Instant Pot Apple Butter

Best Apples for Apple Butter

The type of apple you use can change the flavor of your apple butter.

I like using a combination of sweet and tart apples. This gives the finished apple butter a more balanced flavor.

Good apples for apple butter include Honeycrisp, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, Braeburn and McIntosh.

Sweet apples such as Honeycrisp, Gala, and Fuji give you natural sweetness. Tart apples such as Granny Smith add brightness.

My favorite combination is Honeycrisp and Granny Smith. You can also use whatever apples you already have. Apple butter is very forgiving, and mixing varieties can create a more interesting flavor.

Slightly soft or imperfect apples work well too. Just cut away bruised or damaged portions.

Ingredients You Need

You only need a few simple ingredients for this easy apple butter recipe. Use fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla, and a little apple cider vinegar. I also like adding a small amount of nutmeg and cloves for extra warmth.

The apple cider vinegar is not meant to make the apple butter sour. It adds just enough acidity to balance the sweetness and brighten the apple flavor.

How to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples. Add them to the Instant Pot with brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and apple cider vinegar.

Add a cup of water or apple juice to prevent scorching and help the pot come to pressure.

Seal the lid and cook on high pressure for 10 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for a few minutes, then carefully release the remaining pressure.

Use an immersion blender to puree everything until completely smooth. If you prefer rustic apple butter, leave it slightly chunky.

Use the Sauté function with the lid off and cook the apple mixture until it becomes thick and spreadable. Stir often so it does not stick to the bottom.

The apple butter will continue to thicken as it cools. Let it cool completely before using and storing.

Apple Butter Makes a Great Homemade Gift

I especially love making apple butter during apple season because it is easy to turn into a homemade edible gift.

Spoon cooled apple butter into clean jars. Add a simple label and a ribbon. It makes a beautiful fall hostess gift, Thanksgiving gift, or holiday food gift.

For food safety, store homemade apple butter according to tested preservation guidelines rather than assuming a sealed jar is shelf-stable.

What are the best apples for Instant Pot apple butter?

Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, Fuji, Pink Lady, and Golden Delicious all work well. A combination of sweet and tart apples gives the apple butter a balanced flavor.

How do I thicken apple butter in the Instant Pot?

After pressure cooking and blending the apples, use the Sauté function with the lid off. Cook until excess liquid evaporates and the apple butter becomes thick and spreadable. It will thicken even more as it cools.

How long does homemade apple butter last?

Store homemade apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers, leaving room for expansion.

What is the difference between Apple Butter and Apple Sauce?

The main difference is the cooking time and thickness that differentiates apple sauce from apple butter. While making apple butter, apples are cooked down to a buttery texture so it's thicker. Apple sauce on the other hand, is mushy with more watery and pulpy texture.