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!
This Upside Down Apple Cake is buttery, tender, and topped with caramelized apples. Made with sour cream for extra moisture and baked to golden perfection, this cozy dessert is perfect for fall or any time you crave something sweet and comforting.