Apple Butter – Sweet, tart apples, cinnamon, and cloves slowly simmer together in a Crock Pot, turning into a rich, cozy apple butter. With just a touch of vanilla, it’s the perfect spread for toast, pancakes, or anything needing a fall-inspired upgrade.
You know, every year when fall rolls around, I get this crazy itch to make apple butter. Maybe it’s the crisp air, or perhaps it’s the sight of apples practically begging to be cooked into something warm and comforting. But I can tell you, it’s become a tradition in my house—though it didn’t start that way.
I still remember the first time I tried making apple butter. I thought, “How hard could it be?” Well, let’s just say I thought I could get away with winging it. I threw everything in a Crock Pot and hoped for the best. Spoiler alert: It turned into more of a burnt apple situation than butter. After that slight kitchen disaster, I was convinced apple butter and I weren’t meant to be. But a year later, I decided to try again—this time with a little patience (and less heat). And voilà! The house smelled like a slice of autumn heaven by morning, and the apple butter? It was just the right mix of sweet, tart, and spice. Now, it’s something I look forward to every year. I wake up to that warm, cinnamony aroma and immediately know it’s time to make a big batch, give some to friends, and hoard the rest for myself.
What makes this apple butter recipe truly special?
So, what makes this recipe stand out from all the other apple butter recipes? First off, it’s super low maintenance. Once the apples are peeled and chopped (okay, that’s not the fun part), you can literally just dump everything into the Crock Pot and let it do the hard work. You don’t have to hover over the stove or check on it every few minutes like some recipes demand. It’s as easy as setting it before bed and waking up to something that smells like the essence of fall itself.
Then there’s the customization factor. You can go wild with the sweetness level—if you like your apple butter on the tart side, like I do, stick to around 2 cups of sugar. But hey, if you’ve got a serious sweet tooth, you can add more without any judgment from me. And those spices? Oh, don’t even get me started. The cinnamon and cloves make the whole house smell like you’ve been baking pies all night. The optional vanilla is like a little cherry on top—it doesn’t scream for attention, but it adds a touch of warmth you’ll miss if you skip it.
What You Need To Make This Homemade Apple Butter Recipe?
When it comes to homemade apple butter, the ingredients really matter. This recipe keeps it simple but flavorful, and the balance of tart apples and warm spices is key to getting that deep, rich taste we all love. Let’s talk about each ingredient and why it’s essential.
Apples: It might seem obvious, but the type of apples you use will make or break your apple butter. I like to mix tart varieties like Granny Smith with sweeter ones like Fuji or Honeycrisp. It adds layers of flavor. And don’t be afraid to experiment—apple butter is very forgiving.
White & Brown Sugar: The combo of both sugars gives it just the right amount of sweetness. White sugar adds a clean, straightforward sweetness, while brown sugar brings that deep, almost caramel-like flavor that makes this butter taste like you’ve been simmering it over a wood fire in a cozy cabin.
Cinnamon & Cloves: Here’s where the magic happens. Cinnamon is comforting and familiar, but the cloves add a little something extra. If you’re not a huge fan of cloves, you can dial it down a notch. But I say go for it—it’s fall, after all!
Vanilla Extract: Totally optional, but I think it adds this lovely warmth that ties everything together. It’s subtle, but you’ll notice it in the background. Plus, who doesn’t like vanilla?
Salt: I know, I know—salt in apple butter? But trust me on this one. It doesn’t make it salty, it just enhances all the other flavors. It’s like the unsung hero of the recipe.
Steps To Make This Sweet and Tangy Apple Butter:
I’m not going to sugarcoat it—making apple butter takes time. But that’s the beauty of it, right? It’s a slow-cooked labor of love that’ll make your kitchen smell like a cinnamon-spiced dreamland. Let’s break it down into bite-sized steps.
Peeling and Chopping the Apples: Okay, this part isn’t glamorous. You’re going to want to peel, core, and chop about five and a half pounds of apples. Yes, it sounds like a lot (because it is), but once you’ve got your apples prepped, the hard part is basically over. Plus, you can put on a podcast and zone out while you do it.
Dump Everything in the Crock Pot: Once those apples are chopped, toss them into the Crock Pot like they’re the star of the show (because they are). Add in your white and brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, salt, and vanilla. Give it a quick stir to make sure the apples are evenly coated with all that sugary, spicy goodness.
Cook on High for One Hour, Then Low for 10-11 Hours: Now here’s where the Crock Pot earns its keep. Cook on high for one hour to get things started, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 to 11 hours. Yes, it takes that long—but think of it like a slow transformation. Stir occasionally if you’re awake, but if you’re like me and set this up before bed, let it do its thing overnight. You’ll wake up to something magical.
