Instant Pot Apple Butter
User Reviews
4.5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 5 mins
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Servings
32
Instant Pot Apple Butter
Description
Instant Pot Apple Butter uses a blend of sweet and tart apples cooked with sugars and traditional warm spices to create a smooth, deeply flavored fruit spread. Cooking under pressure softens the apples quickly and infuses them with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. After pressure cooking, the mixture is puréed using an immersion blender to achieve a uniform, smooth texture. Then cooking the apple butter slowly with the lid propped helps evaporate excess moisture and concentrates the flavors, yielding a thick, spoonable consistency. Adding vanilla at the end adds subtle sweetness and enhances the spice flavors.
The finished apple butter can be spooned onto toast, swirled into yogurt, or used as a baking ingredient. It keeps in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freezes well for longer storage. Using a mix of apple varieties affects sweetness and flavor complexity; the recipe suggests combining Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.
This recipe does not require added liquid, but if a burn warning appears on some Instant Pot models, adding a small amount of apple cider or juice helps prevent sticking and burning. Adjust slow cook time to reach preferred thickness if liquid is added.
Ingredients
- 6 ½ pounds apple peeled, cored and quartered
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1 cup light brown sugar lightly packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg freshly grated
- ¼ teaspoon cloves ground
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract pure
Instructions
- Place the apples in a 6-quart Instant Pot. In a medium bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg cloves and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples and mix well.
- Turn Instant Pot to “Manual” and pressure cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Allow to natural release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
- Use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter until smooth.
- Turn Instant Pot to “Slow Cook” and cook on high for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, with the lid propped on about halfway to allow steam to release. (Do not latch lid.)
- Stir in vanilla.
- Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze.
Notes
- If your Instant Pot gives a burn warning, add ½ cup apple cider or unfiltered apple juice with the apples and spices.
- Mix apple varieties for depth of flavor; options include Granny Smith, Fuji, and Honeycrisp.
- Adjust sugar amount depending on the sweetness of your apples and personal taste.
- To store long-term, can the apple butter to keep up to 18 months; otherwise refrigerate up to two weeks or freeze.
- Makes about 4 pints of apple butter.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.5
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