I love the smell of apple butter cooking in the kitchen. It's like a warm hug on a cold day. No peel Instant Pot Apple Butter, a super simple and easy to follow recipe, makes a delicious spread that's perfect for toast, muffins, or even just eating by the spoonful. It is the perfect way to use all the apples you pick at the orchard or any time you want a healthy spread for your toast. Ready in less than 30 minutes, you will find that it is the perfect companion for your favorite waffles, bagels, muffins, and pancakes. So gather your apples, spices, and a slow cooker, and let's make some apple butter.
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This recipe was originally published in November 2015 and has been updated with instructions for instant pot and new pictures.
What is apple butter?
Apple butter is a rich, creamy sauce or butter made of cooked apples. The term butter is used to describe the texture. There is no actual butter in this recipe!
In order to get a creamy texture, you need to either slow cook the apples or use your pressure cooker, like the Instant Pot. These tools help ensure the apples break down and create the perfect texture.
Our homemade apple butter goes well with a piece of homemade walnut & raisin toast, muffins, or bagels. You can also spread it on your favorite bread or even as a topping on your favorite baked desserts.
Ingredients needed for Apple Butter
When you make apple butter at home, you definitely need a lot of apples! Here’s a breakdown of the ingredients you’ll want to have on hand:
- Apples - You can use your favorite variety, but softer ones, like McIntosh or Golden Delicious work best.
- Water - You could also use apple juice.
- Dash of vanilla extract
- Spices - You’ll need cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg.
- Fresh lemon juice
Tools you will need to make Apple butter
You may want to have the following kitchen tools and gadgets on hand when you make the apple butter. They will definitely make your life easier:
- Apple Slicer – This is worth every penny you spend on it! It will make your life so much easier!
- Immersion Blender – This will allow you to get the soft texture and creamy consistency.
- Instant Pot – We used our 6-quart Instant Pot.
How to make apple butter at home
Prepare the Apples
- First wash and clean the apples.
- Slice the top off the apple to create a flat surface.
- Place the apple with its flat side on the chopping board for stability.
- Using an apple corer, push it through the center of the apple until it reaches the other side.
- Pull the corer out, removing the core and seeds together.
- Now, your apples are ready for slicing. Remember, the skins add flavor, so do not peel them.
- Slice the apples with an apple slicer or sharp knife.
Cook The Apples
- Next, add the apple slices, spices, lemon juice, and water (or apple juice) to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Carefully put the lid on the Instant Pot, set the vent to sealing. And then pressure cook it for 15 minutes on high.
- When done, turn the valve to do a quick release of pressure.
- Carefully remove the lid and puree the cooked apples and spices with an immersion blender.
Blend and Saute
- You can pour the contents into a high power blender and blend it with that instead. This can get messy!
- Either way, make sure to blend it till everything is smooth and lump-free.
- Next, press the SAUTE button. You’ll need to cover with a glass lid and stir frequently. The process will take about 10 to 20 minutes to thicken the butter. Use caution as you mix the apple butter! It will splutter and splash some!
- Keep boiling the mixture until the desired consistency is achieved. To test for doneness, use a spoon to draw a line through the apple butter on the bottom of the pot. If the line holds for 5 seconds merging back together, it's ready!
- After the apple butter reaches the desired consistency, turn off the saute mode and let it cool.
- Using a spoon, carefully transfer it into jars and store in the fridge for up to 1 week. Or you can also freeze it in freezer jars or bags. Finally, you could can it.
What time of year is best to make apple butter?
Really any time of year is a good time to make it thanks to apples being available year round in most grocery stores.
But for the best flavor, we recommend picking fresh apples from the tree, a local farm stand, or your grocery store from around September to November if you live in the United States. That’s when the apples are guaranteed to be fresh and delicious!
Apple picking is definitely a popular activity during the fall. Whether it’s with family, friends or your significant other, it's easy to spend a full day at the orchard.
What kind of apples should I use?
Soft apples, like McIntosh/ Golden Delicious, work best to make homemade apple butter. This is because they break down faster than harder apples when you cook them.
If you really like harder apples, like Granny Smiths, you could use them. But you will likely need to increase the cook time to get the right consistency.
