This Apple Butter Recipe is a luscious, slow-cooked delight that transforms humble apples into a velvety spread bursting with rich, caramelized flavor. With just 15 minutes of prep and a gentle 12-hour simmer, your kitchen will fill with the warm, comforting aroma of cinnamon and spice. Perfect for slathering on toast, swirling into oatmeal, or gifting in charming jars, this recipe yields three pints of pure autumnal bliss.
Each spoonful offers a silky texture and a harmonious blend of sweet and tangy notes, making it a healthier alternative to sugary spreads. At just 75 calories per serving, it’s a guilt-free indulgence that’s as nourishing as it is delicious. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or a beginner, this recipe is a simple way to savor the essence of fall in every bite.
What You’ll Need
- 5.5 lbs (2.5 kg) soft, sweet apples (cored and chopped into ¼” pieces, no need to peel)
- 1 cup (200 g) brown sugar, firmly packed
- ¾ cup (150 g) granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 vanilla bean (or substitute with 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract)
How to Make It
- Core and chop the apples into small ¼” pieces (no need to peel).
- Place the chopped apples in the basin of a large slow cooker.
- In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the brown sugar, granulated sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cloves until well combined.
- Pour the sugar mixture over the apples and stir until evenly coated.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low heat for 10 hours.
- After 10 hours, use an immersion blender to puree the apples until smooth and free of chunks. (If you don’t have an immersion blender, see note 2 for alternatives.)
- Scrape the seeds from the vanilla bean into the apple puree (or add vanilla extract) and stir to combine.
- Cook the mixture uncovered on low heat for another 2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Once done, store the apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for about 2 weeks.
Creative Ways to Enjoy Your Apple Butter
Apple butter is incredibly versatile! Spread it on toast, pancakes, or waffles for a sweet breakfast treat. Use it as a filling for pastries or swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt. It also pairs beautifully with cheese boards—try it with sharp cheddar or brie for a delightful contrast of flavors.
Storage Tips to Keep Your Apple Butter Fresh
Store your apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions using freezer-safe jars or bags. Thaw in the fridge overnight before using. Always use a clean spoon to avoid contamination and extend its shelf life.
Time-Saving Hacks for Busy Cooks
To save time, prep your apples the night before and store them in the fridge. If you’re short on time, cook the apple butter on high heat for 5-6 hours instead of low heat for 10 hours—just keep an eye on it to prevent burning. Using pre-measured spices can also speed up the process.
Equipment Tips for Perfect Apple Butter
An immersion blender is a game-changer for achieving a smooth consistency, but if you don’t have one, a regular blender or food processor works too—just blend in small batches and let the mixture cool slightly first. A slow cooker with a timer ensures even cooking without constant monitoring.
Recipe Variations to Mix It Up
Experiment with different apple varieties like Granny Smith for a tangier flavor or Honeycrisp for extra sweetness. Add a pinch of nutmeg or cardamom for a unique twist. For a sugar-free version, substitute the sugars with a natural sweetener like maple syrup or honey, adjusting to taste.
Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 5.5 lbs soft, sweet apples Cored and chopped into small pieces, about ¼”
- 1 cup brown sugar firmly packed
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cloves
- 1 vanilla bean may substitute 1 ½ teaspoons vanilla extract
Instructions
- Slice apples into small pieces (about ¼”) and dispose of cores (you do not need to peel the apples).
- Place apples in the basin of large slow cooker.
- In a medium-sized bowl stir together sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and cloves until well-combined.
- Pour sugar mixture over apple pieces and stir until well combined. Place lid on crockpot and cook on low heat for 10 hours.
- Once 10 hours has elapsed, use an immersion blender to puree apples until smooth and no chunks remain (see note 2 if you do not have an immersion blender).
- Scrape the inside of the vanilla bean into your apple puree (or add vanilla extract).
- Turn crockpot on to low heat and cook another 2 hours uncovered, stirring occasionally.
- Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container, where it will keep about 2 weeks.