Instant Pot Apple Butter is the ultimate fall spread! It’s easy to make and a great way to use up extra apples. It’s incredibly rich in flavor and makes for a great dip or spread!

apple butter in a mason jar in front of an instant pot

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This weekend my family and I spent the day at Aamodt Apple Farm in Stillwater and had so much fun! Little A loved meeting the goats, playing on the playground and trying apple cider donuts for the first time (and my husband and I loved trying out all the fun ciders).

We got to explore the orchards and picked so many apples! My toddler had so much fun seeing how the apples we eat are grown and getting to pull them off of the trees.

When we got home, we decided to make one of our favorite fall spread – apple butter! Apple butter is similar to apple sauce, but is a thicker and perfect for a spread or dip. It’s rich in flavor and has the perfect cinnamon taste that’s

What is Apple Butter?

Apple Butter is an incredibly delicious treat that can be eaten on its own or as a spread. It’s thicker than apple sauce and is a darker, caramel color compared to applesauce.

Is there Butter in Apple Butter?

Despite the name there is no butter in Apple Butter. The name comes from the texture of the spread as it’s a little more thick than regular applesauce

Is Apple Butter Vegan?

Yes! Apple butter is a plant based recipe that (despite it’s name) doesn’t have any butter in it.

What is the difference between apple sauce and apple butter?

Apple butter is richer in consistence and is good to use as a spread. It does take a little longer to make it that consistency, but it ends up being more rich in flavor and darker caramel than apple sauce.

Ingredients

3 lbs of apples (any variety)
2 tbsp brown sugar or coconut palm sugar
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice
1/4 cup water

How to Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

Wash and clean the apples and cut into four chunks. Discard the cores.
Place the apple chunks, brown sugar, pumpkin pie spice and water into the Instant Pot and seal the pot.
Set the Instant Pot or pressure cooker to MANUAL (high pressure) for 15 minutes (it will take 10-15 minutes to come to pressure)
When finished cooking, allow Instant Pot to naturally release for 15 minutes. After 15 minutes remove remaining steam.
Using an immersion blender, blend together the mixture until all the apple chunks are smoothed and everything is combined. (If you don’t have an immersion blender you can wait for the apple butter to cool down and then place into a regular blender)
Push the SAUTE button the Instant Pot and continue to cook the Apple Butter until the sauce has thickened up, about 10-15 minutes. Make sure to stir frequently to avoid burning!
Allow apple butter to cool and then spoon into containers (I like to use mason jars). Apple Butter will last for up to 5 days in the refrigerator.

How to Store Leftovers

I like to store leftover Apple Butter in these mason jars and labels in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

To freeze, put into a freezer bag and squeeze out extra air. Store in the freezer for up to 6 months and to defrost just take out 24 hours before using.

How to Use Apple Butter

Apple Butter is a perfect spread or can be eaten on it’s own! It’s tasty on top of toast, pancakes, or waffles – or just on its own as my daughter prefers! This is also a great homemade gift for the holidays

Recipe Tips and Variations

If you don’t have pumpkin pie spice on hand, you can swap it out for cinnamon and nutmeg. I would do 1/4 tsp nutmeg, 1/4 tsp all spice, 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon.
This recipe works with any type of apple. Granny smith apples will make it a little more tart while golden delicious will be more sweet.

More Healthy Instant Pot Recipes

Instant Pot Pumpkin Bites

Cauliflower Tikka Masala

Skinny Instant Pot Churro Bites

Bacon and Cheese Egg Bites (Starbucks Copycat!)

Instant Pot Pulled Pork