Apple butter has always held a special place in my kitchen—it’s like the warm hug of fall, captured in a jar. This Apple Butter Recipe is one I keep coming back to because it’s simple, uses just a handful of everyday ingredients, and delivers that rich, deep apple flavor with the perfect touch of spice. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, stirring it into yogurt, or even using it as a glaze, you’ll quickly see why it becomes a pantry favorite.
What I love about this Apple Butter Recipe is how it transforms humble apples into a silky, luscious spread with just a little patience and love on the stovetop. It’s especially wonderful when apple season is in full swing, and the kitchen fills with that cozy, inviting aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg. Trust me, once you try making your own, you might never go back to store-bought!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: You only need everyday pantry staples and fresh apples to whip up this delicious spread.
- Comforting Aroma: The cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg fill your kitchen with cozy, nostalgic scents.
- Versatile Uses: Enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or as a flavorful addition to your favorite recipes.
- Long-Lasting Flavor: It stores beautifully in the fridge, so you can savor that apple spice goodness for weeks.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Apple Butter Recipe contributes to that perfect balance of sweet and spice. I find using a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp and Gala gives the best flavor and natural sweetness — and don’t skip on the brown sugar, it adds a lovely caramel note.
- Apples: I like to use a combination like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Ambrosia for a balanced sweetness and depth.
- Raw Sugar: Adds a gentle sweetness and helps with thickening without overpowering.
- Light Brown Sugar: Not packed! This brings a warm, molasses-y undertone that’s essential for that rich apple butter flavor.
- Ground Cinnamon: The star spice that complements that apple flavor perfectly.
- Allspice: Just a pinch goes a long way to adding complexity.
- Nutmeg: Provides a subtle warmth and earthiness without stealing the show.
- Water: Just enough to get the apples cooking and softening gently.
Variations
I love playing with this Apple Butter Recipe to match the season or my mood. Whether you want it sugar-free, spiced differently, or even with a boozy twist, it’s easy and fun to make it your own.
- Spiced Up: Adding a pinch of ground cloves or ginger gave the apple butter a delightful warm kick that my family adored over the holidays.
- Maple Syrup Swap: If you want to avoid refined sugars, substitute the sugars for pure maple syrup. It imparts a unique depth and still yields that luscious texture.
- Vanilla Infusion: Stir in a teaspoon of vanilla extract at the end of cooking to introduce a lovely aromatic layer.
- Slow Cooker Version: If you’re not in a rush, I’ve had great success using a slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours; the flavor is incredibly concentrated.
How to Make Apple Butter Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Apples Until Tender
Start by placing your peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples into a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven with six tablespoons of water. Add in the raw sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg, then give everything a good stir to combine. Cover the pot partially and cook over medium-low heat for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You’re looking for the apples to become tender and start turning a rich, dark brown—this is when the magic begins!
Step 2: Puree and Thicken the Spice-Infused Apples
Next, uncover the pot and use an immersion blender right in the pot to puree the softened apples until smooth. This step ensures your apple butter will have that silky texture everyone loves. After pureeing, let the mixture simmer uncovered over low heat for about two hours, stirring frequently. This slow simmer is key — it reduces excess moisture and brings the flavors together beautifully while thickening the butter to a luscious spreadable consistency. Don’t rush this step; patience really pays off here!
Step 3: Store and Enjoy
Once thickened, spoon your apple butter into clean jars or containers and cover them tightly. I like to let it cool a bit on the counter before popping it into the fridge. Your homemade apple butter will keep beautifully refrigerated and makes a fantastic gift or a daily treat to brighten breakfast.
Pro Tips for Making Apple Butter Recipe
- Choose the Right Apples: Mixing sweet and tart varieties gives your apple butter a complex flavor that’s anything but one-note.
- Frequent Stirring: Stir the simmering apple butter regularly to avoid burning on the bottom as it thickens, especially during the long cooking time.
- Don’t Overblend: Use an immersion blender just until smooth — a little texture adds character and reminds you it’s homemade.
- Taste as You Go: Since apples vary in sweetness, adjust sugar and spices bit by bit to suit your preference.
How to Serve Apple Butter Recipe
Garnishes
I usually top a dollop of apple butter with a sprinkle of toasted chopped pecans or a dash of extra cinnamon when serving. It adds a little crunch and an inviting aroma that makes breakfast or snacks feel extra special.
