Instant Pot Apple Butter | Easy Apple Butter Recipe

There's something magical about homemade apple butter, especially when it's made in the Instant Pot. This sweet, spiced spread captures the essence of fall and is incredibly versatile. Whether you slather it on toast, use it as a topping for pancakes, or incorporate it into your favorite recipes, Instant Pot apple butter is a delightful treat that will have your kitchen smelling like a cozy autumn day.

Why You'll Fall In Love With This Apple Delight

• Fast and Easy. Instant Pot Apple Butter is ready in under 30 minutes, thanks to the magic of pressure cooking. It's a quick and hassle-free way to enjoy the flavors of fall without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful and Versatile. This apple butter recipe is bursting with the warm, comforting flavors of cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves. Plus, you can customize it with your preferred level of sweetness, making it perfect for everyone.
• Budget-Friendly. With just a few simple ingredients, many of which you likely already have on hand, making your own apple butter is a cost-effective way to enjoy this seasonal favorite.

What's The Difference Between Applesauce And Apple Butter?

While both applesauce and apple butter are apple-based products, apple butter is a more concentrated, spiced, and caramelized version of applesauce.

The differences in ingredients, flavor, texture, and preparation make them distinct condiments, each with its own unique taste and culinary applications.

What Thickens Apple Butter?

Apple butter is typically thickened through a slow-cooking and reduction process rather than by adding thickeners like cornstarch or gelatin.

The natural thickening of apple butter occurs as the apples break down, release their pectin, and evaporate excess moisture during cooking.

Ingredients You'll Need

• Apples- They provide the fruity base and natural sweetness to the spread. Mixing sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith and Fuji creates a well-balanced flavor profile.
• Granulated Sugar- It is added to enhance the sweetness of the apple butter. The amount can be adjusted to suit your preference for sweetness.
• Brown Sugar- Brown sugar is used in combination with granulated sugar to deepen the sweetness and add a subtle molasses flavor. It also contributes to the rich, caramel-like color of the apple butter.
• Ground Cinnamon- Ground cinnamon is a classic spice used in apple butter recipes. It provides warm, aromatic notes that complement the apple flavor beautifully.
• Ground Nutmeg- Ground nutmeg adds a warm, nutty, and slightly earthy flavor to the apple butter. It enhances the overall spice profile and pairs wonderfully with the other spices.
• Ground Cloves- Contribute a hint of pungency and a spicy, earthy flavor to the apple butter. They complement the other spices and add complexity to the taste.
• Apple Cider- It adds liquid to the Instant Pot, allowing the apples to cook and soften. It also infuses the apple butter with more apple flavor and natural sweetness.
• Vanilla Extract- Vanilla extract is an optional ingredient that can be added for a subtle hint of vanilla flavor. It complements the apple and spice flavors and adds a layer of complexity.

How To Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

1. Prepare the Apples. Wash, peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
2. Pressure Cook. Place the chopped apples into the Instant Pot. Add both sugars, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, ground cloves, and apple cider or juice to the Instant Pot. Close the Instant Pot lid, set the vent to "Sealing," and cook on High Pressure for 5 minutes.
3. Natural Release. Once the cooking time is complete, allow the Instant Pot to naturally release pressure for about 10-15 minutes.
4. Blend and Simmer. Carefully open the Instant Pot lid, and use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until smooth. If you don't have an immersion blender, you can transfer the mixture to a regular blender, blend until smooth, and return it to the Instant Pot. Add vanilla extract, if desired. Set the Instant Pot to "Saute" mode and simmer the mixture, uncovered, for 10-15 minutes or until it thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Cool and Store. Allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring it to clean, airtight jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer preservation.

Tips And Tricks

Making apple butter in an Instant Pot can be a convenient and delicious process. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the best results:

• Choose the Right Apples. Use a mix of sweet and tart apple varieties for a well-balanced flavor. Popular choices include Granny Smith, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Gala apples. Experiment with different combinations to suit your taste.
• Peel and Core the Apples. It's recommended to peel and core the apples before cooking. This ensures a smoother texture and removes any tough or bitter parts of the apple.
• Adjust the Sugar. The amount of sugar needed may vary depending on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. Start with the suggested amount and adjust as needed during or after cooking. Remember, you can always add more sugar but can't easily reduce it once it's in.

Variations

Instant Pot apple butter is a versatile condiment that can be customized to suit your taste preferences. Here are some variations and flavor additions you can try:

• Maple Apple Butter- For a natural sweetener, replace some or all of the sugar with pure maple syrup. It adds a rich, earthy sweetness.
• Caramel Apple Butter- Elevate the sweetness by melting a bit of caramel into the apple butter. This variation is especially indulgent and decadent.
• Rum or Bourbon Apple Butter- Add a splash of dark rum or bourbon for a sophisticated and slightly boozy twist. Simmer the alcohol for a few minutes to cook off the alcohol content.

What To Serve With Instant Pot Apple Butter

Instant Pot apple butter is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can complement a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ideas for what to serve with it:

• Toast or English Muffins- Spread a generous layer of apple butter on warm toast or English muffins for a delightful breakfast or snack.
• Pancakes or Waffles- Drizzle apple butter over pancakes or waffles as a sweet and fruity topping. It pairs well with maple syrup.
• Yogurt Parfait- Layer apple butter with yogurt and granola to create a delicious and balanced parfait.
• Pork Dishes- Apple butter is a classic accompaniment to pork dishes. Serve it with roasted pork tenderloin, pork chops, or pulled pork sandwiches for a sweet and savory combination.
• Cheese and Charcuterie- Include apple butter on a cheese and charcuterie board to add a fruity contrast to the salty and savory flavors of cheeses and cured meats.

How Long Does Fresh Apple Butter Last?

If you store homemade apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can typically last for about 2 to 3 weeks. Be sure to keep it tightly sealed to prevent moisture and contaminants from entering the container.

Can You Freeze It?

For longer-term storage, you can freeze apple butter. When stored in an airtight container or freezer-safe bags, it can last for up to 6 months to a year in the freezer without significant loss of quality.

More Easy Instant Pot Recipes

• Instant Pot Butter Chicken
• Instant Pot Lasagna Soup
• American Goulash
• Mississippi Pot Roast
• Tomato Jam

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There you have it – Instant Pot Apple Butter that's quick, easy, and bursting with the flavors of autumn. Make a batch and savor the taste of fall all year round. Don't forget to share this recipe with your friends and save it for later.

Don't forget to check out my other Best-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

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