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Discover how to make smooth, flavorful Instant Pot apple butter with just a few simple ingredients and steps, perfect for spreading on warm biscuits or enhancing your favorite desserts.

Smooth apple butter in a white bowl with a spoon in front of the Instant Pot it was made in.

Homemade apple butter has never been easier than with this Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe, combining the fresh flavors of the season with the convenience of modern cooking. With just four pounds of apples and a mix of sweet and savory spices, this recipe promises a delicious spread you can enjoy in various ways.

Creating apple butter in an Instant Pot not only saves time but also infuses the apple mixture with intense flavor, making every spoonful a delightful experience. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or new to the world of Instant Pots, this guide will walk you through creating the best apple butter with the push of a button.

Unlike traditional apple butter recipes that require many hours of slow cooking, our Instant Pot version delivers that same homemade taste in a fraction of the time. From selecting the perfect type of apple to achieving the ideal consistency, we’ll share all the tips you need for success.

Table Of Contents

Ingredients
Equipment
By the Numbers: How to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter
Tips for Making the Best Apple Butter
Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
More Gluten Free Apple Recipes

Ingredients

4 pounds of apples
½ cup of granulated sugar
½ cup of brown sugar
1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon of vanilla extract

Equipment

Cutting Board
Knife
Apple corer
Apple Peeler
Measuring cups and spoons
Instant Pot
Mixing spoon
Immersion blender
Mason jars (1 quart, 2 pints or 4 half pints)

By the Numbers: How to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

Follow these simple step-by-step directions to learn how to make the best apple butter in your Instant Pot.

Step 1: Add Prepared Apples to Instant Pot

Peel, core and chop 4 pounds of apples. I like using my apple corer/peeler to make this simple, but you can use any method you prefer.

Step 2: Add Cinnamon and Sugar

Add ½ cup of granulated sugar, ½ cup of brown sugar, 1 teaspoon of ground cinnamon and 1 teaspoon of pumpkin pie spice to the pot and stir to combine.

Cinnamon and sugar coating on apple slices in an Instant Pot.

Step 3: Pressure Cook Apples

Seal the lid on your Instant Pot, then pressure cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. When the time has elapsed, allow for a natural pressure release for 10 minutes then release any remaining pressure, then open the lid.

Pressure cooked Cinnamon Sugar Apple slices in an Instant Pot.

Step 4: Blend Then Cook Down Sauce

Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until smooth. Use the Slow Cook function on high and cook down the apple sauce for around 2 hours, stirring frequently, with the glass lid on top so steam can escape. Add 1 teaspoon of vanilla in the last hour of cooking, just like in the slow cooker version.

Apple butter being pureed with an immersion blender in an Instant Pot.

Step 5: Transfer to Jars for Storage

When it’s thick enough, transfer your smooth apple butter to jars and store in the fridge or can to save for later.

Pint jar of apple butter surrounded by an Instant Pot, 2 apples and wooden ladle.

Tips for Making the Best Apple Butter

Answers to all of your questions about making apple butter including, tips, variations and substitutions.

Which type of apples should I use for Instant Pot apple butter?

The best apple butter comes from a mix of apple varieties. For a well-rounded flavor, combine sweet apples like Fuji or Honeycrisp with tart varieties like Granny Smith or Braeburn. Sweet apples give a natural sweetness, while tart apples add depth and balance. The key is to choose fresh apples, ideally from your local apple orchard during apple season, to ensure the richest flavor in your homemade apple butter.

Can I use a food processor or regular blender instead of an immersion blender?

Yes, if you don’t have an immersion blender, you can carefully transfer the cooked apples to a food processor or regular blender. Just make sure to guard against splatters and allow steam to escape to prevent pressure build-up.

What’s the best way to store apple butter?

For short-term use, store your Instant Pot Apple Butter in an airtight container in the fridge. If you want to keep it longer, canning is your best bet – just follow a water bath procedure to seal your jars properly (you can use the instructions in my crock pot apple butter recipe).

How can I adjust the sweetness of my apple butter?

This recipe uses a combination of granulated and brown sugar for depth of flavor, but you can reduce the added sugar or substitute some of it with maple syrup or coconut sugar for personal preference.

Can I make apple butter without sugar?

Absolutely! If you prefer, you can rely on the natural sweetness of the apples and customize your Instant Pot apple butter recipe by skipping the added sugar. You can add apple juice to the mixture to add more natural sweetness, but you may have to cook it down for longer to get that nice, thick texture you’re looking for.

What are some ways to enjoy apple butter?

Apple butter is versatile – spread it over warm biscuits, swirl it into ice cream, use it as a topping for pork chops or simply enjoy it as a flavorful spread on your morning toast (try toasting my homemade gluten free bread!). The ways to eat apple butter are only limited by your imagination!

Is there a difference between apple butter made in an Instant Pot and a slow cooker?

While the main difference is the cooking time, with the Instant Pot dramatically reducing it, some argue that slow cooker apple butter develops a deeper flavor. However, many find the Instant Pot version to have a concentrated apple flavor that’s just as satisfying.

More Instant Pot Recipes to Try

Get Your Free Instant Pot Quick Start Guide

I created this guide to help anyone new to the Instant Pot to get comfortable using it. Just add your name and email and it’ll be delivered to your inbox.

Apple butter in a pint jar next to an Instant Pot, apple and wood ladle.

Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe

This easy apple butter recipe is easy to make in the Instant Pot and it’s full of delicious fall flavors.

5 from 2 votes

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Prep Time: 20

Cook Time: 3

Total Time: 3 20

Recipe Servings: 64 tablespoons

Ingredients

4 pounds apples
½ cup granulated sugar
½ cup brown sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Equipment

Cutting Board
Knife
Apple corer
Apple peeler
Measuring cups and spoons
Instant Pot
Mixing spoon
Immersion blender
Mason jars (1 quart, 2 pints or 4 half pints)

Instructions

Peel, core and chop apples then put in Instant Pot pan.
Add sugars and cinnamon, then stir to combine.
Pressure cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. When the time has elapsed, allow for a natural release of pressure for 10 minutes then quick release remaining pressure. Open the lid.
Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples until smooth. Use the Slow Cook function on high and cook down the sauce for around 2 hours, stirring frequently, with the glass lid on top so steam can escape. Add vanilla in the last hour of cooking, just like in the slow cooker version.
When it’s thick enough, transfer it to jars and store in the fridge or can to save for later.