Instant Pot Apple Butter

5 from 1 vote

Instant Pot apple butter is full of cozy fall flavors and ready in under an hour. This smooth, spiced spread is perfect on toast, biscuits, or fresh sourdough bread.

Prep Time15

Cook Time45

Total Time1

Course: Sides + Condiments

Cuisine: American

Servings: cups

Calories: 441kcal

Author: Rebecca Warfield

Equipment

Ingredients

6 pounds apples unpeeled, cored, and chopped
3/4 cup brown sugar see notes
3/4 cup granulated sugar see notes
2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup water

Instructions

Wash, core, and chop apples into chunks. Then, place them into the Instant Pot. You do not need to peel the apples (though you can if you prefer).
6 pounds apples
Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, allspice, salt, and vanilla extract. Stir to combine.
3/4 cup brown sugar, 3/4 cup granulated sugar, 2 1/2 teaspoons ground cinnamon, 1/4 teaspoon allspice, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pour in the water.
1/2 cup water
Secure the lid and pressure cook on high for 15 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for about 20 minutes.
Use an immersion blender directly in the pot until completely smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, blend it in small batches in a regular blender. Either way, be mindful of splashing.
To thicken the apple butter, turn the Instant Pot to sauté and cook uncovered for 10-30 minutes. The apple butter is ready when it mounds on a spoon and slides off slowly. If your pressure cooker has a stove-safe pot, you can also do this on the stove (this is my preferred method).
Let the apple butter cool to room temperature. Then, store it in jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze it for up to a year.

Notes

Adjust sugars to taste. You can use up to 1 ½ cups of each sugar for 6 pounds of apples.
You can also adjust the spices to taste. For a more spiced flavor, swap the allspice for cloves.
The peels blend smoothly. So I leave them on for convenience and added nutrition. However, you can peel the apples if you prefer.
The added water is necessary for the Instant Pot to pressurize, but it can create a thinner consistency. If needed, simmer after cooking to thicken it to a classic texture.
Taste your apples first. Sweeter varieties need less sugar, while tart apples may benefit from a little extra.
Blend with an immersion blender for a silky apple butter, or leave it a bit rustic with small apple pieces for more texture.

Nutrition