Apple butter is a rich, smooth, and concentrated apple spread that’s full of warm spices and deep apple flavor. This old fashioned homemade apple butter recipe is slow-cooked to perfection, just like grandma used to make. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or using in baking. The long cooking process caramelizes the apples, giving the apple butter its deep color and intense flavor.
1. Old Fashioned Homemade Apple Butter Recipe
Ingredients
- 6 pounds of apples (about 12 medium apples, a mix of sweet and tart varieties like Granny Smith, Fuji, or Honeycrisp)
- 2 cups granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup brown sugar (for a deeper flavor, optional)
- 2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice (optional)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
- 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar or water, for moisture
Instructions
Step 1. Prepare the Apples
Peel, core, and chop the apples into small chunks. You can use an apple peeler or a paring knife for this step.
Step 2. Cook the Apples
In a large pot or Dutch oven, combine the chopped apples, sugar, brown sugar (if using), and apple cider vinegar (or water).
Cook over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the apples begin to soften, about 20-30 minutes.
Step 3. Blend the Mixture
Once the apples are soft, use an immersion blender to puree the apples directly in the pot, or transfer them to a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth. If you prefer a chunkier texture, blend less.
Step 4. Add the Spices
Once the apples are smooth, stir in the cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, allspice (if using), and salt.
Step 5. Slow Cook the Apple Butter
Reduce the heat to low and let the mixture cook uncovered, stirring occasionally, for 1.5 to 2 hours. Stir more frequently toward the end of cooking to prevent burning.
The apple butter will thicken and darken as it cooks. You’ll know it’s done when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon and has a deep caramel color.
Step 6. Add Vanilla (Optional)
Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 10 minutes of cooking for added depth and warmth.
Step 7. Cool and Store
Once the apple butter is done, remove it from the heat and let it cool slightly.
Transfer the apple butter to sterilized jars if you plan to can it, or store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator.
2. Tips for Making the Best Apple Butter
Choose the Right Apples: Use a combination of sweet and tart apples for the best flavor. Varieties like Gala, Fuji, Honeycrisp, and Granny Smith work well together.
Low and Slow: The key to great apple butter is cooking it low and slow. This allows the natural sugars in the apples to caramelize and develop deep flavors.
Adjust Sweetness: Start with less sugar if you prefer a less sweet apple butter, and add more to taste after cooking.
Thickening the Apple Butter: If your apple butter is too thin after blending, continue cooking it uncovered to allow more liquid to evaporate. The longer it cooks, the thicker it will become.
3. Variations and Additions
Spiced Apple Butter: For a more robust flavor, increase the spices or add additional ones like ground ginger, cardamom, or a pinch of cayenne for a subtle heat.
Apple and Pear Butter: Combine apples with pears for a slightly different flavor profile. Replace half the apples with ripe pears for a smoother, sweeter butter.
Maple Apple Butter: Substitute some of the sugar with pure maple syrup for a richer, more complex sweetness.
Sugar-Free Version: If you prefer a sugar-free apple butter, omit the sugar and rely on the natural sweetness of the apples. You can also use a sugar substitute like Stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
4. How to Use Apple Butter
Apple butter is a versatile spread that can be used in many creative ways:
Spread on Toast: Enjoy it on toast, English muffins, or bagels for a simple and delicious breakfast.
Swirl into Oatmeal: Stir a spoonful into your morning oatmeal for a burst of fall flavor.
Use as a Filling: Apple butter makes a great filling for cakes, pastries, or thumbprint cookies.
Top Pancakes or Waffles: Instead of syrup, try spreading apple butter over pancakes or waffles.
Serve with Pork: Apple butter pairs wonderfully with pork dishes, like pork chops or roasted pork tenderloin.
As a Gift: Jarred apple butter makes a thoughtful homemade gift, especially during the holiday season.
5. How to Store and Preserve
Refrigerator: Store apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks.
Canning: If you want to preserve apple butter for longer, you can water-bath can it. Pour the hot apple butter into sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch of headspace. Process in a boiling water canner for 10 minutes (adjust for altitude if necessary). Once canned, the apple butter can be stored for up to 1 year in a cool, dark place.
This Old Fashioned Homemade Apple Butter recipe is a delicious, slow-cooked treat that will fill your home with the warm, comforting aroma of spiced apples. With its deep caramelized flavor and smooth texture, it’s a perfect spread for autumn breakfasts or holiday gatherings.