How to buy apples
When you pick out your apples, whether at the store or orchid, you should look for firm feeling apples. You should not see or feel any soft areas, bruises, dents, wrinkles, or cuts in the apple.
How to store Apple Butter
You can store apple butter several different ways, including freezing it. If you plan to use it quickly, you can place it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
You could also can the apple butter. To do this, you would need canning jars. Though they vary some, you generally place the jar in boiling water for several minutes until the jar seals. But you should follow the instructions that came with your canning jars for what they recommend or need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can freeze apple butter for up to 6 months. To do this, place the cooled butter in a freezer safe container, leaving a small amount of room at the top of the container.
To use, allow the apple butter to thaw in the fridge overnight.
You might think apple butter and applesauce are the same, but they're not. Both applesauce and apple butter are made by cooking apples with water and spices until softened. They are then both turned into a sauce like consistency with a blender or other device.
The main difference is that apple butter is cooked for a longer time so that it reduces it to a creamy, glossy butter-like spread. To illustrate, think of applesauce as a light, runny apple soup and apple butter as a thick, caramelized apple jam.
You can also preserve apple butter for a longer duration than applesauce.
If your apple butter doesn't thicken, it may be due to the type of apples you used. Some apples are juicier than others and might require extra thickening. After blending your apple butter, leave it in the instant pot on saute mode. Let it cook for another 20-30 minutes, stirring regularly. This should help improve the consistency. 
Despite its name, apple butter doesn't contain any actual butter. The term 'butter' is used to describe its creamy, spreadable texture. Think of it as a highly concentrated applesauce that's slowly cooked until it's rich and caramelized. Love jam or preserves? Apple butter falls into the same family, offering a sweet, apple-infused taste. Try spreading it on your toast for a delightful morning treat!
Apple butter's shelf life largely depends on how you store it. If you place it in an airtight container and refrigerate, it will last for about 2 weeks. You can freeze apple butter up to 6 months. Finally, properly sealing it in jars makes it good for at least 1 year.
Adding lemon juice to your apple butter recipe plays a vital role in enhancing its flavor profile. It infuses a slight tanginess, balancing the sweetness of the apples and the brown sugar. The acidity from the lemon also aids in preserving the apple butter, contributing to its shelf life. For example, when making apple butter with sweet Fuji or Gala apples, the tapered sweetness with a hint of lemon creates a more balanced, less cloying taste. Its addition takes your homemade apple butter from good to extraordinary, making it a must-include ingredient in your recipe.
How do you serve apple butter
Apple butter is a versatile spread that can elevate your meals with its sweet and slightly spiced flavor. Its uses aren't just limited to being a spread on bread or toast. Here are numerous ways you can enjoy it:
- Dollop it on top of ice cream for a tasty twist
- Blend it into your milkshakes for added richness
- Layer it on freshly baked biscuits for a comforting snack
- Smear it on croissants to aid those sweet cravings
Be sure to experiment and find your favorite way to use apple butter!
Instructions to make apple butter using a slow cooker
- Wash, peel, core, and slice these apples.
- Add your sliced apples to a slow cooker, preferably 6-quarts or larger.
- Next, add the apple slices, spices, lemon juice, and water (or apple juice) to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Stir well to coat the apple slices.
- Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on HIGH for 5 hours or on LOW for 8-10 hours.
- Once done, blend the apple mixture until smooth either in a blender or using an immersion blender.
- If desired, for a thicker consistency, cook it uncovered on LOW in the slow cooker for additional hours.
- Finally, store in sterile containers in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze for longer storage.
Love easy spreads?
Do you love easy spreads for your toast, bagels, and other baked goods? Then you should definitely check out our 3 ingredient homemade Strawberry jam and homemade pineapple jam.
Let us know what you think
After you make this delicious apple butter, let us know how it went! When you make them, be sure to take a pic and tag us on Instagram @dbellyrulesdmind or Facebook @thebellyrulesthemind!
