Apple Butter Recipe

What is Apple Butter Recipe?

Apple butter is a thick, slow-cooked fruit spread made primarily from apples, sugar, and warm spices like cinnamon and cloves. Unlike regular apple sauce, apple butter is cooked down until all the moisture evaporates, resulting in a concentrated, rich, and velvety texture that’s great for spreading or adding into desserts. Making homemade apple butter in a Crockpot or slow cooker is not only super convenient but also lets the flavors deepen beautifully over time.

This homemade apple butter can be made in small batches or large batches depending on your needs, and it opens up a world of apple butter uses in both sweet and savory dishes, making it an exciting kitchen staple.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds of fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
• 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust based on apple sweetness)
• 0.5 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 0.5 teaspoon ground cloves
• 0.25 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 cup apple cider or water
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional, for a warm flavored butter twist)

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker or Crockpot
• Large mixing bowl
• Blender or immersion blender (optional for smooth finish)
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or wooden spoon
• Airtight jars or containers for storage

How to Make Apple Butter Recipe

Step 1:

Prepare your apples by peeling, coring, and chopping them into small pieces.

Step 2:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped apples, granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and apple cider (or water). Mix well to evenly coat the apples with sugar and spices.

Step 3:

Transfer the apple mixture to your Crockpot or slow cooker.

Step 4:

Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, stirring occasionally if possible, until the apples are very soft and the mixture thickens.

Step 5:

Use an immersion blender directly in the Crockpot to puree the apple mixture until smooth; or transfer to a blender to carefully puree in batches.

Step 6:

Stir in the vanilla extract if using, and cook an additional 30 minutes to thicken further.

Step 7:

Spoon the apple butter into clean, airtight jars or containers and let cool.

Step 8:

Store in the refrigerator and enjoy as needed.

Some Tips!

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for a balanced flavor.
• For small batch apple butter, simply halve the recipe and reduce cooking time slightly.
• Stir the apple butter occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and promote even cooking.
• Add a splash of salted caramel sauce toward the end for a decadent salted caramel apple butter variation.
• Use organic apples for a purer taste and to keep it natural, especially if you prefer a wellness angle.

How to Store Leftovers

Store leftover apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.

What to Eat With

Apple butter is wonderful spread over warm toast or muffins for breakfast. It also shines in apple butter desserts like drizzled over vanilla ice cream or Apple Cinnamon Donuts. For savory ideas, try it as a glaze on grilled chicken or on a pork sandwich. If you’ve enjoyed slow cooker apple butter recipes or salt caramel apple butter in the past, this basic version is a great staple to keep handy and play with flavor additions!

FAQ

Conclusion

This apple butter recipe is a cozy and versatile way to use up fresh apples and add a flavorful, homemade touch to your kitchen staples. Whether you enjoy it as part of apple butter desserts, a spread on your morning toast, or in savory dishes, it’s a simple joy that always feels special. Enjoy making and sharing your homemade apple butter — it’s one of my favorite flavored butter recipes to have on hand.

Apple Butter Recipe

Recipe by SarahCourse: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

Calories

120

kcal

Total time

Make this easy homemade apple butter in a Crockpot! Sweet, spiced, and velvety, it’s perfect for toast, desserts, or adding flavor to savory dishes.

Ingredients

• 4 pounds fresh apples, peeled, cored, and chopped
  1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
  1/2 cup brown sugar
  1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
  1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
  1/2 teaspoon salt
  1/2 cup apple cider or water
  1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)

Directions

• Prepare apple mixture: Peel, core, and chop apples. In a bowl, mix apples with sugars, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, salt, and apple cider (or water).
• Cook slowly: Transfer mixture to a Crockpot and cook on low for 8–10 hours, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and thickened.
• Blend to smooth: Use an immersion blender (or regular blender in batches) to puree until smooth. Stir in vanilla extract if using, and cook an additional 30 minutes to thicken.
• Store & enjoy: Spoon apple butter into clean jars or containers, let cool, and store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks (or freeze up to 3 months).

Notes

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
  For a small batch, halve the ingredients and reduce cooking time slightly.
  Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking.
  Add a splash of salted caramel for a decadent twist.
  Organic apples enhance flavor and wellness benefits.