Side Dishes
This apple butter pairs wonderfully with warm biscuits, cinnamon rolls, or even stirred into oatmeal for a fruity-spiced upgrade. I’ve also served it alongside sharp cheddar cheese and crackers for a delightful sweet-savory snack that always surprises guests.
Creative Ways to Present
For gatherings, I’ve filled small mason jars with apple butter and tied a cinnamon stick on top with twine. It makes a charming, edible gift or place setting treat. Spreading it over crostini with a smear of cream cheese also makes a beautiful appetizer around the holidays.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I keep my apple butter in airtight jars in the fridge, where it stays fresh for up to three weeks. It’s tempting to eat it all at once, but I promise having it around to brighten several breakfasts is a treat you won’t regret!
Freezing
Freezing apple butter works beautifully. Just spoon it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headroom for expansion. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge, and it’s ready to spread with that same delicious texture.
Reheating
If your apple butter firms up in the fridge or freezer, just warm it gently in a small saucepan over low heat or pop it in the microwave for a few seconds. Stir well and it’ll loosen up perfectly without losing that fresh-from-the-pot taste.
FAQs
-
Can I use any type of apples for this apple butter recipe?
Absolutely! While I recommend mixing sweet and tart apples like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Ambrosia for the best flavor, you can experiment with what’s on hand. Just keep in mind that sweeter apples will reduce the amount of added sugar you need.
-
How long does homemade apple butter last?
Stored properly in the refrigerator, your apple butter will stay fresh for up to three weeks. For longer storage, freezing it is an excellent option that preserves the flavor and texture well.
-
Can I make this apple butter recipe without sugar?
Yes! You can substitute sugars with natural sweeteners like maple syrup or honey. Just adjust the amount based on taste and the natural sweetness of your apples, and keep an eye on thickness as sugar affects consistency.
-
Do I need to can apple butter for shelf-stable storage?
Traditional canning methods are required for room-temperature storage and longer shelf life. This recipe is great for refrigerator or freezer storage unless you’re comfortable with home canning procedures, which you can do for gift-giving or pantry stock.
Final Thoughts
This Apple Butter Recipe has become one of my kitchen staples because it’s approachable, comforting, and endlessly versatile. There’s something so satisfying about turning simple apples into this silky, warmly spiced spread that feels like a little celebration in every jar. Give it a try—you’ll find it’s not just a recipe but a cozy tradition waiting to happen in your home.
Print
Apple Butter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 32 servings
- Category: Spread
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
This homemade Apple Butter recipe is a rich, spiced spread made from slow-simmered apples combined with brown sugars and warm spices. Perfect for adding a cozy sweetness to toast, oatmeal, or baking, this easy-to-make apple butter captures the essence of fall with its deep caramelized flavor and smooth, creamy texture.
Ingredients
Apples
- 6 large apples (peeled, cored, finely chopped; varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, Ambrosia)
Sweeteners and Spices
- 1/3 cup raw sugar
- 1/2 cup light brown sugar (not packed)
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/8 teaspoon allspice
- 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
Instructions
- Prepare Apples: Peel, core, and finely chop 6 large apples, choosing sweet varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, or Ambrosia for optimal flavor.
- Combine Ingredients: Place the chopped apples in a Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot with 6 tablespoons of water. Add raw sugar, light brown sugar, cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg. Stir the mixture well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook Apples: Partially cover the pot and cook over medium-low heat for 30 minutes. Stir the mixture occasionally as the apples soften and darken to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
- Puree Mixture: Once the apples are tender and have developed a dark brown color, uncover the pot and use an immersion blender to puree the mixture into a smooth consistency.
- Simmer to Thicken: Continue to simmer the pureed apple mixture uncovered on low heat for about 2 hours, stirring frequently. This slow simmer will reduce the mixture, thickening the apple butter to a rich spreadable texture.
- Store and Serve: Spoon the finished apple butter into clean jars or containers. Cover and refrigerate to preserve freshness. Serve chilled or at room temperature on toast, pancakes, or as a flavorful ingredient in recipes.
Notes
- Use a heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven to prevent burning during the long simmer.
- Stir frequently during the thickening phase to avoid scorching and ensure even texture.
- Apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Ambrosia provide natural sweetness and depth of flavor.
- Store apple butter in airtight containers and refrigerate; it will keep well for up to 2 weeks.
- Can be frozen for longer storage if desired.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 2mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
