Apple Butter Recipe (3-Ways!)

This homemade Apple Butter is truly a game-changer for your kitchen arsenal. Rich, velvety, and bursting with warm autumn spices, this versatile spread transforms ordinary toast into a gourmet breakfast experience. Whether you choose to make it on the stovetop, in a slow cooker, or using an Instant Pot, the result is the same incredible flavor that puts store-bought versions to shame.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Fuji apples: These provide natural sweetness and break down beautifully during cooking.
• Honeycrisp apples: Adding a crisp sweetness and wonderful texture to the final product.
• Granny Smith apples: These tart apples balance the sweetness and add depth of flavor.
• Granulated sugar: Helps to sweeten and preserve the apple butter.
• Brown sugar: Adds rich, caramel-like undertones that complement the apples perfectly.
• Lemon zest and juice: Brightens the flavor and helps preserve the color.
• Cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves: This classic spice trio creates that signature warm apple butter flavor.
• Salt: Just a touch enhances all the other flavors.
• Apple cider: Provides moisture and intensifies the apple flavor.

Variations

Spice Variations

Try adding cardamom, ginger, or allspice for different flavor profiles. A vanilla bean split and scraped into the mixture during cooking adds wonderful depth.

Sweetener Swaps

Replace the sugars with maple syrup, honey, or coconut sugar for different flavor notes. You can also reduce the sugar by half for a less sweet version that lets the natural apple flavor shine.

Boozy Apple Butter

Add a splash of bourbon, rum, or apple brandy in the last 30 minutes of cooking for an adult version that’s perfect for gift-giving.

Sugar-Free Option

Omit the added sugars entirely for a naturally sweet version. The color won’t be as deep, but it’s still delicious and perfect for those watching their sugar intake.

How to Make Apple Butter

Stovetop Method

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a large Dutch oven, add all diced apples, both sugars, lemon zest, lemon juice, and all spices. Pour in 1½ cups apple cider and stir to combine everything well.

Step 2: Cook Until Tender

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer for 35-40 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are completely tender.

Step 3: Strain

Working in batches, pass the cooked apples through a strainer or food mill to remove any lumps. You should end up with about 4 cups of smooth applesauce-like mixture.

Step 4: Reduce

Return the strained mixture to the Dutch oven and simmer uncovered over low heat for 60-75 minutes, stirring occasionally. The mixture will darken and reduce as it cooks.

Step 5: Blend

Use an immersion blender to puree until very smooth and thick. The apple butter will thicken slightly as it cools.

Slow Cooker Method

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Add all ingredients to a 6-quart slow cooker and stir to combine.

Step 2: Initial Cooking

Cover and cook on high for 2-3 hours, stirring hourly, until apples are completely soft.

Step 3: Reduce

Set the lid slightly ajar and continue cooking on low for 9-10 hours until the mixture is dark brown and reduced.

Step 4: Strain and Blend

Strain the mixture and then blend until perfectly smooth.

Instant Pot Method

Step 1: Pressure Cook

Combine all ingredients in the Instant Pot with just ¼ cup of apple cider. Cook on high pressure for 10 minutes, then natural release for 15 minutes.

Step 2: Strain

Strain the cooked apples to remove any lumps, then return to the pot.

Step 3: Reduce

Choose either quick cooking (using Sauté function for 30-60 minutes) or slow cooking (using Slow Cook function for 4-6 hours) to reduce the mixture to the perfect consistency.

Step 4: Blend

Use an immersion blender to create a velvety smooth texture.

How to Serve

Breakfast Ideas

Spread on toast, English muffins, or swirl into oatmeal, yogurt, or pancake batter before cooking.

Savory Pairings

Use as a glaze for roasted pork or chicken, or add to a cheese board alongside sharp cheddar or brie.

Baking Applications

Substitute for some of the fat in muffin or quick bread recipes, use as cake filling, or swirl into cheesecake batter.

Gift Giving

Pour into decorative jars with custom labels for heartfelt holiday gifts or hostess presents.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Allow the apple butter to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for 2-3 weeks, or up to a month in sterilized jars.

Freezing

Freeze in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.

Canning

For longer storage, process in a water bath canner following safe canning guidelines. Properly canned apple butter will last up to a year in the pantry.

Reheating

Gently warm in the microwave or on the stovetop if you prefer it served warm. Add a splash of apple cider if it’s thickened too much in storage.

FAQs

Can I use just one type of apple instead of the three varieties listed?
Yes, you can use a single variety, but the mix provides better flavor complexity. If using one type, Honeycrisp or Fuji are your best bets for a balanced flavor. The final product won’t have quite the same depth of flavor but will still be delicious.

My apple butter seems too thin. How can I thicken it?
Continue simmering uncovered, stirring frequently to prevent scorching. The longer it cooks, the more moisture evaporates and the thicker it becomes. Remember that apple butter thickens further as it cools, so don’t overdo it.

Is this recipe suitable for water bath canning for long-term storage?
Absolutely! This recipe has the right acid balance for safe canning. Process in sterilized jars in a water bath canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary). When properly canned, it will keep for up to a year in a cool, dark place.

Can I reduce the sugar or use a sugar substitute?
You can reduce the sugar by up to half without affecting the preservation properties. For complete sugar substitution, use a product designed for canning like Splenda or Stevia, but be aware that the color and caramelization will be less pronounced, and the shelf life might be reduced.

This Apple Butter recipe transforms ordinary apples into something truly extraordinary. Whether you spread it on your morning toast, use it to glaze a holiday ham, or give it as a thoughtful homemade gift, it’s sure to impress with its rich, complex flavor. The hands-on time is minimal, making this a perfect weekend project that rewards you with weeks of delicious possibilities. Give it a try – your kitchen will smell incredible, and your taste buds will thank you!

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