Description

This homemade apple butter recipe captures the essence of autumn with rich caramelized apples and warming spices. Smooth, velvety, and naturally sweet, it’s a healthier, nutrient-rich alternative to traditional spreads — perfect for toast, oatmeal, and baking.

Ingredients

Scale

6 cups apples, peeled, cored, and chopped (mix of Granny Smith and Honeycrisp)
1 cup apple cider
½ cup brown sugar
¼ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
¼ teaspoon ground cloves
¼ teaspoon ground allspice
¼ teaspoon sea salt

Instructions

In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine apples, apple cider, sugars, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and break apart easily.
Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. If using a regular blender, allow mixture to cool slightly before blending in batches.
Return puree to pot and simmer uncovered for 1–2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes, until thickened and dark brown.
Test for doneness by running a spoon across the bottom of the pot — if mixture doesn’t flow back together immediately, it’s ready.
Cool 10 minutes, then transfer to sterilized jars. Refrigerate or can for long-term storage.

Notes

Store refrigerated for up to 3 weeks or freeze for 6 months. For sugar-free versions, omit added sugars when using sweet apple varieties. Properly canned apple butter can last up to 18 months in a cool, dark place.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
Category: Condiment
Method: Simmered
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
Calories: 50
Sugar: 10g
Sodium: 25mg
Fat: 0g
Saturated Fat: 0g
Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 13g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 0g
Cholesterol: 0mg

Keywords: apple butter, homemade spread, autumn recipe, healthy apple butter, canning recipe