Easy Homemade Instant Pot Apple Butter
If you love Apples, Delicious & Sugar Free Instant Pot Homemade Apple Butter Recipe is one you should certainly make this fall. This recipe is the epitome of fall to me and it couldn't get easier, made in the instant pot or slow cooker. This Instant Pot applesauce / apple butter recipe has no added sugar and can be made in under 30 minutes! You have an amazing spread for waffles, bagels, muffins, pancakes. So skip the store-bought stuff and make your own sweet, tart butter in just a few easy steps. Check out the video recipe.
Ingredients
- Apples - 4 pounds (12 -15 apples)
- Water or apple juice - 1/2 cup
- Dash of vanilla extract - 1 tbsp
- Cinnamon - 1 tbsp
- Allspice - 1/4 teaspoon
- Nutmeg - 1/8 tsp
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- Wash and slice apples with a apple slicer.
- Add apple slices ,spices ,lemon juice and water to the inner pot of your Instant Pot.
- Put the lid on the Instant Pot, set vent to sealing, pressure cook it for 15 minutes.
- When done , quick release the pressure.
- Remove the lid and puree the cooked apples and spices with an immersion blender .
- Blend it till everything is smooth and lump-free.
- Press the SAUTE button.
- Place a glass cover and keep stirring the apple butter frequently ,it will take for 10- 20minutes until it thickens.
- Be careful with this step, as the mixture is HOT and splashes up.
- Keep boiling until the desired consistency is achieved. Use the spoon to draw a line through the apple butter on the bottom of the pot if the line holds for 5 seconds before the apple butter merges back together, it's finished cooking.
- After the apple butter reaches the desired consistency , let it cool.
- Transfer it into jars and store in the fridge for a week, or you can also freeze it in freezer jars or can it
Recommended Products
As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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KitchenAid KHB1231WH 2-Speed Hand Blender, White -
OXO Good Grips Apple Slicer, Corer and Divider
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Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1
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Mealthy MultiPot 9-in-1 Programmable Slow and Pressure Cooker
-
Instant Pot DUO60 6 Qt 7-in-1 Multi-Use Programmable Pressure Cooker, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer, Sauté, Yogurt Maker and Warmer
Nutrition Information
Yield 50 Serving Size 1Amount Per Serving Calories 23Total Fat 0gSaturated Fat 0gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 0gCholesterol 0mgSodium 1mgCarbohydrates 6gFiber 1gSugar 4gProtein 0g
All information and tools presented and written within this site are intended for informational purposes only. We are not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information on TheBellyRulesTheMind.net should only be used as a general guideline. This information is provided as a courtesy and there is no guarantee that the information will be completely accurate. Even though we try to provide accurate nutritional information to the best of our ability, these figures should still be considered estimates.
About Soniya
Hello, I am Soniya, the cofounder of The Belly Rules The Mind. Originally from Mumbai, India, I am settled in Virginia US with my husband.
I am a mother of 2 energetic boys, referred to as R2 (15-year-old) and R3 (10-year-old) on the blog. In case you are wondering who is R1, well that is my husband.
My hubby and I were born in Mumbai, India, where we were spoiled by the wealth of food choices available to us. We could enjoy everything from yummy street food to multi-cuisine restaurants and we became very picky about what we like and what we don't. Come join us on our journey to have "The Belly Rule The Mind"
Emily says
Wow, very tasty! I used a mix of golden delicious and gala. Fantastic! You weren’t kidding about the splatters. Next time I make it I’ll be sure to have some rubber gloves and long sleeves on. :-P Thank you for the delicious recipe!
Becky P says
This was super easy, just took some well worth time. My husband is diabetic, and he LOVES apple butter so I decided to try it. I initially made it per your recipe and it was great, but he wanted it a little sweeter so I added a little monk fruit golden once it was cooked down to the consistency I liked. It was the perfect consistency, and flavor for him. Thank you for sharing your recipe.
Midge says
didn't really work for me,,, still have peels, have cooked for 2 hours and still not reduced enough, and for me, it isn't sweet enough and I don't like overly sweet things
Lenora Sears says
I don't have an instant pot
How else can I make this?
Lenora Sears says
I don't have an instant pot
How else can I make this recipe?
Don't block right click says
Stop blocking text selection and copying, people won't be able to translate or lookup some ingredient names.
Or worse, blind or partialy blind people won't be able to use their accessibility tools.
Also I can't right click to auto correct "partialy" thanks to your stupid right click disabler script.
