Instant Pot Apple Butter

What’s Up, Hungry People

Forget pumpkin spice; apples are the one true king of fall flavors. Apple butter churning is made simple by using the Instant Pot, shortening a traditionally hours-long process into just a few minutes.

I recommend using sweet, softer varieties of apples like Fuji and Gala for the best apple butter ever. But feel free to experiment with your favorite apples to find the perfect apple butter for your taste buds.

For best results, use an immersion blender for a silky smooth apple butter!

Apple butter is a staple of autumn. Canned fresh in late summer and then enjoyed for the holidays is my favorite way to eat apple butter. The Instant Pot helps to expedite the usually lengthy process, meaning I get to stuff my face with apple butter without the wait.

Here’s What You Need

• Red apples: Peeled, cored, and chopped for the base of the butter.
• Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps prevent browning.
• Apple cider vinegar: Adds a tangy kick to balance the sweetness.
• Apple juice: Keeps the mixture moist and adds apple flavor.
• Maple syrup: Adds natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
• Vanilla: Enhances the overall flavor profile.
• Brown sugar: Sweetens and deepens the color of the butter.
• Allspice: Adds warm, spicy notes.
• Ground cloves: Contributes a rich, spicy warmth.
• Nutmeg: Adds a warm, nutty flavor.
• Cinnamon stick: Infuses a warm, comforting cinnamon flavor.

Let’s Cook

Start by washing, peeling, coring, and chopping your apples. Fuji and Gala apples are my top picks, but go wild with your favorites if you like. Toss those apple chunks into your trusty Instant Pot.

Mix the Flavors

Pour the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, apple juice, and maple syrup over the apples. Give it a good stir to mix everything together. Now, stir in the brown sugar until it’s evenly distributed. Lightly season with allspice, ground cloves, and nutmeg. Give it another good stir, then toss in the cinnamon stick.

Cook Under Pressure

Place the lid on your Instant Pot and set the vent to “venting” mode. Turn the Instant Pot to pressure cook, high pressure, “more” mode. Set the timer for 20 minutes and let the magic happen. The Instant Pot will take about ten minutes to come to pressure. Once the countdown timer finishes, perform a quick release to let out the pressure.

Blend to Perfection

Carefully remove the lid and fish out the cinnamon stick using tongs. Now, grab your immersion blender and blend those apples until smooth. You want a texture that’s silky with no chunks in sight.

Simmer to Thicken

Switch your Instant Pot to “sauté” mode on the “more” setting. Set the timer for 20 minutes and leave the lid off. Let the apple mixture simmer until it’s thickened to your liking. If it’s still a bit thin after 20 minutes, add another 10 minutes to the timer.

Jar It Up

Once your apple butter is perfectly thickened, ladle it into sterile mason jars. If you’re planning to can it for long-term storage, seal the jars and finish the process with a water bath. If you’re like me and can’t wait to dig in, skip the water bath and just secure the lids. Chill overnight; the apple butter will thicken even more as it cools.

Troubleshooting and Tips

• Thickening Too Thin Apple Butter: If your apple butter isn’t thickening, let it simmer a bit longer on sauté mode. Keep an eye on it and stir occasionally to avoid sticking.
• Storage Tips: For long-term storage, use a proper canning method. A water bath ensures your apple butter is safely preserved for months.
• Immersion Blender Safety: When blending hot mixtures, keep the blender fully submerged to prevent splattering. Safety first!
• Apple Varieties: Mixing apple types can create unique flavors. Try combining tart and sweet apples for a balanced taste.
• Flavor Adjustments: Taste your apple butter after blending. If it’s too sweet, add a touch more lemon juice or vinegar to balance it out.

Apple butter made easy in the Instant Pot is a game-changer for your fall favorites. Whether you’re spreading it on biscuits, topping pancakes, or pairing it with pork, this apple butter is the perfect way to enjoy the season’s bounty. The silky smooth texture and warm spices will have you reaching for another spoonful. Canning it ensures you’ll have a taste of autumn ready for the holidays. Give it a try and let your kitchen fill with the comforting aroma of homemade apple butter. Happy Fall, Hungry People!

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