This apple butter is rich, smooth, and perfectly spiced, making it the ultimate spread for toast, biscuits, or even as a topping for desserts.
With a combination of sweet and tart apples, warm spices, and a slow-cooking process that enhances every flavor, this recipe is an easy and satisfying way to enjoy the essence of fall.
I still remember the first time I made this apple butter, it filled my home with the coziest aroma of apples and cinnamon, and I couldn’t wait to spread it over a warm slice of homemade bread.
Whether you’re new to making apple butter or looking for a foolproof recipe, this one is as simple as it is delicious.
Let’s dive in!
What’s Inside This Recipe?
My Take on the Best Apple Butter
What I truly love about this apple butter recipe is its simplicity.
- It doesn’t require any fancy equipment beyond a good knife, an oven-safe pot, and an immersion blender. Plus, you can customize the thickness to your liking by controlling the cooking time toward the end.
- The combination of sweet apples like Honeycrisp and tart varieties like Granny Smith creates a balanced flavor that isn’t overly sweet. And the spices cinnamon, ginger, and cloves, add just the right warmth without overpowering the apples.
- This recipe also makes a fantastic base for other dishes. I’ve used it to make apple butter bars, swirled it into oatmeal, and even spread it on pancakes for a fall-inspired breakfast.
Trust me, you’re going to love having a jar of this in your fridge!
Ingredients
To get started, you’ll only need a handful of ingredients that are easy to find:
- 3 pounds sweet apples (like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 pound tart apples (Granny Smith or Pink Lady), peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Equipment needed:
- A heavy-bottom, oven-safe pot with a lid
- An immersion blender (or a standard blender)
How to Make the Best Apple Butter
Making apple butter at home is surprisingly simple. Here’s how I do it:
Step 1: Prepare the apples
Start by peeling, coring, and quartering your apples. If you have an apple corer, it’ll make this step even faster. You can cut the quarters into smaller chunks if you’d like, but I find it’s not necessary since they’ll soften as they cook.
Step 2: Cook the apples
Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place your apple chunks, apple cider, and spices into a heavy-bottom, oven-safe pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the apples don’t stick or scorch. By the end of this step, your apples should be soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Blend the apples
Remove the pot from the heat and let the apples cool slightly—about 10 minutes. Then, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s completely smooth. If you’re using a standard blender, work in batches, being cautious with the hot mixture.
Step 4: Bake the apple butter
Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, stir the mixture thoroughly, scraping down the edges to incorporate any darker spots back into the apple butter. Bake for an additional hour, stirring every 30 minutes.
If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can bake it for another 30 minutes. Just remember, the apple butter will thicken further as it cools.
How to Serve Your Apple Butter
- Once your apple butter has cooled, it’s ready to enjoy! Spread it on toast, muffins, or biscuits for a comforting breakfast.
- It’s also a delicious topping for yogurt or ice cream, and you can even use it as a filling for apple butter bars or pastries.
- For a savory twist, pair it with roasted chicken, it’s an unexpected but delightful combination.
Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
Apple butter stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or gifting. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigerate: Store your apple butter in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Reheat: If your apple butter thickens too much in the fridge, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
Top Tips for Customizing Your Apple Butter
- Use a Crockpot: If you prefer a hands-off method, try making this apple butter in a crockpot. Combine all the ingredients, cook on low for 8–10 hours, then blend to your desired consistency.
- Adjust the sweetness: If your apples aren’t as sweet as you’d like, you can add a tablespoon or two of brown sugar or honey during the blending step.
- Spice it up: For extra warmth, add a pinch of nutmeg or a splash of vanilla extract. You can also experiment with pumpkin pie spice for a different flavor profile.
- Make it chunky: If you like a little texture in your apple butter, blend it less for a chunky, rustic spread.
Your Questions About Apple Butter Answered
Can I use different apple varieties?
Yes! While I recommend a mix of sweet and tart apples for balance, you can use whatever varieties you have on hand. Just know that sweeter apples like Fuji will result in a naturally sweeter apple butter.
Can I skip peeling the apples?
You can skip peeling if you’re using a high-powered blender to puree the mixture until smooth. However, leaving the skins on may slightly alter the texture.
Is apple butter healthy?
Apple butter is naturally low in fat and can be a healthier alternative to jams or jellies, especially if made without added sugar. It’s also packed with the natural goodness of apples.
How do I know when my apple butter is done?
Your apple butter is ready when it’s thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon. It’ll also darken slightly as it cooks.
Can I can apple butter for long-term storage?
Absolutely! You can follow proper canning procedures to preserve your apple butter. Be sure to sterilize jars and use a water bath canner for safety.
Give This Recipe a Try!
I hope you’re as excited as I am to make this delicious apple butter. It’s an easy, versatile recipe that brings the cozy flavors of fall into your kitchen. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it in desserts, or just sneaking a spoonful straight from the jar, it’s sure to become a family favorite.
If you try this recipe, let me know how it turns out in the comments below! Don’t forget to share your creations on social media and tag WandaRecipes.com. And if you’re looking for more apple-inspired ideas, check out my easy apple recipes for breakfast, desserts, and even savory dishes.
Let’s get cooking!
The Best Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 pounds sweet apples like Honeycrisp, Fuji, or Gala, peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 pound tart apples Granny Smith or Pink Lady, peeled, cored, and quartered
- 1 cup apple cider
- 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the apples
- Start by peeling, coring, and quartering your apples. If you have an apple corer, it’ll make this step even faster. You can cut the quarters into smaller chunks if you’d like, but I find it’s not necessary since they’ll soften as they cook.
Step 2: Cook the apples
- Preheat your oven to 350°F. Place your apple chunks, apple cider, and spices into a heavy-bottom, oven-safe pot. Cover and simmer over medium heat for about 30 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure the apples don’t stick or scorch. By the end of this step, your apples should be soft and fragrant.
Step 3: Blend the apples
- Remove the pot from the heat and let the apples cool slightly—about 10 minutes. Then, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until it’s completely smooth. If you’re using a standard blender, work in batches, being cautious with the hot mixture.
Step 4: Bake the apple butter
- Transfer the pot to the oven and bake uncovered for 30 minutes. After the first 30 minutes, stir the mixture thoroughly, scraping down the edges to incorporate any darker spots back into the apple butter. Bake for an additional hour, stirring every 30 minutes. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can bake it for another 30 minutes. Just remember, the apple butter will thicken further as it cools.
Notes
How to Serve Your Apple Butter
Once your apple butter has cooled, it’s ready to enjoy! Spread it on toast, muffins, or biscuits for a comforting breakfast. It’s also a delicious topping for yogurt or ice cream, and you can even use it as a filling for apple butter bars or pastries. For a savory twist, pair it with roasted pork or chicken, it’s an unexpected but delightful combination.Storing and Enjoying Leftovers
Apple butter stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep or gifting. Here’s how to keep it fresh:- Refrigerate: Store your apple butter in an airtight jar or container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze: For longer storage, freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using.
- Reheat: If your apple butter thickens too much in the fridge, warm it gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, stirring occasionally.
