Instant Pot Apple Butter {5 Ingredient}

This Instant Pot Apple Butter is the most delicious way to use fresh and vibrant fall apples. The recipe is easy to make with apple cider and pumpkin pie spice. This Apple Butter is sweetened with maple syrup instead of conventional sugar, which gives more of a caramely flavor.

This Instant Pot Apple Butter is sweet, tangy, thick, and full of fall flavors.

We always get so many apples from apple picking at our local orchards with the kids. What is a better way than turning them into homemade apple butter?

This apple butter is flavored with pumpkin pie spice and is naturally sweetened with apple cider, maple syrup, and/or molasses. However, this homemade recipe can be made without any added sugar as well.

What kind of Apples should you use for The Best Apple Butter?

After testing so many different kinds of apples either by themselves or in combination, I really do not think there should be any rules about what kind of apples to use. Simply put, the more flavorful the apples are, the more flavorful the apple butter is.

Let’s be honest, the idea of making your own apple butter is that you may have too many apples to finish up before they go bad. So here is my tip – use whatever apples you have in hand.

Through a few trials, I have discovered that using different kinds will give my apple butter a more complex flavor profile with more depth. Sweet and tangy apples make the best mix.

I like using a variety of Honey Crisps and Royal Gala for sweetness and Granny Smith for tangy acidity. It’s the perfect blend! 

The best part is, you can use all of the apples you harvested when you went apple picking!

I know how easy it is to come home with 10 plus pounds of farm-fresh apples…

If you only have one kind of apple, don’t be discouraged. If the apples aren’t sweet enough, simply add a little coconut sugar, maple syrup, or molasses.

Or if the apples lack acidity, go ahead and add a squeeze of lemon to the homemade apple butter. 

Please Tell Me I do not need to peel the Apples

The easy answer is NO! And there are some good reasons behind it, one of the main reasons is that there are a lot of flavors in the apple peel.

Additionally, cooking the apple in an instant pot really cooks down the apple peels to make them very soft, and basically undetectable once blended.

With that being said, if you want ultra-smooth apple butter, peel the apples. However, with my cooking method, I don’t think it’s necessary at all. 

Spices for Instant Pot Apple Butter

Besides apple, apple cider and an optional sweetener, you can use pumpkin pie spice or apple pie spice.

A lot of you have messaged me on Instagram that Pumpkin Pie spice is hard to find outside of the U.S. Not to worry! I have written a detailed recipe on what exactly goes into the spice so you can get the individual ingredient for it!

Here is what I like to use to make my own Pumpkin Pie Spice and Apple Pie Spice.

Step by Step Photo Instructions to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter 

Start with washing the apples thoroughly.

Cut the apples into chunks and remove the core.

Then, sprinkle pumpkin pie spice over the apples.

Pour the apple cider into the instant pot and add the spice-covered apples.

Then, add the maple syrup into the instant pot and seal. Don’t add too much maple syrup at once. If desired, you can add more sweetening to the apple butter once it’s done cooking. 

Cook the apples on high pressure for 10 minutes. 

Then, slow release for 15 – 20 minutes. Once done releasing, open the cap. 

Now, blend the apple butter until smooth using an immersion blender or a high-speed blender.

Then, turn the instant pot to the “sauté less” function. Cook and stir occasionally with a wooden spoon. 

If your instant pot does not have a “sauté less” function, you can reduce the apple butter in a pot on the stovetop. I recommend using a splatter screen to prevent apples from splattering all over you.

Taste the apple butter and adjust the flavor if desired. Add more maple syrup and/or lemon juice depending on preference.

“Sauté less” for 45 – 1 hour or until it reaches the desired consistency. 

Lastly, transfer the apple butter to a container and let it fully cool before storing the Instant Pot Apple Butter.

How Long Does Apple Butter Last

The apple butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3- 4 weeks.

You can freeze the homemade apple butter for up to 6 months. Freeze it in smaller containers for convenience and defrost it as you need it. 

Tip: Pour the apple butter into cute glass jars, tie a ribbon around it and label it with “Homemade Apple Butter” for a neat gift idea.

Simple Tips to Make a Delicious Apple Butter

To make this apple butter recipe incredibly delicious, I have a few tips and tricks worth reading before making it. 

1. Adding maple syrup or molasses to the apple butter makes the consistency thicker and stickier, just how it is supposed to be. 
2. Depending on the sweetness and tartness of the apples you use, you can balance with more or less sweetener, and more or less lemon juice. If you have very sweet apples you may not have to add any sweetener at all. That makes this a sugar-free apple butter! 
3. Use a splatter screen when reducing the apple butter. It WILL splash even with low heat or “sauté less” function unless you stir it continuously to prevent the apple butter from bubbling up.
4. You can also continuously stir the vegan apple butter with a wooden spoon. Otherwise, cover it with a splatter screen and stir occasionally.
5. Use an immersion blender or a high-speed blender to puree the butter. However, if you use a high-speed blender, blend it in batches so the HOT apple sauce won’t overflow from your blender. Also, use an oven mitt so you won’t burn.
6. The apple butter can be reduced in a pot on the stovetop if you don’t have the “sauté less” function on your instant pot. I actually prefer reducing on the stovetop since I can control the heat better.

My Favorite Ways to Indulge in this Spread

Sure,  you absolutely can eat the apple butter with a spoon straight out of the jar. But, may I suggest:

• These delicious Apple Butter Cookies? They are super easy to make and so so good! 
• Smear it on toast for an easy and delicious breakfast.
• Baked brie with Apple Butter and walnuts! OMG, best combo ever!
• Drizzle the sugar-free apple butter on fluffy pancakes or waffles. It’s just perfect together. 
• Serve the apple butter with pork or with turkey for Thanksgiving. 
• You can use the apple butter for fall-flavored drinks as well. How about an Apple Butter Latte or an Apple Butter Tea? Or maybe an Apple Butter Bourbon Fizz?

Leave me a comment below on how you are planning to use your homemade Instant pot Apple Butter!  

I LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR CREATIONS! YOU CAN USE “TRIED IT” ON PINTEREST OR SHARE ON INSTAGRAM BY TAGGING #SHUANGYSEATS