This easy Instant Pot apple butter recipe turns fresh, sweet apples into delicious homemade apple butter in a fraction of the usual time.
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. Its deep, warm flavors are finger-licking good!
My family loves this smooth, creamy apple butter—we use it on almost everything. It’s also one of the best ways to use up a big batch of apples during apple season.
This delicious spread is full of deep fall flavors, thanks to warm spices and a splash of Cointreau (an orange liqueur) that adds a subtle citrusy aroma—don’t worry, there’s no alcohol taste. And if you’d rather skip the liqueur, I’ve got you covered with easy substitutions.
It's an incredibly versatile spread, like my Rhubarb Compote or Mandarin Orange Cranberry Sauce. Use it on toast, drizzle it over Oat Pancakes, add it to a Waffle Board, serve it as a condiment on a Charcuterie Board, or pair it with savory dishes like pulled pork or Slow Cooker Ribs.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: It comes together in a fraction of the time compared to traditional slow cooking, offering a fuss-free way to enjoy rich, homemade apple goodness.
- Versatile Delight: This isn’t just a spread (though it’s heavenly on toast!). Use it as a glaze for roasted vegetables, a flavor boost for savory dishes like this Cast Iron Brie Stuffed Roasted Chicken, or swirl it on yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods.
- Homemade Goodness: There’s something incredibly rewarding about making your own spread. You control the ingredients and sweetness—no unnecessary additives, just smooth apple butter.
- Perfect Gift: Tuck it into a jar, tie it with twine, and you’ve got the coziest little homemade gift—perfect for fall gatherings, holiday baskets, or just surprising someone you love.
Ingredients & Notes
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
You only need a handful of simple ingredients to make this instant pot applesauce. Here's what you need from the grocery store:
- Apples: Fresh apples provide the naturally sweet and slightly tart base for this delicious apple butter. Use a variety of apples that are sweet in flavor with a hint of tanginess. Try to go for organic apples if you can. Get some Golden Delicious too to make my Rhubarb Apple Compote.
- Cointreau (Optional): 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, which works well with apples' natural sugars.
- Molasses: It adds a deep, earthy sweetness and a hint of bitterness that perfectly balances the flavors. I have plenty of recipes to use leftovers, like my Instant Pot Beef Stew or Apple Skillet 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 Apple Butter In An Instant Pot
See the full recipe with measurements in the recipe card.
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 setting.
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 or apple juice. 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 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 at room temperature.
Step Six (Picture 6 above) - Store the apple sauce in mason jars or airtight containers. Seal them and refrigerate them for ultimate freshness.
Top Tips
- Avoid Splatter: It is best to use a splatter guard when sautéing the pureed apple butter to achieve a thicker consistency. Alternatively, use a large lid from another pot to cover, as it tends to splatter a bit.
- Avoid Burning: Stir occasionally until you obtain the desired thickness to avoid burning.
- For Best Flavor: It's worth noting that the flavors tend to intensify after a day or two, so exercise patience for a more robust taste.
More Apple Recipes You Might Like
Here you have it, a smooth, rich instant pot apple butter recipe that goes with almost anything, and my favorite way to use up pounds of apples.
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📖 Recipe
Warm Spiced Instant Pot Apple Butter
Mariska RamondinoEquipment
- 1 knife and cutting board
- mason jars or airtight container for storage
Ingredients
- 3 ½ pounds medium-sized mixed apples (about 1.5 kg) About 9 to 10 apples
- ¼ cup butter 55 grams
- ⅓ cup coconut sugar 50 grams
- ⅓ cup molasses 105 grams
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder
- ½ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger
- ½ teaspoon allspice
- 1 pinch of salt
- ½ cup Cointreau (orange liqueur) 100 ml (optional)
Instructions
- Core apples and slice into eights—set aside.3 ½ pounds medium-sized mixed apples
- Press the "Sauté" button on the instant pot. Add the butter and sauté until butter is melted.¼ cup butter
- Stir in the apples, coconut sugar, molasses, and all the spices as well as the pinch of salt until well combined with the butter.⅓ cup coconut sugar, ⅓ cup molasses, 1 teaspoon cinnamon powder, ½ teaspoon ground cloves, ½ teaspoon ground ginger, ½ teaspoon allspice, 1 pinch of salt
- Turn off the "Sauté" button and pour over the Cointreau. Give it a good stir.½ cup Cointreau (orange liqueur)
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot, set the vent to sealing, then press "Pressure Cook" (make sure it's on high pressure). Adjust the time to 20 minutes and make sure the "keep warm" button is off.
- It will take about 10 minutes to build up pressure before the 20 minutes time starts. When the timer is finished, turn the dial to the VENT position and let the steam release. Remove lid.
- Blend the apple mixture with an immersion or regular blender until smooth. Be very careful since it will be quite hot!
- Press the "Sauté" button and sauté for an additional 5 minutes on "Normal" to thicken the apple butter. Make sure you stir occasionally so it does not burn.
- I usually use a large lid from another pot to cover as it tends to splatter a bit. If you like your apple butter to be thicker than mine, then continue to sauté until you have the desired thickness.
- Turn off the instant pot.
- Spoon into jars, let it cool, and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Notes
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.
- Store it in Mason jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to two weeks. Or freeze for longer, stored in freezer-safe containers (up to 6 months). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
- 28 servings convert to 2 tablespoons per person.
Variations
- 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, or opt for other sweeteners like maple syrup.
- 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. Although I highly recommend adding it as a base because it creates a richer flavor.
- 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.
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Nutrition (% Daily value)
Disclaimer: This nutritional data is calculated using third party tools and is only intended as a reference.
Mariska Ramondino says
The orange liqueur adds deliciously complex flavors to the apple butter, and the alcohol will completely evaporate during the cooking process. However, if preferred, you can omit it.
Mariska Ramondino says
Although the addition of Cointreau (orange liqueur) is not necessary, it does add a more in-depth flavor, and the alcohol will completely cook away. Enjoy!