Instant Pot Apple Butter With Cointreau (Orange Liqueur)

Turn fresh, sweet apples into delicious homemade apple butter in a fraction of the usual time with this easy instant pot apple butter recipe.

Use this sweet and velvety spread on warm biscuits, to elevate your breakfast or desserts, as a side dish, in baked goods, or simply as a condiment.

It's deep, warm flavors are finger-licking good!

My family loves this smooth apple butter and uses it on almost anything. We even eat it straight off the spoon.

And it's the best recipe to use pounds of apples during apple season.

This delicious spread has a deep flavor due to the addition of Cointreau—an orange liqueur—and an irresistible aroma of warm spices. 

Much like Rhubarb Compote or Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce, this Instant Pot Apple Butter is perfect for slathering on toast, drizzling over oat pancakes or waffles, as a condiment on a charcuterie board, or even pairing with savory meat dishes like pulled pork or slow cooker ribs.

It's just a versatile, flavorful spread you want to have. And now, with this instant pot recipe, you can enjoy this silky apple butter in a fraction of the time than the slow cooker version.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy: This Instant Pot Apple Butter recipe gives you jars of apple spread in much less time than slow-cooking it and is a fuss-free way to enjoy homemade apple butter.
• Versatile Delight: This apple butter isn't just your regular spread (although it's fantastic for that!). It's a versatile condiment that can flavor many sweet and savory dishes. Try it as a glaze for roasted vegetables or complementing a roasted chicken.
• Homemade Goodness: There's something deeply satisfying about making your own spread, and you have complete control over the ingredients and level of sweetness.
• A great gift: It's a beautiful fall or holiday gift for a friend or family member.

Ingredients

See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.

You only need a handful of ingredients to make this instant pot apple butter. Here's what should be on your grocery list:

• Apples: Fresh apples provide the naturally sweet and slightly tart base for this apple butter. Use a mix of apple varieties that are sweet in flavor with a hinge of tanginess. Try to go for organic apples if you can.
• Cointreau: This delightful orange liqueur adds a sophisticated citrusy note, elevating the apple butter's complexity and depth.
• Coconut Sugar: It adds a subtle caramel-like sweetness to the mix.
• Molasses: It adds a deep, earthy sweetness and a touch of bitterness that balances the flavors perfectly. We have plenty of recipes to use up leftovers, like our instant pot beef stew recipe or apple-bacon giant buckwheat pancake.
• Cinnamon Powder: Warm and comforting, this spice adds a cozy aroma and taste.
• Pinch of Salt: Just a touch of salt enhances the overall flavor.
• Butter: A pat of butter contributes to the apple butter's aromatic flavor.
• Ground Cloves: It lends a sweet and gentle spiciness to the mix.
• Allspice: Adds complexity and depth, creating layers of flavor that make this apple butter truly special.
• Ground Ginger: It provides a subtle kick of warmth and a hint of zing.

How To Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

See the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card.

Creating your own Instant Pot Apple Butter is easy. Let's make it!

Step One (Picture 1 above) - Wash apple peels, core, and slice your apples. 

Step Two (Picture 2 above) - Melt the butter In your Instant Pot using the sauté function. 

Step Three (Picture 3 above) - With a wooden spoon, stir in the apples, coconut sugar, molasses, spices, and a pinch of salt until well combined with the butter. Turn off the sauté button and pour over the Cointreau. Give it a good stir. 

Step Four (Picture 4 above) - Put the lid on the Instant Pot, choose "Pressure Cook," and cook apples until soft and fragrant. The high pressure in the Instant Pot accelerates the cooking process, infusing the apples with rich spices and liqueur.

Step Five (Picture 5 above) - Use an immersion or regular blender to puree the mixture until it's silky smooth. Be cautious, as it will be hot! Use the sauté function again to simmer and thicken the apple butter, stirring occasionally until you get the desired consistency. Let it cool.

Step Six (Picture 6 above) - Store the apple mixture in mason jars or airtight containers. Seal them and refrigerate them for ultimate freshness. 

Helpful Tips & Notes

• It is best to use a splatter guard when sauteing the pureed apple butter to obtain a thicker consistency. Or use a large lid from another pot to cover as it tends to splatter a bit.
• Stir occasionally until you obtain the desired thickness to avoid burning. 
• It's worth noting that the flavors tend to intensify after a day or two, so exercise patience for a more robust taste.

Variations

This Instant Pot Apple Butter can take on different shades and flavors to suit your preferences:

• Apple Variety: Experiment with various apple types, from Granny Smith's tartness to Honeycrisp's sweetness, to create a unique apple butter profile each time you make it.
• Sweetness Level: If you prefer less sweet apple butter, reduce the amount of coconut sugar or molasses.
• Citrus Twist: Instead of Cointreau, experiment with other citrus liqueurs or fresh citrus zest for a bright, zesty note. Or omit and add apple juice or cider for a lighter taste. 
• Vegan Delight: Make your apple butter entirely plant-based using coconut butter or omitting butter altogether.
• Thicker: Adjust the thickness of your apple butter by simmering it longer to thicken.
• Sugar Alternatives: Swap coconut sugar for other sweeteners like brown sugar or Monk fruit to cater to dietary needs or taste preferences.