How Long Does Homemade Apple Butter Last?

You can store this apple butter in a jar or two and refrigerate for up to 5 days. However, you can also go the canning route which will last much longer. Follow proper canning procedures if you plan to store these unrefrigerated. I’ve never canned anything before so please do your own research. I would love to try canning one day, though! I just need more pantry space before I do!

How to Use Apple Butter

Apple butter is a versatile and delicious condiment. The classic way to enjoy it? On toast! You can also enjoy it between layers of pancakes, with waffles, on top of your oatmeal, etc. Not feeling it for breakfast? Try apple butter with peanut butter or almond butter in a sandwich, or try it on top of a baked sweet potato! If you’re feeling like baking something fun, try these vegan apple butter thumbprint cookies ! They’re super easy, super delicious, and they still leave you with plenty of apple butter for other meals. There’s also this fun apple butter board I made for the photos. I spread most of the apple butter on a wooden serving board and topped it with granola, pecans, homemade vegan goat cheese , raw pumpkin seeds, and served it with medjool dates and tortilla chips I made by tipping tortilla slices in melted vegan butter and sprinkling them with cinnamon sugar.

Can I halve this apple butter recipe?

If you feel like this recipe might make more than you can eat and you don’t want to follow canning procedures, you can easily halve or quarter the recipe. I would pressure cook for 3 minutes for half the amount, or 2 minutes for a quarter of the amount. If you want to make it on the stove, it will also take less time. But just check the apples sooner.They’re ready when you can easily mash a fork into them.

Instant Pot Apple Butter

Name: Instant Pot Apple Butter
Prep time: 11 min
Cook time: 4 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: ½ cup orange juice (see note 3, use fresh for sugar free) (see note 2); 4 pounds apples (about 7-8 large), cored and diced, peeled if desired; 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon; ½ cup coconut sugar, optional (use any sugar or omit to make sugar free); Pinch grated or ground ginger OR ¼ teaspoon ground cloves, optional; Juice of 1 small lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons juice)

Description

There’s no fall recipe simpler than this Instant Pot Apple Butter! Stove-top instructions are provided as well.

Ingredients

Units Scale

1/2 cup orange juice (see note 3, use fresh for sugar free) (see note 2)
4 pounds apples (about 7-8 large), cored and diced, peeled if desired
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 cup coconut sugar, optional (use any sugar or omit to make sugar free)
Pinch grated or ground ginger OR 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves, optional
Juice of 1 small lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons juice)

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Instructions

Prepare apples: Wash, core, and dice your apples. You may peel if you wish, but I don’t.
Instant Pot Method: Add the orange juice (other other liquid) to your Instant Pot first. Then add the apples, cinnamon, sugar if using, and ginger if using. Stir and add the lid, set the pressure valve to “sealing” and cook on Manual or High Pressure (or just press Pressure Cook) for 4 minutes. Yup, just 4 minutes! When the pressure cooker is done, use a cooking spoon to carefully release the pressure by switching the pressure valve to “venting” and let the pressure release completely before you open the lid. With Instant Pots, the pressure button will be in the lowered position--please consult the manual of your pressure cooker for safety.
Stovetop Method: Add your peeled or unpeeled diced apples to a medium-sized pot and add the rest of the ingredients except the lemon. Give everything a good stir. Cook over medium heat for about 30-40 minutes, stirring often, or until the apples are soft enough to mush with your spoon.
Strain: Strain out the liquid. I like to use it in smoothies.
Blend: Add the apples to a blender and blend until smooth.
Store: Let it cool for a little bit before storing. This recipe makes about 5 cups of apple butter. I recommend storing in a glass jar with a lid. If you want to follow canning procedures, apple butter can last several months unopened. Otherwise, refrigerate for up to 5 days. You can freeze any you don’t get to, in a freezer safe container for up to 3 months.

Notes

Note 1: This recipe will work in any pressure cooker, but buttons may be called by other names on non-Instant Pot brand pressure cookers (and in some cases on other models of the Instant Pot brand!). Consult your manual for any questions based on your specific brand of pressure cooker. The Instant Pot I’m using is an Instant Pot Duo 6qt.
Note 2: I chose orange juice because I love the citrusy flavor it gives the apple butter. However, apple cider, apple juice (I’d recommend NOT from concentrate), or even just water will work, though it will be less flavorful. I think the more traditional option is apple cider, but you do you.
Note 3: Use any apples you like. I used rave apples. This recipe is great for using up apples that have a less than desirable texture. Peel or don’t peel your apples, it’s up to you. I think they get soft enough to blend well, but if you have a blender that isn’t so good, you may want to peel your apples first.

Prep Time: 11 minutes
Cook Time: 4 minutes
Category: Ingredient
Method: Pressure Cooker, Stove Top
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Vegan, Oil-Free, Gluten-Free, Nut-Free, Soy-Free, Can Be Sugar-Free