This apple butter is deeply flavorful, smooth, and naturally sweet, with no need for artificial preservatives. It’s a cozy and comforting recipe that fills your home with the aroma of spiced apples. Made with simple ingredients and minimal effort, it’s perfect for fall and makes a thoughtful homemade gift. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and can be canned for long-term storage.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Apples (such as Fuji, Gala, or Honeycrisp)
Brown sugar
Granulated sugar
Ground cinnamon
Ground nutmeg
Ground cloves
Salt
Vanilla extract
Water or apple cider
Directions
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small pieces.
Add the apples, sugars, spices, salt, and water (or apple cider) to a slow cooker or large pot.
Cook on low for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are completely soft and deeply browned.
Use an immersion blender (or transfer to a blender in batches) to puree the mixture until completely smooth.
Continue cooking uncovered for 1–2 more hours if needed, stirring occasionally, until thick and spreadable.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Let the apple butter cool completely before transferring it to jars or containers.
Servings and timing
This recipe yields about 3–4 cups of apple butter. Prep time is approximately 20 minutes, cook time is 10–12 hours in a slow cooker or 2–3 hours on the stovetop. It’s a mostly hands-off recipe but does require occasional stirring.
Variations
Add a splash of bourbon or apple for an adult twist.
Use maple syrup instead of sugar for a deeper, earthy sweetness.
Mix in a pinch of cardamom or allspice for extra spice depth.
For a no-sugar-added version, skip the sugar and rely on naturally sweet apples.
Try using pears in place of some of the apples for a unique flavor blend.
Storage/Reheating
Store apple butter in airtight jars or containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months. You can also can it using proper water bath canning methods for shelf-stable storage up to 1 year. No reheating is necessary—just spoon it out cold or let it come to room temperature.
FAQs
What are the best apples for apple butter?
A mix of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith offers the best flavor balance.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling the apples results in a smoother texture, but you can leave the peels on and blend thoroughly if you prefer a more rustic finish.
Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop over low heat for 2–3 hours, stirring often to prevent sticking.
How do I know when apple butter is done?
It should be thick, smooth, and spreadable, with a deep brown color. It will hold its shape on a spoon and not run.
Is apple butter the same as applesauce?
No, apple butter is thicker, more concentrated, and has a stronger flavor due to the longer cooking time and added spices.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Yes, you can adjust the sugar to taste or even eliminate it if your apples are very sweet.
Can I freeze apple butter?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely and store in freezer-safe containers. It will keep for up to 6 months.
How do I use apple butter?
Spread it on toast, muffins, pancakes, or swirl it into yogurt, oatmeal, or baked goods like cakes and cookies.
Can I can apple butter?
Yes, apple butter is ideal for canning. Use sterilized jars and process in a boiling water bath according to safe canning guidelines.
How long does homemade apple butter last?
It lasts up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator, 6 months in the freezer, and up to a year if properly canned.
Conclusion
Homemade Apple Butter is a deliciously simple way to capture the essence of fall in a jar. With just a few ingredients and plenty of rich, spiced apple flavor, it’s a versatile spread that pairs beautifully with sweet and savory dishes alike. Whether you make it in a slow cooker or on the stovetop, this recipe is bound to become a seasonal favorite.
Homemade Apple Butter is a thick, smooth fruit spread made by slow-cooking apples with spices until deeply caramelized and flavorful. Perfect on toast, in oatmeal, or as a baking ingredient, it’s a cozy, dairy-free fall staple.
Ingredients
6 pounds apples (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
1/2 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
1/2 cup water or apple cider
Instructions
Peel, core, and chop apples into small pieces.
Add apples, brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and water (or cider) to a slow cooker or large pot.
Cook on low for 8–10 hours in a slow cooker (or 2–3 hours on stovetop), stirring occasionally, until apples are very soft and darkened.
Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to puree the mixture until smooth.
If needed, cook uncovered for 1–2 more hours to thicken, stirring occasionally.
Stir in vanilla extract.
Let cool completely before transferring to jars or containers for storage.
Notes
Use a variety of apples for balanced sweetness and acidity.
To make sugar-free, omit sugar and rely on naturally sweet apples.
Try maple syrup instead of sugar for a richer flavor.
For a flavor twist, add a splash of bourbon or cardamom.
Apple butter thickens as it cools, so don’t overcook at the end.