Uncover and Cook for Another Hour: After 10-11 hours, the apple butter should be thick and dark brown, like it’s just about ready to spread on your morning toast. But hold your horses—it needs one more hour uncovered on low to really thicken up. This is the step that gives it that luscious, spreadable consistency.
Blend to Perfection: Once the hour’s up, it’s time to blend. Use an immersion blender right in the Crock Pot if you’ve got one. If not, transfer the apple butter to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. And voilà—you’ve got homemade apple butter.
Storage Options for Homemade Apple Butter?
So you’ve made a batch of apple butter and now you’re wondering what to do with it all (besides eating it by the spoonful). The good news is, it stores like a champ. You’ve got a couple of options, depending on how quickly you plan to go through it.
- Refrigerator: Keep your apple butter in an airtight jar or container in the fridge. It’ll stay good for up to two weeks—plenty of time to slather it on toast, pancakes, or even mix it into your yogurt.
- Freezer: If you’ve made a larger batch and don’t want to eat it all at once (though, honestly, that’s a real challenge), freeze it. Just be sure to use freezer-safe containers and leave a little room at the top for expansion. It’ll keep for up to six months, so you can enjoy that taste of fall well into winter.
Variations and Substitutions:
One of the best things about apple butter is how flexible the recipe can be. Whether you want to tweak the flavors or swap out ingredients, this recipe is totally forgiving. Here are some fun ways to change it up.
- Different Apples: Feeling adventurous? Try mixing in different apple varieties for a unique flavor profile. Sweet apples like Fuji or Gala balance out the tartness, but you can even throw in crab apples if you want to go super tangy.
- Alternative Sweeteners: If you’re watching your sugar intake (or just want to experiment), try subbing out the sugar for honey, maple syrup, or even coconut sugar. Keep in mind this might change the cooking time a bit, but it’s worth a shot.
- Spice It Up: Not a fan of cloves? No problem. You can add nutmeg, ginger, or even a pinch of cardamom for a different twist. Play around with the spices until you find your perfect blend.
- Add a Boozy Twist: For the adults in the room, adding a splash of bourbon or whiskey at the end of cooking gives the apple butter a rich, caramel-like depth that’s chef’s kiss. Just don’t add it too early or you’ll cook off all the fun.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I make apple butter without a Crock Pot?
Oh, totally! Not everyone has a Crock Pot hanging around, right? You can definitely make this the old-school way on the stovetop. Just simmer the apples over low heat for a couple of hours—like 2-3 maybe? Stir it occasionally so you don’t end up with burnt applesauce (been there, done that). It’s a bit more hands-on, but it works. Plus, you get to hover over the stove like you’re in one of those nostalgic cooking montages in a movie.
How long does homemade apple butter last?
Well, if you’ve got decent self-control (unlike me), it’ll keep for about two weeks in the fridge. Honestly, mine never makes it that long before I’ve slathered it on every piece of toast, pancake, or cracker in sight. But if you’ve made a huge batch and need to save some for later, toss it in the freezer, and you’re set for like six months! Just, uh, don’t forget it’s in there.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Oh, for sure! I get it—sometimes you just don’t want all that sweetness. You can totally cut back on the sugar or swap it for something like honey or maple syrup if you’re feeling fancy. Just know that the texture might change a little. But hey, experimenting’s half the fun, right? If it comes out a little different, just roll with it—it’s homemade, after all.
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
<Remember it later>
Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!
Sweet and Tangy Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 5 1/2 lbs apples peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup white sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 2 teaspoons cinnamon
- 2 teaspoons vanilla extract optional
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Equipment
- Crockpot
Instructions
Prepare the Apples:
- Peel, core, and chop the apples into even pieces for consistent cooking.
Mix Ingredients in Crock Pot:
- Add the chopped apples to the Crock Pot. Then, pour in the white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, vanilla extract (if using), ground cloves, and salt. Stir to combine everything evenly.
Initial Cook on High:
- Cover the Crock Pot and cook on high for one hour.
Long Simmer on Low:
- Reduce the heat to low and cook for 10-11 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The apples will become soft, thick, and dark in color.
Uncover and Thicken:
- Uncover the Crock Pot and continue cooking on low for another hour to allow any remaining liquid to evaporate and the apple butter to thicken further.
Blend Until Smooth:
- Use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender and blend until smooth, depending on your preferred texture.
Store Properly:
- Spoon the apple butter into clean jars or containers. Allow it to cool before storing in the refrigerator or freezing for later use.
Notes
I’m Bitty, owner of nodashofgluten.com, where I share simple, delicious recipes for all tastes, including gluten-free. Check out my “About Me” page for more info!
