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    Home » Recipes » Dips, Sauces & Spreads

    Instant Pot Apple Butter [No Peeling]

    Published: Sep 2, 2021 by Rosa · This post may contain affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases, meaning if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.

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    JUMP TO RECIPE

    Thick, sweet and delicious Instant Pot apple butter, without any peeling and with no added sugar required! This foolproof method will have you ditching your stove top recipe forever.

    Jar of apple butter with spoonful held up above it and apples in the background.

    Apples are a staple in all grocery stores and this dish is one you can make all year long. But if it’s apple season, that really makes for the absolute best flavour.

    It’s made in your pressure cooker for a faster and simpler method and pairs beautifully with my amazing apple bread!

    You’re going to LOVE this homemade apple butter.

    Jump to:
    • Ingredients
    • How to make it
    • Storage
    • How to use it
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Equipment
    • Expert Tips
    • More spreads you’ll love
    • 📖 Recipe
    English muffin on white plate with apple spread on top and knife on the side.

    Ingredients

    All you need is apples, vinegar and some seasoning to make delicious Instant Pot apple butter!

    Use naturally sweet apples to avoid adding sugar later. I like Fuji, but Ambrosia, Gala and Honeycrisp are also great choices.

    Large bowl of apples, spoon of vanilla, bowl of vinegar and bowl of spices scattered on kitchen counter.

    How to make it

    (This is a summary with step by step photos, full recipe measurements and instructions are in the recipe card below.)

    Begin by adding your apple cider vinegar, vanilla and all the spices to your Instant Pot. Then give it a good whisk. (photos 1-2)

    Liquid and seasoning being whisked together in pot.

    Then thoroughly wash your apples, cut them into quarters and remove the core. Place them inside your pot and pressure cook for 5 minutes, followed by a 20 minute natural release. (photos 3-4)

    Pot of quartered apples before and after cooking.

    Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a stand blender, in batches) to puree your apples. (photo 5)

    Then choose one of the two cooking methods (sauté or slow cook, details in the recipe card below) to thicken your apple puree into butter. (photo 6)

    Pot of pureed apple butter before and after thickening.

    How do you know when it’s ready?

    Depending on your final cook method (slow cook or sauté) your apple butter will be ready between 30 minutes to 3 hours, once pureed.

    To test the thickness of your apple butter, try this method.

    Grab a spoonful of the butter and place on a flat dish. Wait 30-60 seconds to give it a chance to slightly cool.

    If the butter runs a little around the edges, it’s not quite ready. If it holds together without running, it’s ready!

    Storage

    Allow the apple butter to cool slightly and then transfer to CLEAN and DRY jars. Store in your refrigerator for immediate use within 1-2 weeks.

    Since this makes about 6 cups, I recommend only keeping 1 jar in the fridge at a time. For the remainder of your batch, you may freeze or can to keep the jars for up to one year.

    How to can apple butter

    1. Prepare your water bath canner OR a large stock pot. Add enough water so that there will be 1 inch of water over the tops of your jars. Bring to a boil.
    2. Using jars that have been thoroughly washed, fill them with the warm apple butter, leaving about ¼ inch of space between the top of the jar and the butter.
    3. Wipe the rim of the jars with a CLEAN damp rag.
    4. Place a NEW (don’t reuse lids to ensure proper sealing, but you may reuse rings) lid and clean ring on your jar and tighten.
    5. Carefully place the jars into the boiling water, using tongs to prevent burns. Then place the lid on top. Process for 20 minutes, then remove the lid and let sit for 5 minutes.
    6. Now, carefully transfer to a cutting board or towels on your counter and leave them undisturbed until cool. (Hot glass cracks easier when handled.)
    7. Once completely cooled, make sure the jars have fully sealed by pushing down on the middle of the lid. If it doesn’t give way, it’s sealed. But if it does, place that jar in the fridge and consume within 2 weeks.
    8. Store sealed jars in a cool dark place for up to 12 months.
    Glass jar filled with homemade apple butter with apples in the background.

    How to use it

    • Stir some into oatmeal, chia pudding, or smoothies.
    • Spread it on toast, bagels or English muffins.
    • Top your pancakes or waffles.
    • Use it to top desserts like banana bread or almond flour muffins.

