About this recipe

Rich, deeply spiced apple butter made effortlessly in the Instant Pot. Apples cook down under pressure in minutes, then a quick blend and simmer concentrate the flavors into a velvety, spreadable preserve. Perfect on toast, biscuits, oatmeal, or swirled into yogurt.

Instructions

1. 1

   Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples into 1-inch pieces. Add them to the Instant Pot along with the apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt. Stir everything together to combine.

2. 2

   Secure the lid and set the valve to Sealing. Cook on ^[High Pressure] (Manual) for 15 minutes. Once the cook time is up, allow the pressure to release naturally for 10 minutes, then carefully quick-release any remaining pressure.

3. 3

   Open the lid and use an immersion blender to blend the cooked apples directly in the pot until completely smooth. Stir in the vanilla extract and lemon juice (if using). Taste and adjust sugar or spices as needed.

4. 4

   Set the Instant Pot to ^[Sauté mode (low or medium)] and cook the blended apple mixture uncovered, stirring frequently, for 15–20 minutes until it thickens to a deep, spreadable consistency. It will darken in color and hold a mound when dropped from a spoon.

5. 5

   Turn off the Instant Pot and let the apple butter cool slightly. Transfer to clean jars or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks or freeze for up to 3 months.