This Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe is an easy version of the autumn classic. You’ll be enjoying this sweet, spiced, and slightly caramelized apple spread in no time with this pressure cooker recipe. 

This recipe makes forty servings for approximately $0.26 per serving. Therefore, the total cost for the entire recipe is about $10.30. 

For more apple-inspired dishes to enjoy this Fall, check out my Fried Apples – Cracker Barrel Copycat, Cream Cheese Caramel Apple Dip, and Old Fashioned Apple Crisp

The finished Instant Pot Apple Butter spread on toast.

Growing up on the East Coast, we lived next to an Apple Orchard, and we had a plethora of apples at our disposal to make all things apple. Apple Butter is one of those things I like to make when I have extra apples. 

I love making this Apple Butter in the Instant Pot because it takes a lot less time than making it on the stovetop or in a crockpot. Yet, it tastes like it has been simmering on the stove all day. 

If you are wondering what Apple Butter tastes like, it is like spiced applesauce that has been cooked down to a caramelized sweet spread that is perfect for toast, pancakes, waffles, biscuits, and rolls. 

The finished Apple Butter that was made in an Instant Pot in a Mason jar.

Ingredients & Estimated Cost

Per Serving Cost: $0.26

Recipe Cost: $10.30

  • 5 pounds apples – $8.32
  • ½ cup light brown sugar – $0.22
  • ⅓ cup granulated sugar – $0.06
  • ¼ cup water – $0.00
  • 1 Tablespoon lemon juice – $0.04
  • 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon – $0.10
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract – $1.36
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg – $0.16
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves – $0.03
  • ¼ teaspoon salt – $0.01

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

An overhead picture of all of the ingredients needed to make this recipe.

How to Make Apple Butter

  1. First, pare, core, and cut the apples into large pieces. Then set the apples into the Instant Pot. 
  2. Next, stir in the remaining ingredients, ensuring the apples are well coated. 
  3. Then, put the Instant Pot lid on and set to manual pressure cook for ten minutes. 
  4. When the timer goes off, allow the Instant Pot to release naturally for fifteen minutes before removing the lid. 
  5. Next, use an immersion blender to blend the apples to make a smooth texture. 
  6. Push the saute button on the Instant Pot and stir the apple butter consistently for twenty to thirty minutes while it thickens. 
  7. Finally, allow the apple butter to cool before serving.

***For complete recipe instructions, see the recipe card below.

A picture collage showing how to make this recipe.

Recipe Variations

  • The apple butter will thicken as you saute it. If it is still not to your preferred consistency, you can add ½ tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up. It will also thicken up in the refrigerator.
  • You do not have to pare the apples. If you want to reduce prep time, you can leave the skins on.

Storage Tips

SERVE: Serve with toast, biscuits, or your favorite baked goods.

STORE: Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

FREEZE: Once cooled, place the butter in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to three months.

THAW: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator or at room temperature for 3-4 hours.

Recipe FAQs

What is apple butter used for?

Apple Butter is like a jam used as a spread for toast, biscuits, rolls, pancakes, or waffles. Some people enjoy adding it to their oatmeal and in other desserts. You can also put the Apple Butter into jars for gifting to others.

What is apple butter made of?

It’s made with classic Fall spices such as nutmeg, cloves, and cinnamon. But, of course, the main ingredient is apples which are pared, coreIt’snd cooked down to create a creamy texture for spreading onto different types of bread.

Which apples are best for apple butter?

A softer apple is what I have found works best for this recipe. You can do a mixture of apples or all the same kind. My favorite varieties include Fuji, Golden Delicious, Mcintosh, and Gala.

The finished Instant Pot Apple Butter spread on some toast.

More Side Dishes

A close up picture of the finished apple butter in a Mason jar.
5 from 5 votes

Instant Pot Apple Butter

Recipe Cost $ $10.30
Serving Cost $ $0.26
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 20 minutes
40 servings
This Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe is an easy version of the autumn classic. You’ll be enjoying this sweet, spiced, and slightly caramelized apple spread in no time with this pressure cooker recipe.

Equipment

  • Instant Pot
  • measuring cups and spoons
  • liquid measuring cup
  • cutting board
  • chef's knife
  • immersion blender

Ingredients
 
 

  • 5 pounds apples
  • ½ cup light brown sugar
  • cup granulated sugar
  • ¼ cup water
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 2 teaspoons vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ¼ teaspoon salt

Instructions

PREP APPLES:

  • Pare, core, and cut the apples into large pieces.

PRESSURE COOK:

  • Place the apples into the instant pot.
  • Add the rest of the ingredients and stir gently to coat the apples.
  • Cover the instant pot and ensure the pressure valve is sealed.
  • Cook on manual pressure for 10 minutes.
  • Once the timer goes off, let the pressure naturally release for 15 minutes, and then flip the pressure valve to do a quick release to release the rest of the pressure.

TO FINISH:

  • Using an immersion blender, blend the apples to make a smooth consistency.
  • Turn on the saute function of the instant pot (to the lower heat/“ – ” option) and saute for 20-30 minutes to thicken the apple butter. Make sure to stir constantly to make sure it does not burn.
  • Once it has thickened, allow the apple butter to cool. It will continue to thicken.

Notes

  • The apple butter will thicken as you saute it. If it is still not to your preferred consistency, you can add ½ tablespoon of cornstarch to thicken it up. It will also thicken up in the refrigerator.
  • You do not have to pare the apples. If you want to cut down on prep time, you can leave the skins on.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ounce | Calories: 48kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 0.2g | Fat: 0.1g | Saturated Fat: 0.02g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.03g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.01g | Sodium: 16mg | Potassium: 66mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 31IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 8mg | Iron: 0.1mg

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Recipe Rating




5 Comments

  1. Claudia Lamascolo says:

    My family just loved this spread on my apple muffin s its so flavorful and perfect for fall thanks!

  2. Sara Welch says:

    This was such a smooth and savory recipe; enjoyed it on some toast, and it does not disappoint! Easily, a new favorite recipe!

  3. I’ve been wanting to make some apple butter! And now I can in my Instant Pot. This recipe looks so easy to follow and it looks so yummy.

  4. yummy Instant Pot Apple Butter!! it is so easy to make and I really like it on everything!! ice cream especially!

  5. We made this over the weekend after apple picking and omg was it delicious! Thanks so much for sharing the recipe!