How to Make Apple Butter From Scratch

If the idea of making apple butter from scratch sounds intimidating, I hope that after reading this post, you’ll realize how easy it is to prepare. (Like I did!)

Similar to making homemade applesauce, all you have to do is add some spice and let the apples cook down to sweet perfection. Using a slow cooker makes this process easy because you don’t have to worry about constantly stirring or burning the apples as they cook.

In fact, you can completely leave it alone!

This version is healthier than the store-bought versions because we’re including the apple peels (less work for you + more nutrition) and adding no additional sugar. It couldn’t be easier.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Featured Review

“I made this yesterday and my house smelled amazing! No extra sugar is needed, the apple butter came out perfectly in my crockpot. I’ve loved every recipe I’ve tried of yours!” -Melanie

Apple Butter Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need:

• Apples. Choose naturally sweet apples for the best flavor, like Fuji, Gala, or Cosmic apples. You’ll need 3 pounds of apples to make 14 to 16 ounces of apple butter.
• Pantry Spices. Ground cinnamon, ginger, and cloves add the perfect touch of Fall flavor to apple butter.

This recipe requires no added sugar, but if you are concerned about the apple butter not tasting sweet enough, you could always add a splash of maple syrup at the end of the cooking process.

How to Make Apple Butter From Scratch

Step 1:

Remove the core and seeds from each apple, then cut the apples into roughly 1-inch chunks so they will cook faster.

Transfer the apple chunks to the bowl of a 6-quart slow cooker and sprinkle the cinnamon, ginger, and cloves over the top. Stir briefly, then place the lid on top and set the slow cooker to cook on high for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, you can cook it on low for 10 hours.

Note: The timing is flexible based on your schedule for the day. Six hours of high heat should be enough to make the apples tender, if you’re starting this later in the day, but eight hours is perfect if you want to start this before an 8-hour workday.

Step 2:

When the apples look brown and are easily mashed with a fork, use an immersion blender to blend them directly in the pot. Or, transfer the cooked apples and juices to a high-speed blender and blend until smooth.

There should be no apple peel visible when you’re done blending.

Step 3:

Taste the mixture to see how you like it. If it’s already thick and sweet, you can stop here and use it right away. Or, return the puree to the slow cooker and cook on low heat for two additional hours, to help the flavor concentrate even more.

As soon as you’re happy with the texture and flavor, the apple butter is ready to use. Let it cool completely before transferring to a jar with a lid.

What to Do With Apple Butter

You can use apple butter just like you would store-bought jelly. Here are some suggestions for getting started:

• Spread it on pancakes. It makes a delicious alternative to syrup, with less sugar.
• Use it to make a PB&J. Instead of jelly, use apple butter for a Fall-flavored sandwich.
• Add a dollop to your holiday meal. Just as cranberry sauce pairs well with turkey, so does apple butter.
• Stir it into oatmeal. Whether you love overnight oats or hot oatmeal, apple butter is the perfect flavor addition.
• Spread it on toast & bagels. I love this with peanut butter drizzled on top, too.
• Pair it with ice cream. A spoonful of warm apple butter plus vanilla ice cream is the perfect Fall-flavored treat. Better than hot fudge!

Homemade Apple Butter Recipe

4.85 from 39 votes

If you've never tasted homemade apple butter, prepare to be amazed. It tastes like Fall and will make your home smell amazing as it cooks. (Better than a scented candle!) With the help of a slow cooker, the process is almost entirely hands-off, and no added sugar is required.

prep30 mins cook10 hrs total10 hrs 30 mins

Servings:16

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Ingredients

 

US CustomaryMetric

 

1x2x3x

• 3 pounds apples (like Fuji or Gala)
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ cup water

Instructions

• Core and chop the apples, then place them in the bowl of your slow cooker. Add the cinnamon, ginger, cloves, and water, then cover and cook on high heat for 8 hours, or until the apples are dark brown and easily mashed with a fork.
• Use an immersion blender to puree the cooked apples, or transfer them to a high-speed blender if you prefer. Puree the apples until the mixture looks smooth, like a silky applesauce. Return the puree to the slow cooker and cook on low heat with the lid off for 2 more hours to help concentrate the flavor even more.
• When the slow cooking cycle is complete, transfer the apple butter to a jar and let it cool completely before securing the lid and storing it in the fridge.
• Once the apple butter is nice and thick, let it cool completely, then transfer it to a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. (You can also freeze any extra for a longer shelf life!) Serve the apple butter over your favorite toast, pancakes, meats, salads, oatmeal, and more.

Notes

Nutrition information is for approximately 2 tablespoons of apple butter, assuming you fill a 16-ounce jar with this recipe. This information is automatically calculated so it’s just an estimate and not a guarantee. 

Batch Size Note: In my experience, 3 pounds of apples cook down to about 14 to 16 ounces of apple butter. If you want to make more than that, you can double the recipe.  

Clean-Up Note: Since you have to leave the pot slightly uncovered while cooking, you may want to place some towels around your slow cooker to catch any splattering.

Nutrition

Calories: 44kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Sodium: 1mg | Potassium: 91mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 8g | Vitamin A: 45IU | Vitamin C: 3.9mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.1mg

Author: Megan Gilmore

Course: Snack

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Apple Butter

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Notes:

• If you don’t have a slow cooker, feel free to make apple butter over a stove top– just make sure to keep the heat low and stir often to prevent burning.
• You can start off using store-bought applesauce to save time, but the flavor is best if you start from scratch!

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