Apples sliced and mixed with fall spices, brown sugar, a hint of vanilla then pressure cooked until buttery tender and blended until silky smooth. This quick and easy Instant Pot Apple Butter is so delicious you will think it has been cooking all day just like grandma made it.
*This post is sponsored in conjunction with AppleWeek . I received product samples from sponsor companies to aid in the creation of the AppleWeek recipes. All opinions are mine alone.
This time of year I love being at home and in the kitchen baking, slow cooking a pot of chili or soup, and waking up to a breakfast of Apple Butter smeared on warm toast and starting the day off at a little slower pace.
There is something about how the air changes a bit, your senses awaken and you feel renewed. You move a little slower and enjoy the weather, being outdoors, football season, and begin preparing for hayrides and bonfires. I find myself grinning as I writing about it. What about you? Do you love this time of year too?
Just being at home and with the ones you love is to be appreciated year round, but fall has us gathering together around the TV rooting on our favorite teams and the starting to plan holiday festivities. I start pulling out family recipes and buying new food magazines and comparing recipes with friends over a cup of coffee. This delightful time of year is such a blessing.
Being in the kitchen baking just settles my soul. It's relaxing to be at home and making things for the people we love. A time to be savored.
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Like slicing apples for all my fall recipes, this certainly feels therapeutic. Just a pleasure to be doing these simple things in life. And what a joy to be using this beautiful paring knife Swiss Diamond so graciously sent me to try for this special week of all things APPLE! I love it. It's nice and sharp and slices so easily! No wonder I find joy (especially when the task is easy)! You just have to have one too 😉 !
I hope you take time to slow down and take in all things this season brings. And I hope you also try making this Pressure Cooked Apple Butter! It's so easy I don't think I will be buying many jars of it any more! Homemade in this case really is better!
How to make Instant Pot Apple Butter (Pressure Cooked Apple Butter)
Step 1. Core and slice each apple into about 8 slices.
Step 2. Place all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and stir to coat apples.
I love adding vanilla to my apple butter. Not everyone does, but I think it gives it a smooth flavor! Rodelle Vanilla has been so kind as to sponsor Apple Week and gave me this gorgeous bottle of vanilla! It is smooth and perfectly compliments this apple butter and so many of my Fall baking Recipes. Make sure you stop by to see them or pick some up while you are out shopping!
Step 3. Using the manual setting set at high pressure for 8 minutes with the valve sealed. When cooking time is complete, turn off and allow for natural pressure release. This will take about 10 minutes.
Step 4. Take off the lid and remove cinnamon sticks.
Step 5. Use an immersion blender until mixture becomes smooth. You can also use a food processor or a blender. Be sure not to fill the blender more than half full.
Below is more of an applesauce consistency. Keep going. (Unless you want applesauce)
The below picture is where you want to be!! It's getting really pretty and smooth.
Step 6. If you want it to be a little thicker you can do this a couple of ways. The quickest it to turn the Instant Pot to sauté and push the adjust button to LESS. Simmer until thickened to desired consistency – up to approximately 15 minutes. BUT - you have to keep stirring or this will start to pop a little.
You can also set it to slow cook, cover and let it cook an hour or until it gets to your favorite thickness.
I sauted mine for about 3 minutes (and stirred while I did it) and it was perfect. Whether it needs to be thickened more will depend on the water content of the apples and your preference. So you may just skip this all together.
Also, keep in mind that it will thicken a bit in the refrigerator.
Step 7. Turn off and let apple butter cool completely.
Step 8. Store in an airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
If you love to preserve or can things, this certainly can be canned in a water bath and stored at room temperature as well. - How many times did I say can y'all -I won't be saying that too fast -lol!
Now grab a cup of coffee or cup of tea (or glass of milk like my hubby) and just enjoy the fruits of your labor! Shhhhh - I won't tell a soul how easy this was for you! One more reason I so LOVE my INSTANT POT!
