Homemade Apple Butter Recipe – Sweet, Smooth, and Perfect for Fall!

Apple butter is a rich, spiced spread made from apples, sugar, and warm spices. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, adding to desserts, or even incorporating into savory dishes. This homemade version is easy to make and far more flavorful than store-bought varieties. Plus, it’s a great way to use up a surplus of apples during apple season!

Total Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 2–3 hours
Serves: Makes about 2 cups

Ingredients:

• 6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (about 6 medium apples)
• 1 cup apple cider (or apple juice)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
• 1 tsp cinnamon
• 1/2 tsp ground ginger
• 1/4 tsp ground cloves
• 1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
• 1/4 tsp salt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Prepare the Apples:

Start by peeling, coring, and chopping the apples into small chunks. You can use any variety of apples, but a mix of sweet and tart apples, like Fuji and Granny Smith, will give your apple butter a balanced flavor.

2. Cook the Apples:

In a large saucepan or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples with the apple cider. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the apples are soft and begin to break down.

3. Puree the Apples:

Once the apples have softened, use an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the apple mixture to a regular blender in batches and blend until smooth.

4. Add Sugar and Spices:

After the apples are pureed, return the mixture to the pot. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, ginger, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Add the lemon juice to balance out the sweetness. Mix everything together well.

5. Simmer the Apple Butter:

Continue to cook the apple mixture over low heat, uncovered. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Let the mixture simmer for about 2 to 3 hours, until it thickens to your desired consistency. Keep in mind that the apple butter will thicken as it cools, so you can test the consistency by placing a spoonful on a plate and letting it sit for a minute. It should be spreadable but not runny.

6. Adjust the Flavor and Consistency:

Once the apple butter has thickened, taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. If it’s too thick, you can add a splash of cider or water to reach your desired consistency. If you prefer a sweeter apple butter, feel free to add more sugar.

7. Cool and Store:

Allow the apple butter to cool to room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it to jars or airtight containers. Apple butter can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 weeks or canned for long-term storage (see instructions below).

How to Can Apple Butter for Long-Term Storage:

If you want to preserve your homemade apple butter for longer storage, you can can it using the following steps:

1. Sterilize Jars: Wash your jars and lids in hot, soapy water and sterilize them by placing them in a hot oven (200°F) for 10 minutes.
2. Fill the Jars: Pour the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of space at the top.
3. Seal and Process: Seal the jars with the sterilized lids. Then, process them in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to ensure they’re properly sealed.
4. Cool and Store: Let the jars cool at room temperature. If sealed correctly, they can be stored in a cool, dark place for up to a year.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Apple Butter:

• Perfect for Fall: The warm spices and natural sweetness of apples make this apple butter the ideal fall treat.
• Versatile: Use it as a topping for toast, pancakes, waffles, or as a filling for pastries and cakes. It’s also great stirred into oatmeal or yogurt!
• Healthy: Unlike many store-bought varieties, this homemade apple butter doesn’t contain any preservatives or artificial flavors. It’s made with all-natural ingredients.
• Great Gift Idea: Apple butter makes a wonderful homemade gift, especially around the holidays. Just pour it into pretty jars, tie with a ribbon, and you’re all set!

Optimizing the Recipe:

• Apple Butter Recipe: Target search terms like “homemade apple butter,” “easy apple butter,” and “canning apple butter” to attract users looking for both quick and long-term storage options.
• Healthy Apple Butter: Keywords like “no preservatives apple butter” and “natural apple butter” can help reach people looking for healthier alternatives.
• Fall Recipes: Since apple butter is perfect for fall, incorporate phrases like “fall spreads,” “autumn recipes,” and “pumpkin spice” to capture seasonal search traffic.
• Gift Ideas: Many people look for food-related gifts, so using terms like “homemade gifts,” “jams and jellies gifts,” and “holiday food gifts” will also help attract gift-giving readers.

Pro Tips for the Best Apple Butter:

• Apple Variety: Different apple varieties can affect the sweetness and tartness of your apple butter. Experiment with combinations like Fuji, Granny Smith, or Honeycrisp apples for a unique flavor profile.
• Slow Cooker Method: You can also make apple butter in a slow cooker. After pureeing the apples and adding sugar and spices, cook the mixture on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally until it reaches your desired thickness.
• Spice Variations: You can adjust the spice blend to suit your taste. For a more cinnamon-forward flavor, increase the cinnamon, or add a pinch of allspice for a deeper flavor profile.

FAQ About Apple Butter:

Can I use a different sweetener?

Yes! You can use maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar as alternatives to the granulated sugar. Keep in mind that different sweeteners can affect the consistency and flavor, so you may need to adjust cooking times.

Can I use apple butter for baking?

Absolutely! Apple butter can be used in baking recipes like muffins, cakes, and cookies. It can replace some of the fat or be used as a sweetener in recipes.

How do I know when apple butter is done?

The apple butter is done when it has thickened to a spreadable consistency. You can check by placing a spoonful on a plate, letting it cool slightly, and then running your finger through it. If it stays separated, it’s ready.

This homemade Apple Butter is not only delicious but also a great way to enjoy the flavors of fall in a jar! Whether you’re using it as a spread or giving it away as a gift, it’s a treat everyone will love.

Let me know if you need any more details or adjustments!