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There is something absolutely magical about homemade spreads, and this Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe is no exception. It’s a luscious, fragrant spread that captures the warm essence of apples, cinnamon, and a hint of molasses, all cooked to silky perfection in the Instant Pot. Whether you’re brushing it on toast, swirling it into yogurt, or gifting it to loved ones, this apple butter will quickly become one of your favorite kitchen creations.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the way each ingredient brings something special to the table. Each component builds layers of flavor and texture, making your apple butter taste rich, vibrant, and downright irresistible.
- 6 apples (Gala recommended): These give a perfect balance of sweetness and tartness, plus a lovely soft texture when cooked down.
- ¼ cup water (57 grams): Just enough to help the apples cook evenly without becoming watery.
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (28 grams): Adds a bright, citrusy dimension that elevates the overall flavor.
- 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses (43 grams): Provides a rich, deep sweetness and that beautiful caramel-like undertone.
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams): Introduces warmth and complexity that rounds out the spices.
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams): Enhances the natural sweetness of the apples without overpowering them.
- 1 cinnamon stick: Infuses just the right amount of cozy spice for that classic apple butter taste.
How to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Start by washing your apples well. Cut each apple into quarters and carefully remove the cores. This simple prep step ensures a smooth, peel-free apple butter that’s easy to blend later on.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Instant Pot
Place the prepared apples straight into the Instant Pot. Add the water, freshly squeezed orange juice, molasses, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and the cinnamon stick. This combination sets the stage for a perfectly balanced, aromatic spread.
Step 3: Cook Under Pressure
Secure the lid and set your Instant Pot to MANUAL mode on high pressure for 20 minutes. This time frame allows the apples to soften completely and meld with the flavors around them, making the kitchen smell incredible.
Step 4: Natural Pressure Release
When the cooking cycle finishes, give the pressure a chance to release naturally for 10 to 20 minutes. This slow release helps maintain the delicious moisture and keeps your apple mixture tender and flavorful.
Step 5: Finish Pressure Release and Open Pot
Carefully switch the valve to venting to release any remaining steam. Make sure to open the lid only when the pressure is fully released for safety and to preserve the vibrant flavors inside your pot.
Step 6: Blend to a Silky Smooth Butter
Remove the cinnamon stick and scoop the apple mixture into a blender. Blend it until perfectly smooth, then return it to the Instant Pot. This step transforms chunky apples into the luxurious, spreadable consistency apple butter is loved for.
Step 7: Thicken on Sauté Mode
Select the SAUTÉ function on low heat to thicken the mixture for about 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. Want it even thicker? Add another 10 to 15 minutes and keep stirring to get that just-right spreadable texture.
Step 8: Cool to Room Temperature
Once it’s reached your preferred thickness, turn off the Instant Pot and let your apple butter cool to room temperature. This allows the flavors to deepen further as it cools – patience here truly pays off!
Step 9: Jar It and Enjoy!
Transfer your finished apple butter to clean jars and get ready to enjoy a spoonful of pure comfort. Whether it’s for breakfast, snacks, or gifting, your homemade apple butter is now ready to shine.
How to Serve Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
Garnishes
A dusting of ground cinnamon or a few fresh apple slices on top can add an inviting touch that makes every bite extra special. A sprinkle of chopped nuts, like pecans or walnuts, can add delightful crunch and contrast to the silky butter.
Side Dishes
Apple butter pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, warm biscuits, or pancakes. It also beautifully complements creamy cheeses like brie or sharp cheddar, making it perfect for a charming brunch spread or a savory-sweet snack platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Try swirling the apple butter into oatmeal or yogurt for a deliciously fruity twist on breakfast. It can also serve as a luscious topping for ice cream or mix into muffin or cake batters for an upgrade in moisture and flavor complexity.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep your apple butter stored in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator, where it will happily last for up to two weeks. The flavors actually deepen over time, making it taste even better after a day or two.
