Homemade Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe

Apples have been plentiful at my grocery store, and I couldn’t resist turning a fresh batch into Instant Pot apple butter. This method speeds up a process that traditionally takes hours, delivering rich, caramelized apple flavor in about an hour of hands-on time.

Compared with slow-cooker versions that can take 12+ hours, the pressure and sauté functions of the Instant Pot let you cook and reduce the fruit much faster without losing depth of flavor.

Ingredients

• 5 lbs apples, cored and sliced
• 1/3 cup apple cider or apple juice
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (optional)
• 1 tsp ground cinnamon

Which apples make the best apple butter?

You can use almost any apple variety. I used McIntosh because I had some on hand, but Honeycrisp, Braeburn, Fuji, or Gala also work well. Sweeter apples will produce a naturally sweeter butter; tart apples make a tangier spread. Mixing varieties gives more complex flavor.

Can it be made without sugar?

Yes. Omit the brown sugar and use water instead of apple cider if you prefer no added sugar. Depending on the apple variety you choose, the finished apple butter may be a bit tart without added sweetener.

How to make Instant Pot Apple Butter

1. Prepare the apples: core and slice them. An apple corer/slicer speeds this up, but a paring knife works fine.

2. Add the apples to the Instant Pot. Sprinkle the brown sugar and cinnamon over the fruit and pour in the apple cider or juice. Gently toss to coat the apple slices evenly.

3. Seal the Instant Pot and cook on high pressure for 15 minutes. When the cook time ends, perform a quick release of the pressure.

4. Puree the cooked apples. Use an immersion blender right in the pot or transfer to a blender and then return the puree to the pot.

5. Reduce and brown the puree: use the sauté function on a low or “less” setting and cook the purée, stirring frequently, until it thickens and turns a deep golden-brown. This can take 15–45 minutes depending on desired thickness. Stir regularly to prevent sticking and to promote even caramelization.

6. Cool and store: let the apple butter cool to room temperature, then pack into airtight containers or jars and refrigerate. It will thicken further as it cools.

FAQs

Does it need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Store apple butter in a sealed container in the refrigerator.

How long does it keep?

Refrigerated apple butter will keep for about a month. Stored in the freezer, it can last several months to a year.

Will it thicken as it cools?

Yes. The apple butter will continue to thicken as it cools and will firm up more after refrigeration.

How can I use apple butter?

It’s excellent on toast and rolls, stirred into oatmeal, served with pancakes or waffles, baked into desserts, or used alongside pork and other savory dishes.

Other Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Twice Baked Potato Casserole
• Instant Pot Wendy’s Chili
• Instant Pot Milk & Honey Corn on the Cob

More Apple Recipes

• Apple Fritter Waffle Donuts
• Crockpot Pumpkin Apple Butter
• Copycat Cracker Barrel Fried Apples
• Jello Apples