Apples are appearing on roadside trees and parks close to where I live. This is undoubtedly the best indication that autumn is on its way!
What is apple butter?
Apple butter is a sweet condiment thought to originate in Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. It is soft and spreadable, similar to butter and is made from cooking down apples with sugar. Apple butter is essentially thickened apple sauce that has been slowly reduced. The sugars in the apples caramelize during cooking, creating a rich, brown color. Despite the name, apple butter does not actually contain actual butter! Instead, it is the deep velvety smoothness that gives it this name. In the UK, we’re more familiar with apple sauce rather than apple butter but I couldn’t wait to give this recipe a try! It is full of autumn or fall flavors and you cannot beat delicious homemade apple butter spread across warm toast! The difference between apple sauce and apple butter is in the cooking process and ingredients. Apple sauce is effectively caramelised and cooked down further to become thick apple butter. This recipe is made only with naturally occurring sugars in the apples. Of course, the result will be a little tarter than adding sugar. Despite the lack of sugar, you still get sweet apple butter!
Why you should make this recipe:
Great way to use up leftover apples You only need a handful of ingredients for unsweetened apple butter Easy to make ahead and suitable for freezing or canning A fun way to involve the family – whilst making apple butter involves sharp knives and hot pans making it unsuitable for kids, it’s a great way to go apple picking together or visiting an apple orchard. A great gift for loved ones – make a big batch and share with your friends, family or neighbours. Suitable for vegans and vegetarians. No gelatine is required. Nut free spread. Healthier than apple butter with sugar making it a great snack option for kids
Health Benefits of Apples
Naturally fat free and free from saturated fat Source of fibre Naturally salt and sodium free
Ingredients:
Full ingredients with measurements are available in the recipe card below at the end of this post All ingredients are available with a very quick trip to your local grocery store. Apples The type of apple that you use for apple butter varies. For sugar-free apple butter, I recommend using sweet apples. Tart apples are great for butter that is made with sugar. I used a mix of gala apples and granny smith apples. I used granny smith because I like my apple butter tart but you can use sweet varieties alone. Other apple varieties you can use are: Honey crisp Fuji Cox Discovery The best apples are If you use 2 pounds of apples, you will get around 1 mason jar worth (300ml) of apple butter. If you leave the peel on your apples, your apple butter will be richer, darker and contain more fibre. Spices – I have used cinnamon and nutmeg powder. For ease, use pumpkin pie spice or chai masala powder. Vanilla extract – vanilla extract or essence is a wonderful way to add warm depth of flavour Lemon Juice – use fresh or bottled. Lemon juice has pectin Salt – just a pinch Optional: For sweeter apple butter, you may want to add: Brown sugar Maple syrup Honey 100% natural sweetener – a blend of stevia and erythritol Some recipes call for apple cider vinegar. The reason it is not added in this recipe is because sugar is not added. The apple butter would be far too tart. An alternative to apple cider would be to use pure apple juice which has plenty of its own natural sweetness. Variations: Here are some flavours to add to your butter as these go well with apples Add a pinch of cardamom Add a tiny piece of peeled ginger to the IP along with the apples Zest of an orange for a citrusy flavours.
How to make pressure cooker apple butter in the instant pot
The process is simple, it just takes a little bit of time! Firstly, core and slice up the apples using an apple corer and a sharp knife. This doesn’t need to be an exact science but keep the chopped-up apples roughly the same size. Add the apples to the instant pot along with vanilla, spices and water. You need around 1/4 cup of water. Even if you add a greater quantity of apples, do not increase the amount of water directly. Stick to around 1/4 cups of water. Pressure cook on High Pressure. Select 10 minutes cooking time. Allow for natural release of pressure for 10 mins. After this, you can “vent” the valve to release the remaining pressure. Using an immersion blender, blend up the mixture. If you have low quantity of apples, use a food processor or jug blender. Select the sauté function and keep on Low heat. Now you want to reduce down the mixture. Be careful as the apple mixture will spatter as it cooks. Use a clear lid or splatter guard that fits over the edges. You may need to stir every minute or so to ensure the mixture doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pot. Sauté until the mixture begins to thicken. This time varies depending on how much mixture you have. To check if the apple butter is ready, using a spoon or a knife, draw a line through the butter. If it immediately comes back together, it is too runny. If the line holds for a few seconds, then the apple butter is done. Allow the delicious apple butter to cool to room temperature before storing or serving. Decant into a mason jar and keep in the fridge.
Tips
Follow these tips for the best apple butter ever! Use crisp apples, free from damage where possible. I like to leave on the peel for extra flavour, colour and nutrition. You can core the apples or simply slice and do not core. The core will soften in the IP. Adding a pinch of salt helps bring out the sweetness. Apple butter will thicken as it cools so you still need to have it just a little looser than your desired consistency
How to use apple butter
Think of apple butter as a jam, like this strawberry jam also made in the Instant pot – it goes great on toast, in oatmeal (porridge) or rice pudding. Essentially, it’s a super flavorful spread and there are so many possibilities! The first time I tried it, I spread it in the centre of a croissant. SO GOOD! Top your Instant Pot Tapioca Pudding or Buckwheat Pancakes It is also incredible delicious eaten with a spoon! Add it to either shortcrust or puff pastry as an apple pie filling and enjoy Apple Hand Pies (air fryer) or in a peanut butter sandwich. Stir some in chia pudding, smoothies or even in hot coffee, yes coffee! Add in to make vegan oatmeal waffles if you want to make vegan waffles without banana. The butter can also be enjoyed with cheese or a charcuterie board.
How to store apple butter
You can store apple butter in a mason jar or an airtight container. it will keep well in the fridge for around 1 week. Sugar has preservative properties and as this apple butter has less sugar, it will not last as long. You can also freeze apple butter in small portions in containers or freezer safe bags – perfect to last through to the holiday season.
Other Apple and Fall Recipes
Air fryer Apple Ring Donuts Non alcoholic Apple Martini Apple Relish Puff Pastry Apple Tart (easy, vegan) Pumpkin Scones (Sweet and Savoury) Semolina Pumpkin Waffles Harry Potter Pumpkin Pasties Sweet Potato and Black Beans Quesadilla
Save Instant Pot Apple Butter Recipe to Pinterest
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