Apple Butter Recipe
This homemade apple butter recipe transforms fresh apples slowly cooked with sugar and warm spices into a thick, rich spread perfect for toast, biscuits, or as a flavorful addition to recipes. With a long, low cooking process, the apples caramelize and develop a deep, concentrated flavor that is both sweet and spiced.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 11 to 13 hours
- Total Time: 11 hours 20 minutes to 13 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: About 6 to 7 cups 1x
- Category: Spread
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Vegetarian
Ingredients
Scale
Apples
- 5–1/2 pounds apples, peeled, cored, and finely chopped
Sweeteners and Spices
- 4 cups sugar
- 2 to 3 teaspoons ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Slow-cook the apples: Add the peeled, cored, and finely chopped apples to a 3-quart slow cooker. Pour the sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt evenly over the apples. Stir everything together gently to combine and cook on high for 1 hour.
- Reduce heat and continue to cook: Lower the slow cooker setting to low. Cook the mixture for an additional 9 to 11 hours, stirring occasionally. As the apple butter thickens and darkens to a rich brown color, increase stirring frequency to prevent it from sticking to the sides and bottom of the slow cooker.
- Uncover and cook some more: Remove the lid and continue cooking on low for 1 more hour. This step helps further thicken the apple butter and intensifies the flavor. If a smoother texture is preferred, whisk the apple butter with a wire whisk to break up any remaining chunks.
- Cool and store: Allow the apple butter to cool completely to room temperature. Then transfer it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about a half-inch of headspace to allow for expansion if freezing. Seal tightly and store in the refrigerator for immediate use or freeze for longer storage. Enjoy your homemade apple butter spread on breads, pancakes, or as a versatile condiment.
Notes
- Use a variety of apples for more complex flavor—sweet and tart apples blend well.
- Stir frequently as the apple butter thickens to prevent burning.
- Store in sterilized jars if planning to can the apple butter for shelf stability.
- Adjust the amount of cinnamon based on personal preference for spiciness.
- Apple butter freezes well and can be kept for up to 6 months in the freezer.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (about 40g)
- Calories: 110
- Sugar: 27g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
Keywords: apple butter, slow cooker apple butter, homemade apple spread, fall recipes, apple preserves
Find it online: https://cheframiflavor.com/apple-butter-recipe/
