the valve to “sealing,” and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Natural Release: Allow pressure to release naturally for about 25 minutes.
- Blend: Remove and discard the cinnamon sticks. Use an immersion blender to puree the apples or transfer them to a blender/food processor.
- Reduce: Press sauté and reduce to the desired consistency for 15-45 minutes. Be cautious, as the apple butter may splatter.
Apple butter is done when it doesn’t fall off a spoon turned upside down.
Storage Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar for up to one week.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to one month.
Expert Tips
- No Peeling Required: Apple peels help thicken the butter. Blend thoroughly for a smooth texture.
- Sugar: If not adding sugar, cook longer to achieve the desired thickness.
- Stir Frequently: Prevent sticking by stirring often.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this recipe in a slow cooker?
A: Yes, you can place all ingredients in a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Q: How long does it take to make apple butter in the Instant Pot?
A: It takes about 20 minutes to cook plus natural release time and an additional 15-45 minutes to reduce.
Q: Can I use any type of apples?
A: Yes, though tart to mildly sweet apples like Granny Smith and Gala work best.
Don’t forget to explore my Pinterest Instant Pot board for more great recipes!
Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
This no-peel Easy Instant Pot Apple butter recipe so it's incredibly easy to make and cooking the apples in the Instant Pot takes a fraction of the time as the traditional method.
Ingredients
- 5 pounds of apples, cored and quartered
- 1/4 cup water, or apple juice
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1/4 tsp Nutmeg
- 1/4 tsp ground cloves
- 1/8 tsp. salt
- 3/4 tsp vanilla extract
- 1/4 cup sugar, optional (taste test as the apples may give it plenty of sweetness)
Instructions
- Add cored and quartered apples to Instant Pot. Add water and place cinnamon sticks on top of apples
- Secure the lid and set the time. Place lid on Instant Pot and lock it into place. Turn the valve to "sealing" and set the timer for 20 minutes.
- Allow Natural Release. Allow pressure to release naturally, about 25 minutes.
- Remove and discard Cinnamon Stick.
- Use an immersion blender to puree apples. You can also move apples into blender or food processor to puree.
- Add remaining ingredients and stir.
- Press Saute and reduce to desired consistency 15-45 minutes.
Notes
You don't need to peel the apples. The peels help thicken the apple butter and if you have a high-speed blender you can pour the apple butter in the blender and blend to the silky smooth texture.
Sugar helps thicken the apple butter. If you opt not to add the sugar, you'll have a little longer cooking time to get the apple butter thick.
The longer you cook the apple butter the thicker it will become. Just make sure you stir frequently.
Store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week or keep in the freezer for up to 1 month.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 40 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 38Total Fat: 0gSaturated Fat: 0gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 0gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 8mgCarbohydrates: 10gFiber: 1gSugar: 8gProtein: 0g
Nutritional Information may not be accurate