🍎 Quick & Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter- Refined Sugar-Free!
A cozy fall classic, faster than ever!
Smooth, sweet, and full of warm spice — apple butter has long been one of my favorite fall rituals. There’s something about the way it fills the kitchen with the scent of apples and cinnamon that feels like the start of sweater weather.
This year, after apple picking, I decided to revisit my old slow cooker apple butter recipe. But instead of letting it simmer away all day, I pulled out my Instant Pot. And honestly? I may never go back!
A Little History, a Little Honey
Traditional apple butter recipes call for brown or white sugar — delicious, yes, but not so traditional. My version stays true to the spirit of old-fashioned apple butter by using honey instead.
Before refined sugar became widely available in the mid-1800s, honey was the sweetener of choice in most American kitchens. There’s something satisfying about keeping that bit of history alive — especially in a recipe that already feels timeless.
The Modern Twist
While the slow cooker version is wonderfully low-effort, the Instant Pot cuts the cooking time in half! What used to take nearly nine hours now comes together in just a fraction of that at three— with all the same depth of flavor.
The pressure cooking step breaks down the apples quickly, and a short melding of flavors at the end helps you achieve that silky, caramelized finish that makes apple butter so special. It’s old-world flavor with modern convenience — the best of both worlds.
How to Enjoy It
I love spreading this apple butter over Danielle Walker’s Cashew Blender Bread, spooning it onto my Easy & Quick Fluffy Grain-Free Waffles, or serving it warm with my Grain-Free Southern Biscuits for a simple, cozy breakfast.
It’s also lovely stirred into yogurt, oatmeal, or simply eaten straight off the spoon (no judgment here).
From Orchard to Jar
Whether you’ve just come back from apple picking or found a good deal at the farmer’s market, this recipe is the perfect way to preserve fall’s abundance. A few hours, a handful of ingredients, and your Instant Pot — that’s all it takes to fill your kitchen with the smell of cinnamon, apples, fall, and tradition.
Make a batch for yourself and a few jars to share — it’s the kind of homemade gift they won’t forget.
This recipe is my monthly free Substack recipe, so whether you’re a subscriber or just stopping by, I hope it brings some cozy fall vibes into your kitchen. Thanks for being here!
Quick & Easy Instant Pot Apple Butter- Refined Sugar-Free!
Serves 64 (2 Tbsp. ea.)
Prep: 30 min
Cooking: 90 min (inactive)
Slow Cooking: 1 hour (inactive)
Total: 3 hours
Beginner
Ingredients:
5 ½ lbs. red apples, peeled, cored, and quartered any variety (about 20)
⅓ cup water
1 cup honey
1 Tbsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. nutmeg
½ tsp. clove
¼ tsp. salt
Method of Prep:
- Gather and prep ingredients. Start by peeling your apples.
- Once peeled, cut into quarters. Then, core each quarter. Discard the peels and cores.
- Place apples in your instant pot, do not exceed max line.
- In a small bowl add all other ingredients. Whisk to incorporate.
- Pour over the apples and use a spoon to mix.
- Turn the instant pot on to ‘manual’ and cook on high pressure for 90 minutes.
- Allow to natural release for 10 minutes before releasing remaining pressure.
- Next, carefully use an immersion blender or high-speed blender for 30 seconds to a minute to smooth out the apple butter.
- Now set the instant pot on slow cook and set to high for 1 hour, making sure to have the lid on halfway to allow for steam to escape while the flavors deepen and meld together.
- Allow apple butter to cool. Store in four pint jars, and refrigerate for up to two weeks. Enjoy!
And if you do make this, tag me so I can see your beautiful creations—I love seeing your kitchen wins!
Nutrition Facts: 2 Tbsp. ea.
Calories- 49
Carbs- 13.2 g
Fat- 0.1 g
Protein- 0.2 g