How to Make Apple Butter: The Ultimate Homemade Recipe

Learn how to make apple butter with this recipe for homemade apple butter. Great for adding to other recipes.

Apple butter is the perfect way to celebrate the flavors of fall. This rich, smooth spread is made from slow-cooked apples, spices, and a hint of sweetness, creating a deeply flavorful condiment that can be used in a variety of ways.

Whether you’re spreading it on toast, mixing it into yogurt, or using it as a topping for pancakes, homemade apple butter is a must-try for anyone who loves the taste of fresh apples. With just a handful of ingredients and a slow cooker, you can easily make this delightful spread from scratch and enjoy the warm, comforting flavors all year round.

In this blog post, you’ll learn how to make apple butter using a simple recipe, and we’ll guide you through step-by-step instructions, canning tips, storage options, and even variations to make it your own. Plus, we’ll answer common questions people have about the recipe so you can confidently create this delicious spread at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Bursting with Apple Flavor
If you love the taste of apples, this apple butter recipe is going to be your new favorite. The slow cooking process allows the natural sweetness and flavor of the apples to concentrate, turning them into a thick, spreadable butter that’s rich and smooth. The combination of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla enhances the fruit’s natural taste, making this recipe a true fall classic. Plus, you can use a mix of apples like Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, or Gala for an even more complex flavor.

Easy and Convenient
Making apple butter couldn’t be easier, especially with the help of a slow cooker. There’s no need for constant stirring or careful monitoring like some other stovetop jams and spreads. You can prepare the ingredients in just a few minutes, let the slow cooker work its magic, and wake up to the irresistible smell of warm apples and spices. It’s a hands-off recipe, perfect for busy days or cozy weekends when you want your kitchen filled with the scents of autumn.

Ingredients for Apple Butter

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious fall recipe:

• 10 medium-sized apples (preferably Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, Gala, or a mix)
• 1 cup brown sugar
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon cloves
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (or vanilla bean paste)

How to Make Apple Butter

Follow these step-by-step instructions to make your own apple butter at home:

1. Prepare the Apples: Start by dicing the apples into ½-inch pieces. You can leave the skin on or peel them based on your preference.
2. Mix the Spices and Sugars: In a medium bowl, whisk together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, cloves, and vanilla.
3. Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker: Place the diced apples into the bottom of the slow cooker. Pour the sugar and spice mixture over the apples and toss everything together to coat the apples evenly.
4. Cook Slowly: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Let the apples cook for 10-12 hours, stirring occasionally. The apples should become very soft and tender.
5. Blend to Smoothness: Once the apples are fully cooked, transfer them and their juices to a blender. Blend in batches if needed, until the apple butter is smooth and creamy.
6. Store or Serve: Divide the apple butter between clean, airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks (or see the canning section below to preserve it longer).

How to Can Apple Butter

Preserving apple butter through canning is a great way to enjoy it for months to come. Here’s how to can apple butter:

1. Prepare Your Jars: Sterilize canning jars by placing them in boiling water for 10 minutes. Remove and let them air-dry.
2. Fill the Jars: Ladle the hot butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼-inch of headspace at the top.
3. Seal and Process: Wipe the rims of the jars clean, place the lids on, and tighten the bands. Process the jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly.
4. Store: Once sealed, the canned butter can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Places to Use or Take Apple Butter

Apple butter isn’t just for spreading on toast. There are plenty of ways you can enjoy this versatile spread:

• Breakfast Topping: Use it as a sweet and tangy topping for pancakes, waffles, or oatmeal.
• Charcuterie Boards: Add a jar of apple butter to your next cheese or charcuterie board for a sweet accompaniment to sharp cheeses and cured meats.
• Baking Ingredient: Swirl apple butter into muffins, cakes, or bread for extra flavor.
• Hostess Gifts: If you’re attending a fall gathering, bring a jar of homemade apple butter as a thoughtful, seasonal gift.
• Apple Blondies: I love making this recipe for fall themed bars. Apple butter is added directly to the batter for a delicious fall flavored dessert.

Variations on the Apple Butter Recipe

If you’re looking to change up the flavor of your apple butter, try one of these variations:

1. Spiced Apple Butter: Add additional spices like nutmeg or ginger for an extra kick of flavor.
2. Cider Apple Butter: Substitute half of the sugar with apple cider for a tangier, fruitier version.
3. Maple Apple Butter: Replace some of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, deeper sweetness.
4. Cranberry-Apple Butter: Add a cup of fresh or dried cranberries to the slow cooker for a tart twist on the classic recipe.

Can This Recipe Be Made Ahead or Stored?

Yes, this apple butter can easily be made ahead of time and stored. Here’s how:

• Refrigeration: Store apple butter in airtight containers in the fridge for up to two weeks.
• Freezing: You can also freeze apple butter. Just pour it into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to six months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
• Canning: As mentioned above, if you can the butter, it will last up to a year in a cool, dark place.

Common Questions About How to Make Apple Butter

What apples are best for making apple butter?
A combination of sweet and tart apples works best. Honeycrisp, Granny Smith, and Gala are excellent choices because they balance sweetness with acidity. Mixing different varieties adds depth of flavor to your butter spread.

How long does homemade apple butter last?
If stored in the refrigerator, it will last for up to two weeks. If properly canned, it can be stored for up to a year.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can make apple butter on the stovetop. Cook the apples and spices over low heat, stirring frequently, until the apples break down and thicken. It may take several hours to achieve the same consistency as slow-cooked apple butter.

Can I use it in baking?
Absolutely! Apple butter can be used as a substitute for butter, oil, or sugar in some baked goods, adding moisture and flavor to cakes, muffins, and quick breads.

Conclusion and Call to Action

Homemade apple butter is a delicious, easy-to-make spread that’s perfect for fall. Whether you enjoy it on toast, in baked goods, or as a topping for pancakes, its rich apple flavor and warm spices are sure to make it a family favorite. Plus, with the added option to preserve it through canning, you can savor the flavors of autumn all year long.

So, why not give it a try? Gather your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let the aroma of homemade apple butter fill your kitchen. If you love this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family, and check out more of our apple-themed recipes!

Ready to make apple butter? Let us know in the comments below how it turned out!

More delicious fall recipes to try:

• Apple Crumble Pie
• Apple Cinnamon Muffins
• Caramel Apple Cookies
• Caramel Apple Amish Friendship Bread
• Air Fryer Apple Bites

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