This recipe was originally published in November 2015 and has been updated with instructions for instant pot and new pictures. LET’S BE FRIENDS ON PINTEREST! WE’RE ALWAYS PINNING TASTY RECIPES
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.
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!
KitchenAid KHB1231WH 2-Speed Hand Blender, White OXO Good Grips Apple Slicer, Corer and Divider Instant Pot Ultra 6 Qt 10-in-1 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
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.
