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Condiment • American

Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

Apple butter is a thicker, sweeter cousin to apple sauce. This homemade treat is perfect for gift-giving, spread on toast, and used in any fall baking

4.8 from 145 votes
50 mins
Total Time
2.5
servings
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Homemade Apple Butter

How to Make the Best Homemade Apple Butter

Apple butter is a time-honored preserve that transforms simple apples into something deeply flavorful and luxuriously thick. Unlike applesauce, apple butter is cooked down much longer, concentrating the fruit’s natural sweetness and developing a rich, jammy texture that’s absolutely irresistible.

This homemade apple butter recipe is wonderfully versatile. Spread it on warm toast at breakfast, swirl it into oatmeal, use it as a filling for baked goods, or gift small jars to friends and family during the fall season. The combination of warm cinnamon and clove brings out the apples’ natural spice notes, making this feel like autumn in a jar.

Whether you choose the traditional stovetop method or opt for the convenience of a slow cooker, you’ll end up with a gorgeous, silky apple butter that’s far superior to anything you can buy at the store. The process is simple and requires minimal active time—mostly just stirring and waiting while the magic happens.

Homemade Apple Butter

Homemade Apple Butter

Apple butter is a thicker, sweeter cousin to apple sauce. This homemade treat is perfect for gift-giving, spread on toast, and used in any fall baking

4.8 from 145 votes
CourseCondiment
CuisineAmerican
Keywordapple butter, apple filling, apple spread, easy apple butter, what to do with leftover apples
Prep Time5 mins
Cook Time45 mins
Total Time50 mins
Servings2.5 servings
Calories610kcal
AuthorAlex Raeburn
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Ingredients

Apple Butter

Instructions

Stovetop Method

  1. In a dutch oven or large heavy-bottom pot, combine apples, cider, and 1/2 cup sugar. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring occasionally.
  2. Once the apples and liquid come to a boil, cover almost fully, leaving a small space to vent steam. Continue to boil for 20 minutes or until apples are soft and tender, stirring about every 5 minutes. Almost all liquid should be evaporated.
  3. Using an immersion blender, process until smooth. If using a standard blender or food processor, be careful with the hot liquid when transferring the cooked apples. Process until smooth and return to the dutch oven or pot.
  4. Stir in spices and the remaining 3/4 cup sugar. Return to a boil over medium-high heat uncovered. Once the apple mixture starts to boil, reduce to low heat and simmer about 15 to 20 minutes, stirring often.
  5. The mixture should be smooth, thick, and hold a line when dragging a spatula through the center. Let cool about 30 minutes before transferring to a container. Store in the refrigerator.

Slow Cooker Method

  1. Combine all the ingredients in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
  2. After cooking, purée for a smoother apple butter consistency.

Notes

  • Honeycrisp apples are recommended for the best flavor
  • Store in the refrigerator for best results
  • Perfect for gift-giving in small jars
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