Apple butter is a thick, flavorful spread made by cooking apples low and slow until they caramelize and turn into a rich, smooth spread. Unlike apple sauce, apple butter is darker, thicker, and more concentrated, with a spiced, sweet, and tangy flavor.

It’s perfect for spreading on toast, mixing into yogurt, or even serving as a topping for pancakes.

Ingredients:

• 6 pounds (2.7 kg) apples (about 12 medium apples)
• 2 cups (400g) granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
• 1 cup (240ml) apple cider or water
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract (optional)

Equipment:

• Large pot or slow cooker
• Paring knife
• Potato masher or immersion blender
• Wooden spoon
• Sterilized jars with lids for storage

Step 1: Choose the Right Apples

For the best apple butter, use a mix of sweet and tart apples. Varieties like Granny Smith, Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Golden Delicious work well together to create a balanced flavor. You can adjust the amount of sugar based on how sweet or tart your apples are.

Step 2: Prepare the Apples

Wash the apples thoroughly and peel them if you prefer a smoother apple butter. However, leaving the skins on adds extra fiber and nutrients, and they will break down during cooking. Core the apples and cut them into quarters or smaller pieces. The smaller the pieces, the faster they’ll cook down.

Step 3: Cook the Apples

In a large pot or slow cooker, add the apple pieces and pour in the apple cider (or water if you prefer). The liquid helps the apples break down and prevents them from sticking to the pot. Cover the pot and cook the apples over medium heat for 30–40 minutes, or until they’re completely soft and beginning to break apart.

If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low and cook for about 6–8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 4: Puree the Apples

Once the apples are soft, use a potato masher or an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you prefer a more rustic texture, you can leave some chunks of apple. If you used an immersion blender, be careful to blend thoroughly so the skins are fully broken down.

Step 5: Add the Spices

Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. The sugar helps to enhance the natural sweetness of the apples, while the spices give the apple butter its warm, cozy flavor. Adjust the sugar based on the sweetness of your apples and your personal preference. For added depth, stir in vanilla extract if you like.

Step 6: Thicken the Apple Butter

Reduce the heat to low and continue cooking the apple mixture uncovered for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. As it cooks, the apple butter will darken and thicken. Be sure to stir frequently to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pot and burning.

You’ll know the apple butter is done when it has reduced to a thick, spreadable consistency and clings to the back of a spoon without sliding off. If you’re using a slow cooker, leave the lid slightly ajar to allow steam to escape, and cook on low for another 4–6 hours.

Step 7: Sterilize and Fill Jars

While the apple butter is cooking, sterilize your jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Once the apple butter is thickened and ready, carefully spoon it into the sterilized jars, leaving about ¼ inch of space at the top. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean cloth, then seal them tightly.

Step 8: Store and Enjoy

If you plan to store the apple butter for a long time, process the filled jars in a boiling water bath for 10 minutes to ensure a proper seal. Once sealed, apple butter can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year. After opening, keep it refrigerated and use within a few weeks.

Serving Suggestions

Apple butter is incredibly versatile. Spread it on toast, swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt, or use it as a glaze for meats. You can also add it to baked goods like muffins or cakes for extra moisture and flavor.

Enjoy the rich, spiced goodness of homemade apple butter!

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