Healthy Instant Pot Apple Butter

This delicious, simple, and healthy fibre-rich instant pot apple butter is made with just a few simple ingredients. It’s gluten free, refined sugar free dairy free, and vegan!

Let’s Make Apple Butter In An Instant Pot

 

There’s nothing like homemade apple butter. It’s sweet, slightly tart, perfectly spiced with cinnamon, and spreadable. 

In the fall and winter months this homemade instant pot apple butter makes the perfect accompaniment to so many dishes. It can be added to sweet dishes or even savoury dishes as a topping or even used like a “chutney” on baked chicken or turkey.  

What is Apple Butter?

 

Apple butter, in comparison to applesauce, is a thicker, more concentrated  “spreadable” version of apple sauce made primarily from apples, spices like cinnamon and nutmeg, and sometimes added sugar. 

It is cooked down to create a silky, thick consistency that is enjoyed with a spoon but also is often added to dishes like oatmeal, spreading on toast, it can be used in desserts like muffins, or can be added to sauces or to savoury meals as a garnish. 

Apple Butter Nutrition

 

Much like applesauce, apple butter but can sometimes contain added refined sugar, depending on the recipe. When made healthier, like my version, it is free of refined sugar, packed with nutrients, and is a great addition to many meals. 

Here’s what it contains:

• Fibre 
• Vitamin C
• Calcium and potassium 

Instant Pot Apple Butter Ingredients

 

When it comes to ingredients, you need only a small amount. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious, warm, and perfectly spiced apple butter. When it comes to spices, the sky’s the limit, but I love to keep it simple so I’ll share what I used, and you can change it up if you like!

• Apples (fuji, gala, golden delicious, or braeburn apples are great)
• Cinnamon 
• Nutmeg
• Pure maple syrup (or coconut palm sugar)
• Lemon
• Water

 

You can also add in other spices like ginger, cloves, cardamom, or pumpkin pie spice mix, and when it comes to sweetener you can use brown sugar as well but it is a refined sugar so the pure maple syrup or coconut palm sugar are healthier options. 

How To Make Instant Pot Apple Butter

 

To make the perfect, silky apple butter  in your IP you need to follow a few simple steps! Here’s what you’ll do:

 

1. CORE and DICE the apples (do not peel) and add them to a large bowl and MIX with the water, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, and maple syrup. TOSS to combine. 

2.  ADD apple mixture to the instant pot and set on “MANUAL” (or “PRESSURE COOK”) at “HIGH” heat and “NORMAL” amount settings for 20 MINUTES. 

3. Close the lid of the instant pot and toggle the top valve to SEAL.

4. The instant pot will automatically start to pressurize and then the cooking time will begin.

5. Once the cooking time is done, allow the instant pot to naturally release for 15 MINUTES, then using a knife or long spoon toggle the valve to VENTING to release any more steam.  

6. REMOVE LID, then using an immersion blender, blend the apples until smooth (or CAREFULLY (it will be hot!) transfer to a blender and blend until smooth). 

7. If using a blender add the apple butter mixture back to the instant pot and set to the “SAUTE” setting, temperature “LESS” and cook COVERED with a glass lid, STIR every couple of minutes or so, until the apple butter has thickened to your desired consistency, about 35-40 MINUTES. 

8. TRANSFER the apple butter to glass jars or tupperware and let cool. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or the freezer for up to 2 months. 

 

***You can use ANY glass pot lid you have that will cover the instant pot (it doesn’t have to be a perfect fit), or you can buy the Instant Pot glass lid accessory here. (affiliate link)

Will Apple Butter thicken as it cools?

 

Yes, slightly!

While the apple butter will not thicken a lot while it cools, it will get a little thicker, so if you feel that your apple butter is a little runnier than preferred after the 40 minutes on the sauté setting, transfer to jars or Tupperware containers and let cool for an hour or two in the fridge. 

 

I hope you loved this recipe and will try this amazing version of homemade apple butter…in the Instant Pot! Be sure to pin the photo below the recipe to save this one for later!

Pin me!

 

 

More Instant Pot Recipes You’ll Love:

• Healthy Instant Pot Banana Bread
• Perfect Instant Pot Popcorn
• Instant Pot Basmati Rice | How To Make