Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
This Instant Pot Apple Butter is naturally sweet, rich, and full of deliciousness! No need to stand over the stove for hours either because this pressure cooker apple butter is ready in under an hour, and it’s the perfect way to use up fresh apples during fall or any time of year!
Try this Blueberries and Cream French Toast and these Fluffy Banana Crunch Pancakes while you’re here too!
The Best Apple Butter
Whether you’re new to making fruit spreads or looking to upgrade from store-bought, this homemade crockpot apple butter is a must-try. Spread it on biscuits, swirl it into oatmeal, or gift it in jars for the holidays!
If you love musselman’s apple butter as much as we do, you will LOVE this recipe too. The best part is how simple it is to make! You literally cut up your apples, throw everything in the pot, and walk away.
Ingredients
- Apples: we used honeycrisp apples for this recipe, but you can certainly use fuji apples, gala, or even granny smith.
- Brown sugar: this helps enhance the sweetness from the honeycrisp apples.
- White sugar: also known as granulated sugar.
- Spices: you will need cinnamon, ground cloves, and vanilla extract.
- Lemon juice: this is optional but recommended to just brighten the flavors.
How to Make It Apple Butter
See recipe card for ingredient quantities and full instructions.
This is a no peel apple butter. So that means you do not have to peel the apples before you cook, which makes it a super simple recipe. You can peel them if you want, but the apple peel gets nice and smooth once you blend it.
Preparing the apples
Start by cutting your apple in half.
Now remove the core and seeds out of each piece of apple.
Cut the apple into slices.
Next, cut the honeycrisp apples into small chunks, leaving the peel on.
Cooking the apples in the instant pot
Add the cut apples into the pot with the sugars and spices.
Use an immersion blender to blend the apples until they are smooth.
Mix well and cover and cook for 30 minutes.
Simmer in the instant pot so that the apple butter can thicken.
Flavor Customizations and Sweetening Options
One of the coolest things about making apple butter is how adaptable it is. You can tailor the flavor to your liking. Spices play a significant role in this customization.
Consider incorporating a blend of warm spices. Cinnamon is a classic choice, but nutmeg and allspice add depth. Experiment until you find the perfect balance.
For sweetness, you have several options. Each sweetener adds a unique taste:
- Granulated sugar for a traditional sweetness
- Honey for a floral, rich tone
- Maple syrup to introduce a woody, caramel flavor
Adjusting sweetness is straightforward. Taste as you go and modify accordingly. If you want less sweetness, start with smaller amounts. Over time, you’ll discover your preferred flavor profile.
Customizing your apple butter makes each batch unique. It’s an opportunity to experiment with flavors. This flexibility is part of what makes homemade apple butter so enjoyable.
Apple Butter as a Gift!
Homemade apple butter makes an excellent gift. It’s thoughtful and delicious, perfect for sharing. Consider giving a jar to friends and family during the holidays!
Storing and Preserving Your Apple Butter
Proper storage is key to keeping your apple butter fresh and tasty. Once it’s made, let it cool completely. This helps prevent condensation within storage containers.
You can store apple butter in airtight jars in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, you may want to try canning it.
Canning is a great way to preserve apple butter. Process the filled jars in a hot water bath. This method extends shelf life to several months.
Be sure to label and date the jars. This way, you’ll know exactly when they were made. Always check for signs of spoilage, like mold or off odors.
Selecting the Right Apples for Apple Butter
Choosing the right apples is crucial for crafting a delicious apple butter. The best apple butter comes from a mix of apple varieties. This mix offers a balanced taste.
Sweet and tart apples together create depth of flavor. Some apples break down better, adding to the smoothness. Consider the following apple varieties:
- Granny Smith: Adds tartness that balances sweetness.
- Fuji: Offers natural sweetness and a smooth texture.
- Honeycrisp: Known for its balanced flavor and juiciness.
- Golden Delicious: Softens well and adds gentle sweetness.
When selecting apples, firmness matters. Avoid overripe apples, as they can make mushy butter. Fresh, crisp apples work best.
Using organic apples can enhance flavors, avoiding pesticide residues. Whichever you choose, ensure they’re ripe and flavorful for the best result.
FAQ
How long does homemade apple butter last??
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, your apple butter should remain fresh for about two weeks. For longer storage, consider canning the apple butter to extend its shelf life up to a year.
Can I use any type of apples for apple butter?
While you can use various apples, mixing sweet and tart varieties often produces the best flavor. Popular choices include honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, or Granny Smith for a balance of sweetness and acidity.
How do I thicken up my apple butter?
If it’s too thin, try simmering it longer without the lid. The extra time helps excess moisture evaporate which will help it get thicker.
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Ingredients
- 5 pounds Apples cored and chopped
- 1 cup Light brown sugar packed
- 1/2 cup Granulated sugar
- 1 tablespoon Cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon Salt
- ⅛ teaspoon Allspice or ground cloves
- 2 teaspoons Vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon Lemon juice optional but recommended
Instructions
- Start by thoroughly washing your apples. It’s important to remove any dirt or residue from the skin. You DO NOT have to peel the apples for this recipe. Cut them in half, then in half again, and remove the core and seeds.
- Now slice them into even pieces, and cut them into chunks. This ensures they cook evenly. Small, bite-sized pieces work best. Consistency in size helps achieve a smooth texture in the apple butter.
- Add the apple chunks into the Instant Pot. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, spices, vanilla, and lemon juice. Toss the mixture gently, ensuring even distribution.
- Secure the Instant Pot lid and set it to cook on high pressure for about 10 minutes. It's crucial to check the seal. This helps maintain proper pressure.
- Once the cooking cycle completes, let the pressure release naturally. This step takes time but is essential. It allows the flavors to meld and develop.
- Once the pressure has safely released, remove the lid. Use an immersion blender to blend the tender apples until they are super smooth. If you do not have a hand held blender, you can transfer the apples into a regular blender and blend on high for 2 minutes until smooth.
- The goal is a smooth, thick consistency. Blend until you achieve this texture. If you prefer it chunkier, blend it a little less.
- Taste and adjust sweetening if necessary. A dash more sugar or honey can enhance sweetness. Your amazing apple butter is now ready to enjoy!
