If you are looking for a delicious, cozy spread that captures the essence of fall, this Apple Butter Recipe is an absolute must-try. Rich, sweet, and warmly spiced, this homemade apple butter transforms simple apples into a deeply flavorful condiment that you can enjoy on toast, stirred into oatmeal, or paired with your favorite cheese. With a slow cooker doing most of the work, it’s an easy and satisfying way to bring that comforting apple flavor into your kitchen all year round.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Apple Butter Recipe lies in its simplicity—the ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a vital role in building a complex, well-rounded flavor. Fresh apples form the base, while warm spices and sugars layer in sweetness and depth, creating a spread that’s both smooth and richly aromatic.
- 5 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and chopped – use a mix of sweet and tart): This blend balances sweetness and tartness for the perfect flavor foundation.
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice: Adds moisture and a touch of natural sweetness to help soften the apples during cooking.
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar: Sweetens the apple butter while helping to thicken it.
- 1/2 cup brown sugar: Introduces a subtle molasses flavor that deepens the overall taste.
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon: Brings warm spice and classic apple pie notes to the mix.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves: Adds a pungent, aromatic edge that enhances the complexity.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg: Offers a slightly sweet and nutty flavor that rounds out the spices.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt: Elevates the flavors and balances the sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Provides brightness and preserves the color of the apple butter.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract: Adds a mild, fragrant sweetness that finishes the spread perfectly.
How to Make Apple Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Apples
Start by placing your peeled, cored, and chopped apples along with the apple cider into a large slow cooker. Cover it up and cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for 8 hours. Stir occasionally to keep everything from sticking and to help the apples soften evenly. At the end of this phase, the apples should be wonderfully mushy, setting the perfect stage for that silky apple butter texture.
Step 2: Purée the Apple Mixture
Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender right in the slow cooker to purée the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the apples in batches to a blender and purée, then pour it back into the slow cooker. This step is essential to that luscious, spreadable consistency that makes this apple butter irresistible.
Step 3: Add Sugars and Spices
Now, stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract. This step is where the magic happens—the sugars will sweeten the mixture, while the spices awaken those nostalgic fall flavors. It’s worth tasting at this point and adjusting the seasoning if you desire more warmth or sweetness.
Step 4: Cook Until Thickened
Continue cooking your apple butter on low, uncovered, for 1 to 2 more hours. Stir it occasionally to prevent it from sticking and to check the thickness. You want the apple butter to reduce and become a deep, rich brown with a spreadable consistency that sticks to your spoon and melts on your tongue. Patience here really pays off!
Step 5: Cool and Store
Once thickened, allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring it into clean jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze to enjoy this comforting spread well into the future.
How to Serve Apple Butter Recipe
Garnishes
While the apple butter itself shines bright, a simple garnish can elevate your presentation if you’re serving it at a gathering. Try a dusting of cinnamon or a thin twist of lemon peel on top. For extra flair, a small sprig of fresh rosemary or thyme adds a lovely herbal note that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness.
Side Dishes
This apple butter pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes. Slather it on warm toast or freshly baked biscuits for a breakfast treat. It’s equally delightful alongside pork chops or roasted chicken, where its sweet-spicy flavor complements savory meat beautifully. Don’t overlook serving it with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for an irresistible cheese board addition.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to get creative, try swirling apple butter into plain yogurt or oatmeal for a burst of flavor with added sweetness. It’s fantastic dolloped on pancakes or waffles in place of syrup. You can even use it as a filling for crepes or sandwich it between layers of cake for a moist, fall-inspired twist on dessert.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After you’ve enjoyed some of your apple butter, keep the leftovers refrigerated in an airtight container. It will stay fresh and flavorful for up to two weeks, so feel free to spread it generously without worry. Make sure to use a clean spoon each time to prevent contamination.
Freezing
If you want to keep your apple butter for an extended time, freezing is your friend. Spoon it into freezer-safe containers or jars, leaving some headspace for expansion. Frozen apple butter can last up to six months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving, and it will taste just as delicious as fresh.
Reheating
When you’re ready to enjoy apple butter straight from the fridge or freezer, gently warm it up in a small saucepan over low heat. Stir occasionally until it reaches your desired temperature. Warming enhances the spices and softness, making it easier to spread or swirl into your dishes.
FAQs
Can I use any type of apples for this Apple Butter Recipe?
Absolutely! A mix of sweet and tart apples works best because it balances flavor and sweetness naturally. Varieties like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith are excellent choices. Feel free to experiment based on what’s available.
Do I have to use a slow cooker?
No slow cooker? No problem! You can make this recipe on the stove by simmering the ingredients in a heavy pot. Cook on low heat, stirring frequently, for about 2 to 3 hours until the mixture thickens to the desired consistency. Just keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
Is this Apple Butter Recipe vegan and gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is both vegan and gluten-free as it contains only fruit, spices, and natural sweeteners. It’s a great option for a wide range of dietary preferences.
How long does homemade apple butter last?
In the refrigerator, homemade apple butter will typically keep for about two weeks. If frozen, it can remain good for up to six months. Always store it in airtight containers to maintain freshness.
Can I adjust the spices in the apple butter?
Definitely! Spice levels and types can be tailored to your taste. Feel free to add extra cinnamon for warmth or reduce cloves if you prefer a milder flavor. This Apple Butter Recipe is very forgiving and flexible.
Final Thoughts
Making this Apple Butter Recipe is like welcoming a warm, comforting hug straight from your kitchen. It’s simple to prepare, packed with nostalgic flavors, and versatile enough to enjoy in countless ways. Once you try it, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without this luscious apple spread. So grab some apples, fire up your slow cooker, and let the magic happen—you’re in for a treat you’ll want to share again and again.
Print
Apple Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–10 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 10 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 3 pints
- Category: Condiment
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegan, Gluten Free
Description
This homemade Apple Butter recipe is a rich, spiced spread made from a blend of sweet and tart apples slow-cooked to a smooth, thick, and deeply flavorful condiment. Perfect for fall preserves, it combines apples with cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and vanilla for a warm, comforting taste that’s great on toast, biscuits, or as a flavorful addition to dishes.
Ingredients
Apples and Liquids
- 5 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and chopped – use a mix of sweet and tart)
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
Sweeteners and Spices
- 1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Additional Flavorings
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
Instructions
- Cook Apples: Place the chopped apples and apple cider in a large slow cooker. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 8 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft, ensuring they break down perfectly for pureeing.
- Puree the Apples: Use an immersion blender to purée the apples inside the slow cooker until completely smooth. Alternatively, transfer the cooked apples in batches to a blender and puree them, then return the puree to the slow cooker.
- Add Sugar and Spices: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, ground cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, lemon juice, and vanilla extract thoroughly to combine all flavors.
- Thicken the Apple Butter: Continue cooking the mixture uncovered on low heat for 1–2 more hours, stirring occasionally. Cook until the mixture thickens to a deep brown color and achieves a spreadable consistency typical of apple butter.
- Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool. Transfer to clean jars or containers and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer preservation.
Notes
- If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can simmer everything in a heavy pot on the stove. Cover and stir frequently, cooking for 2–3 hours until thick and spreadable.
- Adjust spices and sugar amounts according to the apple variety used and your taste preference.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to achieve a balanced flavor.
- Store apple butter in sterilized jars to extend shelf life and ensure food safety.