Rebecca says
Very tasty! The hardest part was cooking it down and trying to avoid the splashes lol. I used a splatter screen on top for this rather than a lid to help reduce it more quickly. I love that you don’t need to peel the apples and there’s no sign of peels after it’s puréed.
Melanie Price says
My 1st Instant Pot recipe. I just bought this thing & this was the 1st recipe that I thought I might give it a try. It tuned out great. I did use 2 equal substitutions due to what was in my cabinet, I used pumpkin pie and black pepper spices for the allspice and a teeny bit of maple syrup in place of the vanilla. Love how this turned out. Thanks for making my Insta Debut a success. PS I did use an old manual blender that my mom used many many years ago, which worked perfect and made me wish she was still here. ♡
Lisa says
This recipe would not be safe for canning. The peels need to be removed for safety because of the bacterial load on the peels.
Jeannie says
@Lisa, Even after all the heat processing?
Stac says
Do you think a vitamin would give similar results if we don't have an immersion blender?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi stac. Yes you can use any blender.
Cathy says
This was absolutely delicious! I halved the recipe (made about 2 cups), used all fuji apples from our local farmers market and instead of vanilla extract I threw in a vanilla bean that had been soaking in my homemade vanilla then removed it before pureeing.
Kathy says
I have not made apple butter(yet). I use a combination of sweet and tart apples for applesauce to get the desired sweet-tart level. Would this work in this recipe? If you use a harder style apple, how much longer would you cook it? Thinking a Cartland and yellow delicious combo.
Soniya Saluja says
@Kathy, Those apple will work too and the time remains the same. Its sautéing the apple sauce which takes time :) hope you try the recipe .
Katie C says
So, you just leave the peels on the apples, and puree them into the sauce? You don't remove them? I want to make this this week, it sounds fantastic!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Katie, you are correct.. leave the skin on and puree it after its cooked. Do share your feedback with us after you make it.
Michele Christopher says
What apple is better to use for apple butter?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Michele, golden delicious, gala are the best choices to make apple butter. Hipe this helps
Liz says
This was very tasty! I’m an Instapot newbie so I added more water than I should. It took forever to cook it down to the consistency of apple butter.
Melissa says
My nuwave pot doesn’t have a sauté button. I used the sear button. Is that about the same?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Melissa, yes dear or if you have time and don't want hot splashes you can slow cook for 4-6 hours :)
Bonnie says
My family used to get together and make apple butter every year in a huge copper kettle. The elders of the family that always ran things are a bit older now and who wants to get up at 4 a.m. and freeze while peeling hundreds of dollars worth of apples. In about an hour I have enough apple butter to last more than a month. Peanut butter & apple butter sandwiches are delicious! Thanks for the recipe. I'm really proud that I was able to follow it and have it turn out so well.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Bonnie, Thanks for sharing your wonderful memory and glad to hear you enjoyed this apple butter recipe ? xoxo
Cassie says
Dee it is able to be Canned, and can be done in the instant pot as well.
Beverly Eide says
@Cassie, NOOOO Electric pressure cookers are NOT approved for canning. They do not reach the required pressure and that pressure tends to fluctuate.
Cassie Richwine says
Yes, and you can do that in instant pot too.
Michelle says
1 lemon squeezed of the juice? Or 1 container of the lemon juice sold in stores?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Michelle, it's juice of 1 lemon. Hope this helps
Jacqueline says
Anyone can it afterwards, how long to process? Thanks in advance
Dee Chambers says
Is it possible to can it into canning jars after cooking and blending. I don't want to freeze it or use it right away.
Thank you!
Beverly Eide says
@Dee Chambers, You can can it but don't try it in the instant Pot or any other electric pressure cooker. They are not approved for canning.
Victoria G says
@Dee Chambers, use hot water method of canning on stovetop. Ball website has tips, super easy
Pam Hulme says
Do you take the seeds out of the apples, it just says slice them.
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Pam,Yes remove the seeds please. we used a apple slicer which removes the seeds.
Suze says
It does help! I guess I didn't realize how much it cooks down nor how many apples it takes. Thanks! I'm going to give it a try!
