Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 3–4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Yield: 4 cups
Difficulty Level: Easy
Cooking Intensity: Low heat, slow-cooked
Cuisine: American
Course: Condiment, Spread
Ingredients
- 6 pounds apples (about 12–14 medium apples)
- 1 cup apple cider
- ¾ cup brown sugar
- ¼ cup granulated sugar
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Best Apples for Apple Butter
For the richest flavor, use a combination of sweet and tart apples such as:
- Fuji
- Honeycrisp
- Gala
- Granny Smith
- McIntosh
Mixing varieties creates a deeper and more balanced flavor.
Equipment Needed
- Large stockpot or Dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Vegetable peeler
- Immersion blender or standard blender
- Wooden spoon
- Storage jars or airtight containers
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Apples
Wash the apples thoroughly under cold water. Peel, core, and slice them into small chunks. The pieces do not need to be perfect because they will be blended later.
Place the chopped apples into a large stockpot.
Time: 15–20 minutes
Step 2: Add Ingredients
Pour the apple cider over the apples. Add the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, salt, and lemon juice.
Stir everything together until the apples are evenly coated with the spices and sugars.
Time: 5 minutes
Step 3: Cook the Apples
Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Once simmering, reduce the heat to low. Cover partially and cook for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
The apples should become very soft and begin breaking apart.
Cooking Intensity: Medium to Low Heat
Time: 60 minutes
Step 4: Blend Until Smooth
Remove the pot from heat.
Using an immersion blender, blend the mixture until completely smooth. If using a regular blender, carefully transfer the mixture in batches and blend until silky.
Return the blended mixture to the pot.
Time: 10 minutes
Step 5: Slow Cook the Apple Butter
Continue cooking the blended apples over low heat.
Cook uncovered for 2 to 3 more hours, stirring every 15–20 minutes.
During this stage, excess moisture evaporates and the mixture thickens significantly. The color will deepen from light brown to a rich dark caramel brown.
The apple butter is ready when it holds its shape on a spoon and spreads easily without being runny.
Cooking Intensity: Low Heat
Time: 2–3 hours
Step 6: Add Vanilla
Stir in the vanilla extract during the final 5 minutes of cooking.
Taste and adjust sweetness if desired.
Time: 5 minutes
Step 7: Cool and Store
Remove from heat and allow the apple butter to cool completely.
Transfer to clean jars or airtight containers.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
Time: 30 minutes cooling
How to Know Apple Butter Is Done
Your apple butter is finished when:
- It has a deep brown color
- The texture is thick and smooth
- A spoon dragged across the bottom leaves a clear path
- It does not release watery liquid
A simple test is to place a spoonful on a chilled plate. If no liquid forms around the edges after a minute, it is ready.
Serving Suggestions
Apple Butter tastes wonderful on:
- Toast
- English muffins
- Biscuits
- Pancakes
- Waffles
- Oatmeal
- Yogurt
- Ice cream
- Cheesecake
- Sandwiches
It can also be used as a filling for pastries or swirled into cake batter.
Expert Tips
Use Multiple Apple Varieties
Combining sweet and tart apples creates more complex flavor.
Cook Slowly
Low and slow cooking develops the deep caramelized flavor that makes apple butter special.
Stir Frequently
As the mixture thickens, it can stick to the bottom of the pot. Regular stirring prevents burning.
Adjust Sweetness
Taste during cooking and add more sugar if your apples are particularly tart.
Add Extra Spices
Try adding:
- Allspice
- Cardamom
- Ginger
- Pumpkin pie spice
for unique flavor variations.
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator
Store in airtight jars for up to 3 weeks.
Freezer
Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 6 months.
Leave about one inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
Canning
Apple butter can be processed using a water-bath canning method according to approved food preservation guidelines for longer shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is it called Apple Butter?
It contains no dairy butter. The name comes from its smooth, spreadable consistency.
Can I make it without sugar?
Yes. Naturally sweet apples can be used with little or no added sugar, though the flavor and shelf life may vary.
Do I need to peel the apples?
Peeling creates the smoothest texture, but the skins can be left on if using a powerful blender.
Can I make Apple Butter in a slow cooker?
Yes. Cook on low for 8–10 hours, then blend and continue cooking uncovered until thick.
Nutrition Information
Per Serving (2 Tablespoons)
- Calories: 45
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Protein: 0g
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 35mg
- Potassium: 65mg
- Vitamin C: 2% Daily Value
- Calcium: 1% Daily Value
- Iron: 1% Daily Value