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    Home » Recipes » Jams and Spreads

    Published: Sep 19, 2023 by Mariska Ramondino · This post may contain affiliate links

    Instant Pot Apple Butter With Cointreau (Orange Liqueur)

    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe
    Apple butter stored in glass jars.

    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!

    Apple butter stored in glass jars.

    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.

    Jump to:
    • Why You'll Love This Recipe
    • Ingredients
    • How To Make Instant Pot Apple Butter
    • Helpful Tips & Notes
    • Variations
    • Recipe FAQs
    • More Apple Recipes You Might Like
    • 📖 Recipe

    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, coconut sugar, Cointreau, molasses, butter, and spices to make apple butter displayed on a table.
    • 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!

    A series of initial steps showing how to make apple butter in an instant pot.

    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. 

    A series of steps showing how to make apple butter in an instant pot.

    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.
    Thick apple butter stored in a glass jar.

    Recipe FAQs

    What is apple butter?

    Apple butter is a rich, concentrated variant of apple sauce.

    Apples are usually slow-cooked on the stove or in a slow cooker alongside apple juice or water and warm spices until the natural sugars in the apples caramelize.

    The mixture is then pureed or blended into a deep brown silky spread. 

    Does apple butter have actual butter in it?

    No. There is usually no butter in apple butter.

    But my homemade instant pot apple butter recipe does use some melted butter to create an extra layer of deep, rich flavors.

    If you want to keep it vegan or dairy-free, use coconut butter instead.

    How is apple butter stored?

    Store it in Mason jars or airtight containers in the fridge for up to two weeks.

    Or freeze for longer, stored in freezer-save containers (up to 6 months). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

    More Apple Recipes You Might Like

    • A large spoon resting on a plate with ice cream melted on baked apple crumble.
      Best Healthy Apple Crumble Recipe (Paleo, Vegan, Gluten-free)
    • Jars filled with rhubarb compote.
      Simple Rhubarb Compote Recipe (+ 3 Easy Variations)
    • A pie-like piece of a large apple bacon pancake cut out and served on a small plate with a fork on the side.
      Apple-Bacon Pancake with Buckwheat Flour
    • A small white plate filled with oatmeal stuffed baked apple and topped with raisins, nuts and syrup.
      Baked Stuffed Apples with Belgian Raspberry Beer

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    Here you have it, a smooth, rich instant pot apple butter recipe that goes with just about anything and my favorite way to use up a mix of apples.

    📖 Recipe

    Apple butter stored in glass jars.

    Instant Pot Apple Butter With Cointreau (Orange Liqueur)

    Mariska Ramondino
    This deliciously spiced Instant Pot Apple Butter is a fall favorite. This recipe requires no peeling and minimal chopping. Enjoy as a dessert, or serve on toast, stirred in yogurts, oatmeal, or chia seed pudding, or enjoy as a topping with more savory dishes. It's just finger-licking good!
    5 from 1 vote
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe Rate this Recipe
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 30 minutes mins
    Total Time 40 minutes mins
    Course Jams and Spreads
    Cuisine American

    Equipment

    • 1 Instant Pot
    Servings 28 Servings or 3.5 cups total

    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

    Instructions
     

    • Core apples and slice into eights—set aside.
      3 ½ pounds medium-sized mixed apples (about 1.5 kg)
    • 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.
    • 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-save containers (up to 6 months). Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.
      • 28 servings converts 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)

    Calories: 79kcal (4%)Carbohydrates: 15g (5%)Protein: 0.2gFat: 2g (3%)Saturated Fat: 1g (6%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1gMonounsaturated Fat: 0.4gTrans Fat: 0.1gCholesterol: 4mg (1%)Sodium: 17mg (1%)Potassium: 123mg (4%)Fiber: 1g (4%)Sugar: 13g (14%)Vitamin A: 82IU (2%)Vitamin C: 3mg (4%)Calcium: 14mg (1%)Iron: 0.3mg (2%)

    Disclaimer: This nutritional data is calculated using third party tools and is only intended as a reference.

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