Freezing
If you want to keep your apple butter longer, freezing is a great option. Transfer portions into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some room for expansion. It can be frozen for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
Reheat apple butter gently on the stovetop or in a microwave-safe bowl. Warm it just until it’s spreadable and cozy warm—no need to boil, as that can affect texture. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating and delicious consistency.
FAQs
Can I use other apple varieties for this recipe?
Absolutely! While Gala apples offer a lovely sweetness and softness, you can try Fuji, Honeycrisp, or Granny Smith for different flavor profiles. Just keep in mind that tarter apples may require a touch more sugar for balance.
Do I need to peel the apples before cooking?
No peeling needed! The skins break down during cooking and blending, adding fiber and natural pectin that help thicken the apple butter without a gritty texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe without an Instant Pot?
Yes, though it would take longer. You can cook the apples with the other ingredients on the stovetop over low heat, simmering until soft, then blend and reduce the mixture to thicken. The Instant Pot just speeds up the process wonderfully.
Can I adjust the sweetness or spice level?
Definitely. You can reduce or increase sugar and molasses depending on your taste, and swap out or add spices like nutmeg or cloves to customize the warmth of your apple butter.
How do I know when the apple butter is thick enough?
The thickness increases as it cools, but while sautéing, look for a consistency that coats the back of a spoon without running off quickly. If it’s too thin, simply continue to cook a bit longer while stirring often.
Final Thoughts
I truly hope you give this Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe a try and find yourself as enchanted by its rich flavor and silky texture as I am. It’s such a cozy, versatile treat that can brighten any morning or snack time. Once you make your first batch, I promise it will become a beloved staple in your kitchen, just like it has in mine.
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Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 65 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 16 servings
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Instant Pot
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe is a quick and easy way to enjoy a rich, spiced apple spread made with fresh Gala apples, molasses, and cinnamon. Perfect for toast, baking, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes, this recipe leverages the convenience of the Instant Pot to create deeply flavorful apple butter in under two hours.
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 6 Gala apples, washed, cored, and quartered
- ¼ cup water (57 grams)
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed orange juice (28 grams, from ½ orange)
- 2 tablespoons unsulphured molasses (43 grams)
- 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract (4 grams)
- 2 tablespoons granulated sugar (25 grams)
- 1 cinnamon stick
Instructions
- Prepare the apples: Wash and cut the apples into quarters, removing the core to ensure even cooking and smooth blending later.
- Combine ingredients in Instant Pot: Place the apple quarters into the Instant Pot. Add the water, orange juice, unsulphured molasses, vanilla extract, granulated sugar, and cinnamon stick for flavor.
- Pressure cook the apples: Close and secure the Instant Pot lid, setting it to the locked position. Press the MANUAL button and set the timer for 20 minutes on high pressure. Press START to begin cooking.
- Natural pressure release: Once cooking is complete, allow the pressure to release naturally for about 10 to 20 minutes to let the flavors meld and prevent splatter.
- Quick pressure release and open pot: Carefully turn the pressure release valve to the venting position to release any remaining steam. Once safe, open the Instant Pot lid.
- Blend the apple mixture: Remove the cinnamon stick. Transfer the cooked apples and liquid to a blender and blend until a smooth apple butter consistency is achieved. Return the smooth mixture to the Instant Pot.
- Thicken the apple butter: Select the SAUTE function on the Instant Pot, set to low heat. Cook uncovered for 25 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent burning, until the apple butter thickens to the desired texture. For thicker apple butter, continue cooking for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Cool the apple butter: Turn off the Instant Pot and let the apple butter cool to room temperature to prepare it for storage or immediate use.
- Store and enjoy: Pour the apple butter into clean jars or containers and enjoy it as a spread, topping, or ingredient in your favorite recipes.
Notes
- Use fresh, firm apples like Gala for the best texture and flavor.
- Adjust sweetness by varying the granulated sugar amount to taste.
- Store apple butter in airtight containers refrigerated for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- For thicker apple butter, increase the sauté time as noted in step 7.
- Be cautious during pressure release to avoid steam burns.
- You can omit the cinnamon stick for a milder flavor or substitute with ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon added before blending.