Suze says
I would love to make this, as I looooove apple butter and cannot seem to find a low/no added sugar one commercially.
I have one question - am I reading this correctly that 4 pounds of apples only makes between 1 and 2 cups of apple butter? That just seems so little yield - but I've never made it and just don't know.
Thanks!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Suze, glad this recipe interests you. It can yield any were between 2 cups to 3 cups depending on how much thick you want your apple butter. Apple reduces alot after pressure cooking and further more if you keep sauteing it. Hope this helps.
Alexa says
This was so good!! I used honey crispy apples and my whole family is eating this apple butter with everything!!
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Alexa, we are so glad to hear that ?❤
Barbara says
Can I use a potato masher instead of mixer?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Barbara, yes you can , but it won't be a fine paste texture. Hipe this helps. Do share your experience with us.
GordN says
Juice of 1 lemon? Is that what you mean?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi GordN, its means juice of 1 lemon.
Jenn says
Do you make with red or green apples? I have a bag of green but wondering if it would be too tart
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Jen, the blog post recipe was made with golden delicious, but I have made it so many times now and experimented with different apples. If you want to just green apple (granny smith) I would suggest add 1 or 2 cups of brown sugar ot regular sugar as they are tart. Hope this helps.if you end up making it do share your experience with us. Xoxo
Joelle says
This apple butter is delicious. No joke about the burning hot splashes though! Be sure to wear gloves or something!
Bethany says
Looks really good but I don’t own an instapot or pressure cooker. Any other way to make apple butter?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Bethany, you can make it on stove pot. Put everything in a large pot add additional water and cook it for 30 mins on medium heat . Blend it in a mixer and add it again in the pot and continue to cook till desired consistency.
Bev says
@Bethany, I have made in a crock pot, takes a long time but the results are very good, your house will smell like fall
Erin says
How much does this make?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Erin, it depends on how thick you want your apple butter to be. Approximately between 1-1/2 cup to 2 cups.
Hope you give it a try soon apple season is here ???
Judy Engel says
Are the instructions different for applesauce?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Judy, No the process is the same.its ready after you blend it . You can Refer to the video in the recipe too it's says when your ? sauce is ready :) xoxo
Amy says
Just to clarify, is it one while lemon or a tablespoon/teaspoon? And at what point do you add the lemon? I may be missing it on the instructions... Sorry...
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Amy, it's 1 lemon juice :) add it with the apples and spices.hope you try it and share your feedback with us ? xoxo
Maryal says
Omg I need to make this STAT! I feel like this will be a fall snack staple for me - too yummy! Saving this :)
Teresa W says
Looks delish! I’m guessing that the apples are peeled first?
Soniya Saluja says
Hi Teresa, No , the apples are not peeled. Just make sure you wash the apples nicely.
Amanda Krieger says
mmmmm, great recipe! i've been looking for a good easy apple sauce recipe!
everydaywithmadirae says
Yum! This recipe has me in the mood for fall!! Apple butter is seriously my favorite!
-madi xo | http://www.everydaywithmadirae.com
Kasey Ma says
This looks so yummy! Can't wait for the fall to go apple picking and make this!
Kasey Ma
http://www.TheStyleWright.com
Email: [email protected]
geekydaddydave says
I love apple butter and my toddler loves apple sauce. We will be giving this a try this weekend!
Leanne Wong says
I'm so glad I came across your recipe because I am a HUUUGE fan of apple jam and this apple butter sauce looks so creamy and divine. Saved!
Lorna says
This looks delicious and brings back memories. My Grandpa used to make homemade apple butter.
Kristin says
Yum! This looks yummy!!
Sara Welch says
What a flavorful recipe! So easy and perfectly sweet, too!
Andrea Metlika says
I love apple butter but it always go bad before I use it all. I am glad to know I can make this and freeze it. Then I can make smaller jars.
Colleen says
I love that there's no added sugar in this recipe and can't wait to make it!
Roxana says
This apple butter looks fantastic. So creamy and I love the burst of flavors from the spices. And a really nice and thorough post.
Kristine says
This apple butter was absolutely delicious! So full of fall flavors, which I appreciate all year long! And so easy to make. I'll definitely make this recipe again, thank you!