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.