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The BEST Apple Butter Recipe (Better Than Store-Bought!)

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.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours
Servings: 3 cups
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: American
Calories: 50
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 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

Method
 

  1. In a large heavy-bottomed pot, combine apples, apple cider, sugars, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and salt. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
  2. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until apples are soft and break apart easily.
  3. Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth. If using a regular blender, allow mixture to cool slightly before blending in batches.
  4. Return puree to pot and simmer uncovered for 1–2 hours, stirring every 15 minutes, until thickened and dark brown.
  5. Test for doneness by running a spoon across the bottom of the pot — if mixture doesn’t flow back together immediately, it’s ready.
  6. 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.