Apple Butter
A rich, deeply caramelized apple spread, slow-cooked for hours with warm spices until it's smooth and velvety. Perfect for toast, scones, or as a flavorful ingredient in both sweet and savory dishes.
For 16 servings
6 steps. 600 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.Prepare the Apples (20 minutes)
- b.Peel, core, and roughly chop the apples. The pieces don't need to be uniform as they will cook down completely.
- 2
Step 2
- a.Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker (5 minutes)
- b.Place the chopped apples into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
- c.Add the brown sugar, maple syrup, apple cider vinegar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and salt.
- d.Stir thoroughly to ensure all the apple pieces are evenly coated with the sugar and spices.
- 3
Step 3
- a.Initial Slow Cook (8-10 hours)
- b.Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on LOW for 8 to 10 hours.
- c.During this time, the apples will become extremely tender and the mixture will darken significantly as the sugars caramelize.
- 4
Step 4
- a.Blend to a Smooth Puree (5 minutes)
- b.Once the apples are very soft, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture directly in the slow cooker until it is completely smooth.
- c.Alternatively, carefully transfer the hot mixture in batches to a countertop blender. Blend until smooth, then return the puree to the slow cooker. Be cautious as hot liquids can expand during blending.
- 5
Step 5
- a.Thicken the Apple Butter (1-2 hours)
- b.Remove the lid from the slow cooker, or prop it open slightly with a wooden spoon to allow steam to escape.
- c.Continue to cook on LOW for an additional 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching.
- d.The apple butter is ready when it's thick and a spoon dragged through it leaves a trail that doesn't immediately fill in.
- 6
Step 6
- a.Finish and Store (5 minutes + cooling time)
- b.Turn off the slow cooker and stir in the vanilla extract.
- c.Allow the apple butter to cool down before transferring it into clean, airtight jars or containers.
- d.Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Use a mix of apple varieties like Honeycrisp, Gala, and Granny Smith for the most balanced and complex flavor.
- 2An immersion blender is the safest and easiest tool for pureeing the hot apple butter directly in the slow cooker.
- 3Don't rush the process. The long, slow cooking time is essential for developing the deep, caramelized flavor and dark color.
- 4To test for doneness, place a small amount of apple butter on a cold plate. If no water separates around the edges, it's ready.
- 5For long-term pantry storage, you can process the hot apple butter in sterilized jars using a water bath canning method.
- 6Adjust the spices to your liking. Feel free to add a pinch of cardamom or a star anise during cooking for a different flavor profile.
Adapt it for your goals.
Flavor Twist
Cranberry Apple Butter: Add 1 cup of fresh or frozen cranberries along with the apples for a tart and festive flavor.
DietaryDietary
No Added Sugar: Omit the brown sugar and maple syrup. Use naturally sweet apples like Fuji or Gala. The result will be tarter and less jam-like but still delicious.
Ingredient SwapIngredient Swap
Spiced Pear Butter: Substitute the apples with 5 lbs of ripe pears (like Bosc or Anjou) for a different but equally delicious fruit butter.
Cooking MethodCooking Method
Instant Pot Method: Cook on high pressure for 15 minutes, then natural release. Blend, and then use the 'Sauté' function (on low) to thicken the butter with the lid off, stirring frequently.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Dietary Fiber
Apples are an excellent source of soluble and insoluble fiber, which aids in digestion, promotes gut health, and can help maintain stable blood sugar levels.
Source of Antioxidants
Apples contain antioxidants like quercetin and vitamin C. Additionally, spices like cinnamon and cloves are packed with polyphenols, which help combat oxidative stress in the body.
Warming Spices with Benefits
Cinnamon is known for its potential to help regulate blood sugar, while cloves and nutmeg have anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties, adding a healthful boost to this delicious spread.
Frequently asked questions
A 1/4 cup serving of this homemade apple butter contains approximately 145 calories, primarily from the natural sugars in the apples and the added brown sugar and maple syrup.