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Homemade Apple Butter

October 17, 2022 | Condiments

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Apple Butter is a smooth thick velvety sauce made up of fresh apples and warm spices. Spoon this delicious jam-like spread on toast, muffins, and biscuits all fall long!

Lifting a spoon of apple butter out of a jar.

Apple Butter is a more concentrated version of apple sauce that is smoother, thicker, and more flavorful. This yummy butter requires more time to cook but only a few simple ingredients. Can’t get enough apple recipes? Enjoy them in Dutch Apple Pie, Apple & Bacon Spinach Salad, and Overnight Apple French Toast Casserole.

Quartered apples in a pot with ingredients surrounding.

Homemade Apple Butter

Apple Butter doesn’t actually contain any butter. It’s called this because it is a thick spreadable condiment that you’ll want to spread over everything like butter. It’s actually a great low calorie butter replacement.

Close up of a swirl of apple butter in a jar.

Ingredients for Apple Butter:

  • Apples– Since this cooks for so long you can really use any apple. They’ll all break down so choose the flavor varieties you like the best. I like to use Golden Delicious and Fuji.
  • Apple Cider– This adds liquid, spices, as well as concentrated apple flavor. Apple juice can be used instead.
  • Brown Sugar– Adds sweetness and a depth of flavor. Use light or dark.
  • Cinnamon– This warm spice pairs beautifully with apples.
  • Nutmeg– This is a nutty warm spice that is often paired with cinnamon.
  • Salt– Just a little is needed to help accentuate the other flavors.
  • Vanilla– Pure vanilla extract should be used for best flavor. For more tang, add lemon juice instead.
Ingredients on marble surface- cider, vanilla, spices, and brown sugar.

How to make Apple Butter:

Time needed: 2 hours and 15 minutes.

  1. Combine

    Place apples in a large pot with cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.Apple quarters in a pot with sugar and spices.

  2. Cook

    Cook covered over medium-low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes, until very soft.Cooked apples starting to fall apart in a pot.

  3. Puree

    Puree apples with a hand blender or in a high powered blender until smooth.Diptych- Cooked apples in a blender; pureed apples.

  4. Cook

    Cook UNcovered over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally (about every 10 minutes and then every 2-3 minutes for the last 15 minutes) until dark in color. Stir in vanilla.Thick, dark, pureed apples.

  5. Store

    Place in jar and store in fridge up to 3 weeks. (Makes about 3 1/2 cups.)

Apple butter in jars with apples to the side.

FAQs

Do I need to peel the apples?

No. The skin will get soft as the apples simmer so the peel doesn’t need to be removed. I do recommend using fresh picked apples since they won’t have any wax on them.

What apples break down easily?

Golden Delicious, McIntosh, Jonagold, Macoun, Fuji, and Gala are apple varieties that soften quickly.

What is apple butter?

Apple Butter is a condiment made up of apples, sugar, and spices. The apples are cooked down and pureed like apple sauce but are then cooked again to caramelize, thicken, and concentrate the sauce.

What to spread apple butter on?

Apple Butter is delicious on toast, rolls, English muffins, bagels, pancakes, muffins and can even be used a a sauce over meats. Apple pair really well with pork.
A jar of Apple Butter is a great homemade gift to give out during the holidays.

Red and green apples on a marble surface.

TOOLS USED TO MAKE THIS APPLE BUTTER:

  • Pot & Skillet Set– These are the skillets and pots I use. They have a heavy bottom making them sturdy and cook the food evenly. I use these multiple times a day.
  • Hand Blender– This is such a great tool to have in the kitchen! I love it more making dressing, soup, and these fried beans!
  • Wolf Gourmet Blender– This blender is amazing! It a power house that can blend anything. I love it and use it for everything from smoothies, to soups, to dressings. KitchenAid Blender– If you’re not ready to commit to a high power blender, this one is great! This one served me well in making smoothies and pureeing soups and sauces for 8 years.
Close up of apple butter in a jar.

LOOKING FOR MORE APPLE RECIPES? CHECK OUT THESE:

  • Easy Apple Crumble
  • Caramel Apple Cheesecake Bars
  • Apple Oatmeal Cookies
  • Spiced Apple Cupcakes with Caramel Frosting
  • Homemade Caramel Apples
Close up of a swirl of apple butter in a jar.
Print Recipe

Apple Butter

Apple Butter is a smooth thick velvety sauce made up of fresh apples and warm spices. Spoon this delicious jam-like spread on toast, muffins, and biscuits all fall long!
Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time2 hrs
Total Time2 hrs 15 mins
Servings: 24
Calories: 51kcal
Author: Garnish and Glaze

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds apples, quartered and cored
  • 3/4 cup apple cider, or apple juice
  • 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
  • 1/2 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon nutmeg
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions

  • Place apples in a large pot with cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, salt, and nutmeg.
  • Cook covered over medium-low heat for 1 hour, stirring every 10 minutes, until very soft.
  • Puree apples with a hand blender or in a high powered blender until smooth.
  • Cook UNcovered over low heat for about 1 hour, stirring occasionally (about every 10 minutes and then every 2-3 minutes for the last 15 minutes) until dark in color. Stir in vanilla.
  • Place in jar and store in fridge up to 3 weeks. (Makes about 3 1/2 cups.)
Course: Condiments
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Apple Butter
Nutrition Facts
Apple Butter
Amount Per Serving
Calories 51 Calories from Fat 9
% Daily Value*
Fat 1g2%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Sodium 26mg1%
Potassium 74mg2%
Carbohydrates 13g4%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 11g12%
Protein 1g2%
Vitamin A 31IU1%
Vitamin C 3mg4%
Calcium 9mg1%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.
Did you make this recipe?Tag @GarnishandGlaze on Instagram and use hashtag #GarnishandGlaze

Related topics:
Condiments Fall Stove Top

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