    Substitutions

    • For the apples: I like Fuji apples, but any sweet variety is great. Honeycrisp, Ambrosia and Gala are all great options.
    • For the sweetener: If your apples are sweet enough, you won’t need anything else to sweeten. But if you have a sweet tooth, you may use ANY sweetener you like. I like a combo of molasses and maple syrup for their rich flavours. You may also use granulated sugar, if preferred.
    • For the spices: I’ve kept this one on the mild side for picky eaters with just cinnamon and a touch of nutmeg. If you prefer a stronger spiced apple butter, double up on the nutmeg and add ¼-1/2 teaspoon of ground ginger, allspice, and/or ground cloves.
    • For the acid: I like apple cider vinegar here since it doesn’t have a strong flavour. But you CAN sub for water, if preferred, and make sure to squeeze some lemon juice in after cooking, to prevent the apples from getting too dark.

    Variations

    Want to take your apple butter to another level?

    • Make it spicy – add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to turn up the heat.
    • Make it citrusy– add some orange zest from 1-2 large oranges.

    Equipment

    For cooking: You’ll need a pressure cooker, I use a 6qt Instant Pot, but other pressure cookers also work.

    If you have a multi function pressure cooker that also sautés and/or slow cooks, you’ll only need one cooking appliance. Otherwise, you’ll need to transfer the pureed apples to stove top or a slow cooker.

    For blending: An immersion blender is easiest, as you can blend the entire pot of apples in one batch.

    However, if you’re not getting a smooth consistency, you may wish to transfer to a stand blender. Do so in batches and use extreme caution when blending hot liquids. Do not overfill!

    Expert Tips

    • The level of sweetness will depend on the apples you’re using. Use sweet apples for naturally sweet apple butter, and to avoid adding sugar. I like Fuji apples but Honeycrisp or Ambrosia also work well. 
    • If using tart apples, or a mixture of varieties, you may want to add some sweetener once cooked. Taste and adjust to your level of desired sweetness AFTER cooking so you don’t add any more than needed.
    • If you have a good quality blender, there’s no need to peel the apples. They will puree smoothly and add additional fiber and flavour.

    More spreads you’ll love

    • Oil Free Pesto – Three Ways [Nut Free Too!]
    • How To Make Homemade Tomato Sauce
    • Healthy Blueberry Chia Jam – No Pectin!
    • Homemade Peanut Butter – Vitamix

    If you tried this recipe, please let me know about it in the comments below. I always love hearing from you! Don’t forget to Subscribe to This Healthy Kitchen to be among the first to get my new recipes! You can also FOLLOW ME on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter to see more delicious food and get all the latest updates.

    Buon appetito

    Rosa

    📖 Recipe

    Jar of apple butter with spoonful held up above it and apples in the background.

    Instant Pot Apple Butter [No Peeling]

    Thick, sweet and delicious Instant Pot apple butter, without any peeling and with no added sugar required!
    5 from 16 votes
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate Recipe Add to Collection Go to Collections
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 1 hour
    Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
    Course: Breakfast, How To, Snack
    Cuisine: American, Canadian
    Servings: 6 Cups
    Calories: 26kcal
    Author: Rosa

    Equipment

    Image of Instant Pot pressure cooker on white background.
    Pressure Cooker

    Ingredients

    • 5 pounds apples I like Fuji (approx. 10-12 large apples)
    • â…“ cup apple cider vinegar
    • 1 tablespoon pure vanilla extract
    • 1 tablespoon cinnamon
    • ¼ teaspoon nutmeg
    • â…› teaspoon sea salt

    Optional

    • 2-4 tablespoons fancy molasses
    • 2-4 tablespoons maple syrup
    US Customary – Metric
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Add the apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla and salt to your Instant Pot and whisk together.
    • Remove any stickers from your apples, wash them well and cut into quarters. Remove the core and discard. No need to peel the apples. Place them inside your Instant Pot, close the lid and set the valve in the sealing position.
    • Set the pot to high pressure for 5 minutes. (It will take about 10-15 minutes to build pressure.) Once the timer completes, allow the pot to naturally release for 20 minutes and then quick release any remaining steam and remove the lid once safe to do so.
    • Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer, in batches to a stand blender) to puree your apples. Once completely smooth, taste for sweetness and add some maple syrup and/or molasses, if needed, to your taste.

    Choose ONE Method: Slow Cook OR Saute

    • SLOW COOK: Set to slow cook on HIGH. Select slow cook, adjust and then HIGH. Place a glass lid on top with a vent (the IP lid, or another lid that fits) and cook for 2-3 hours until desired thickness is reached, stirring occasionally.
    • SAUTE: Set to the sauté function on LOW. Select sauté, adjust, and then then LOW. Cook your apple butter for 30 minutes, using a splatter guard, and whisk often. Use EXTREME CAUTION as it will bubble and may cause burns.

    Storage

    • Turn off the pot and let cool slightly. Then transfer to clean and dry jars to can, freeze, or give away. (See above for canning directions.)

