Homemade Apple Butter: Sweet, Spiced, and Perfect for Gifting
Rich and spiced homemade apple butter recipe made in a slow cooker. Perfect for spreading on toast, pancakes, or gifting to loved ones during the holidays.
Apple butter is a rich, spiced spread that transforms the humble apple into something truly magical. Made in a slow cooker, this easy recipe fills your kitchen with the warm aroma of fall spices while requiring minimal hands-on effort. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, dolloping on pancakes, or even gifting to loved ones. Let’s dive into why you’ll love this recipe and how to make it step-by-step!
Why You’ll Love This Apple Butter
Versatile Uses: Apple butter isn’t just for toast! Use it to enhance pancakes, swirl into oatmeal, or top off vanilla ice cream.
Easy Slow Cooker Method: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, breaking down apples and infusing them with rich spices for a velvety-smooth spread.
Thoughtful Gift Idea: Packaged in a cute jar with a ribbon, this homemade apple butter makes a heartfelt gift for holidays, hostess gifts, or simply to share joy.
All-Natural Sweetness: Made with real apples, maple syrup, and warm spices—no artificial ingredients here!
Ingredients and What They Do
7 Medium Apples (Honeycrisp & Fuji): These varieties are naturally sweet and tart, striking the perfect balance for flavorful apple butter.
2 tsp Cinnamon: A warm spice that defines the classic apple butter flavor.
½ tsp Ground Cloves: Adds a deeper, slightly sweet aromatic note.
½ tsp Nutmeg: Contributes a hint of nuttiness and depth.
¼ tsp Allspice: A subtle, spicy kick to round out the flavors.
⅔ Cup Light Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and richness while enhancing the caramelized flavor.
⅓ Cup Maple Syrup: Provides a natural sweetness and pairs beautifully with apples.
1 tbsp Vanilla Extract: Balances the spices with its smooth, creamy undertones.
How to Make Apple Butter
Equipment
Slow cooker
Blender or immersion blender
Storage jars
Directions
Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop 7 medium apples into small chunks.
Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
Load the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker. Pour the spice mixture over the apples and stir to coat evenly.
Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir occasionally.
Blend Until Smooth: Once the apples have softened and darkened, transfer them to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
Thicken the Butter: Return the apple butter to the slow cooker. Cook uncovered on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
Cool and Store: Let the apple butter cool before transferring it to jars. Refrigerate and enjoy for up to 2 weeks.
Tips for the Best Apple Butter
Mix Apple Varieties: Combining sweet and tart apples creates a more complex flavor.
Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring during the uncovered phase ensures even thickening and prevents scorching.
Blend Thoroughly: A smooth texture is key to a luxurious apple butter. Blend until no lumps remain.
Label and Store: Use airtight jars and label them with the date for easy gifting or storing.
What to Pair Apple Butter With
Spread on Bread: Perfect for toast, bagels, or English muffins.
Add to Breakfast Dishes: Swirl into yogurt, top off pancakes, or layer into a parfait.
Enhance Desserts: Use as a filling for crepes, a topping for ice cream, or a secret ingredient in baking.
Gifting Idea
Homemade apple butter is a heartfelt gift for friends and family. Package it in small mason jars with a festive ribbon and a handwritten tag. Pair it with a loaf of homemade bread or a batch of muffins for an extra-special touch.
Ready to make your kitchen smell like fall? Try this simple and delicious apple butter recipe today! Share your creations on Instagram using #cooksnapbake—I’d love to see how you use your apple butter. Don’t forget to pin this recipe for later!
Homemade Apple Butter
Ingredients
- 7 Medium Apples (Honeycrisp & Fuji), peeled, cored and chopped
- 2 tsp Cinnamon
- ½ tsp Ground Cloves
- ½ tsp Nutmeg
- ¼ tsp Allspice
- ⅔ Cup Light Brown Sugar
- ⅓ Cup Maple Syrup
- 1 tbsp Vanilla Extract
Instructions
- Prep the Apples: Peel, core, and chop 7 medium apples into small chunks.
- Mix the Spices: In a small bowl, combine cinnamon, nutmeg, allspice, cloves, brown sugar, maple syrup, and vanilla extract. Stir until well mixed.
- Load the Slow Cooker: Place the chopped apples in the slow cooker. Pour the spice mixture over the apples and stir to coat evenly.
- Cook on Low: Cover and cook on low for 4 hours. Stir occasionally.
- Blend Until Smooth: Once the apples have softened and darkened, transfer them to a blender or use an immersion blender to puree until smooth.
- Thicken the Butter: Return the apple butter to the slow cooker. Cook uncovered on low for 30-45 minutes, stirring frequently, until thickened.
- Cool and Store: Let the apple butter cool before transferring it to jars. Refrigerate and enjoy for up to1 month.
Notes
Tips for the Best Apple Butter
- Mix Apple Varieties: Combining sweet and tart apples creates a more complex flavor.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Stirring during the uncovered phase ensures even thickening and prevents scorching.
- Blend Thoroughly: A smooth texture is key to a luxurious apple butter. Blend until no lumps remain.
- Label and Store: Use airtight jars and label them with the date for easy gifting or storing.
This apple butter is a must-try recipe that brings the coziness of fall to your table. Whether you’re enjoying it yourself or sharing it as a thoughtful gift, it’s sure to become a favorite!
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