Making apple butter at home is so much easier than you think! This Instant Pot Apple Butter takes just a few hours to make, but will taste like it simmered on the stove all day long. Enjoy it on toast or package it up for a fall gift!
Place the apples in a 6-quart Instant Pot. In a medium bowl, combine sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg cloves and salt. Pour the mixture over the apples and mix well.
Turn Instant Pot to “Manual” and pressure cook on high pressure for 90 minutes. Allow to natural release for 10 minutes before releasing any remaining pressure.
Use an immersion blender to puree the apple butter until smooth.
Turn Instant Pot to “Slow Cook” and cook on high for about 2 hours, stirring occasionally, with the lid propped on about halfway to allow steam to release. (Do not latch lid.)
Stir in vanilla.
Spoon the mixture into sterile containers, cover and refrigerate for up to two weeks or freeze.
Notes
I have made this several times without adding any liquid to the Instant Pot. If your Instant Pot model is giving a burn warning, however, you can add 1/2 cup apple cider or unfiltered apple juice with the apples and spices. I find that I need to slow cook the apple butter for closer to 3 hours during the 2nd stage of cooking to get it to my desired thickness when using the extra liquid.I often use a combination of Granny Smith, Fuji and Honey Crisp apples for this recipe.How much sugar you need to add will depend upon the sweetness of your apples. Adjust according to your apples and preferences.Learn how to can apple butter if you want to store it for up to 18 months.Makes about 4 pints.