    Notes

    The level of sweetness will depend on the apples you’re using. Use sweet apples for naturally sweet apple butter, and to avoid adding sugar. I like Fuji apples for this. 
    If using tart apples, or a mixture of varieties, you may want to add some sweetener once cooked. Taste and adjust to your level of desired sweetness AFTER cooking so you don’t add any more than needed.
    If you have a good quality blender, there’s no need to peel the apples. They will puree smoothly and add additional fiber and flavour.
    See above for images and how to tell when your apple butter is ready/thick enough.
    The recipe makes approx. 6 cups of apple butter and the nutritional information serving size represents 2 tablespoons worth.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2Tablespoons | Calories: 26kcal | Carbohydrates: 7g | Protein: 1g | Sodium: 7mg | Potassium: 53mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 26IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 1mg
    DID YOU TRY THIS RECIPE?Mention @this.healthy.kitchen on IG and tag #thishealthykitchen!
    *Nutritional information is an estimate, calculated using online tools and does not include optional ingredients unless otherwise indicated.
    2.0K shares

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    Comments

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    1. Jean

      October 23, 2022 at 1:29 pm

      5 stars
      This was delicious. We are trying to eat less and less processed anything but don’t have a lot of time to devote to a lot of recipes. This couldn’t have been easier or more delicious. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 24, 2022 at 10:22 am

        You’re welcome Jean! So glad you enjoyed our Instant Pot apple butter! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Melanie

      October 19, 2022 at 10:45 am

      For the Slow Cook, are you still using the IP and have had success??
      I’ve not tried Slow Cook in mind, but I’ve read mixed results because the unit Only heats from the bottom?!?!?
      I would think that on Saute, even on Low, the apple mash would scorch untless your standing over it Constantly stirring…

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 19, 2022 at 11:17 am

        Yes I used the IP slow cook function with success. You do have to stir more often compared to a regular slow cooker, and make sure to set it on low, but it worked well for me. 🙂

        Reply
        • Melanie

          October 19, 2022 at 12:08 pm

          5 stars
          Thanks so much for replying!
          I read a lot of recipes and often leave comments and Rarely get a reply so I really appreciate you’re effort in doing so!!
          I’ll definitely be trying this!!

          ~~~Happy Fall~~~

          Reply
          • Rosa

            October 19, 2022 at 4:04 pm

            My pleasure Melanie. Enjoy. 🙂

            Reply
    3. mjb

      October 19, 2022 at 10:26 am

      5 stars
      I made this last fall and it was my first instant pot recipe ever. It worked like a charm! I used a combination of Macs and Cortlands with no added sugar, and my family loved it. I canned a batch, gave some away for presents, and also held onto some which I use in vegan cooking as a fat substitute. Totally yummy, and the spice proportions are perfect!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        October 19, 2022 at 11:17 am

        Fantastic! Thrilled to hear that. Thanks so much for the review. 🙂

        Reply
    4. Hailey

      February 03, 2022 at 10:13 pm

      For your slow cook method can it be placed in a crock pot with the same cooking directions?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        February 04, 2022 at 8:23 am

        Hi Hailey, do you mean for the first step of cooking to soften the apples before blending? If you’re trying to make this start to finish in the crockpot, you can, but it will take much longer. I didn’t try it that way, so I don’t know how many hours you’ll need.

        Reply
    5. Chrissy G

      November 24, 2021 at 9:54 am

      5 stars
      I made this last night and it is absolutely amazing. Thank you!

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 24, 2021 at 12:17 pm

        You’re welcome Chrissy! Thrilled you enjoyed it. 🙂

        Reply
    6. Thelma

      November 15, 2021 at 12:17 am

      Can I make it on stove top or slow cooker? I don’t have
      IP

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 15, 2021 at 8:59 am

        Hi Thelma, yes you can. It’ll take longer to cook down the apples, but absolutely. Enjoy.

        Reply
    7. Cindy

      November 13, 2021 at 11:04 pm

      What is the best way to freeze this? How long will it keep in the freezer and will it change the color or consistency?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 14, 2021 at 8:36 am

        Hi Cindy, I freeze mine in small jars that hold about 1 cup worth. I’ve kept mine frozen for up to 3 months so far, with no noticeable change in colour or consistency. Enjoy!

        Reply
    8. Elisabeth

      November 13, 2021 at 3:49 pm

      Have you tried canning them in the instant pot?

      Reply
      • Rosa

        November 13, 2021 at 7:16 pm

        No, I haven’t. I imagine it would be similar to the method I’ve outlined in the post using a stock pot, but I haven’t specifically tried in the Instant Pot.

        Reply

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