Apple Butter Recipe
Thick, silky, and spiced to perfection, this apple butter is the ultimate cozy spread. Perfect on toast, pancakes, or as a glaze for savory dishes, it fills your kitchen with warm cinnamon-y aromas and tastes like fall in a jar.
Ingredients
Apple Butter Ingredients
- 6 lbs apples Granny Smith + Honeycrisp are my fave combo
- 2 cups apple juice or water if you want it lighter
- 1 ½ cups brown sugar
- 1 tsp cinnamon
- ½ tsp ground cloves
- ½ tsp nutmeg
- Pinch of salt
Optional Add-Ons
- A splash of vanilla extract at the end
- Extra cinnamon stick while cooking for a stronger spice vibe
Instructions
Prep the Apples
- Peel, core, and chop your apples. Big chunks are fine — they’re gonna cook down anyway. Honestly, this is the most work you’ll do.
Cook Them Down
- Add apples and apple juice to a big pot. Let it simmer over medium heat until the apples are super soft and falling apart. This takes about 30–40 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a cider mill, and you’ll want to move in permanently.
Blend It Smooth
- Use an immersion blender (or carefully transfer to a regular blender) to puree the apples until silky. This is where it starts looking like baby food, but trust the process.
Add the Sweet & Spice
- Stir in the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Keep it on low heat and let it cook uncovered, stirring now and then. The mixture thickens, darkens, and turns into this glossy, caramel-like spread. It usually takes 1–2 hours. Low and slow is the key, babe.
Finish & Store
- Taste it (careful, it’s hot!) and adjust spices if needed. Stir in a splash of vanilla if you’re feeling fancy. Let it cool, then scoop into clean jars. Store in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or freeze some for later cozy emergencies.
Notes
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for balanced flavor.
- Stir frequently toward the end of cooking to prevent sticking or burning.
- Can be made in a slow cooker for an effortless all-day version.
- Store in clean jars in the fridge for up to 2 weeks or freeze for longer storage.
- Optional: Add vanilla extract or extra spices for a more complex flavor profile.