Other Apple Recipes to Enjoy
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Instant Pot Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 5 to 6 apples, (About 5 lbs)
- ¼ cup apple cider
- ½ cup brown sugar
- ½ teaspoon all spice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon nutmeg
- 2 sticks cinnamon
- 1 teaspoon vanilla
Instructions
- Core and slice each apple into about 8 slices.
- Place all the ingredients into the Instant Pot and stir to coat apples.
- Using the manual setting set at high pressure for 8 minutes with the valve sealed. When cooking time is complete, turn off and allow for natural pressure release. This will take about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Take off the lid and remove cinnamon sticks.
- Use an immersion blender until mixture becomes smooth. You can also use a food processor or a blender. Be sure not to fill the blender more than half full.
- Turn Instant Pot to sauté and push the adjust button to LESS. While Stirring simmer until thickened to desired consistency – up to 15 minutes.
- Turn off and let apple butter cool completely.
- Store in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 weeks or freeze up to 6 months.
Nutrition
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Poppy says
It turned out great and my daughter loved it!! Thank you!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much! I am thrilled your daughter loved it too. This is the only way I make it anymore. So easy!
Ron Jette says
This was a staple when i lived in southern Ontario. It was available everywhere. Not so much up here in the nation's capital. Can I used ground cinnamon instead of sticks? If so, how much should I use? Thanks!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
This will be an easy way to make it so you can have it anywhere you go! You can use ground cinnamon. I would recommend 1 tsp. Typically 1/2 tsp per 3 inch stick is a good substitute. I hope you enjoy!
Melissa says
What is the yield on this? I’m wondering if I should double the recipe for the amount of apples that I have - which is a LOT!!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
It makes just a little over 2 pints.
Rebecca Hagen says
Quick question: do you peel the apples?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I do not peel the apples.
Nancy says
How much does this make?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
It makes a little over 2 pints.
Michaela Kenkel says
I had been looking for an apple butter recipe for my instant pot, and your photos on google just dragged me in! I am so happy I found your recipe, because I'll never ever need another! It's perfection!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much! Once I started making it in the Instant Pot that is the only way I make it now!
Michelle Nahom says
So glad apple season is here so I can make this again!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am too Michelle! It's such a wonderful time of year!
Julie Menghini says
I love apple butter but haven't had it for years! I love how easy this recipe is so we can enjoy it this apple season!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I love it as well. I love to use it in my baking and a few recipes. This IP allows me to make a batch quickly and I love how easy it is as well!
Deb Clark says
I'd give this 10 stars if I could, this is SOOOO GOOOD!!!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Thank you so much Deb! That is so very sweet of you! I just bought apples to make a batch this year!
Jennifer A Stewart says
This is going to be so good on cream cheese for my next party!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
You are reading my mind! One of my favorite ways to enjoy this too!
Kylee from Kylee Cooks says
I love me some apple butter, but hadn't thought of using the instant pot for it! What a great idea!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Kylee it makes it so so easy! And fast!
Brandi Burgess says
Oh my goodness! My favorite pork chop recipe on EARTH used apple butter but I have only used store bought. Now I want to make my own! I know it is SO MUCH better! Love that you can make this in your instant pot!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
Yum! I need that recipe Brandi! I love it on pork as well! Making this in the Instant Pot is just the absolute best. It's so quick, easy and so good homemade!
Debi says
I love apple butter, especially homemade stuff. I can't wait to try this, especially since I have an apple tree that's filled with apples!
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I am a little jealous you have a tree full of apples! This is such an easy way to make it!
Jill Wakefield says
Canned this recipe be hot bath canned?
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I have not tested canning this recipe, but Apple butter does can well!
Jan Thomas says
I will be trying this !! Thank you for sharing at our apple celebration of Celebrate 365 Blog Party!
Tina says
Which apple do you use? I will be trying this recioe next week.
Nikki - Soulfully Made says
I used granny smith apples and a few gala apples.