Apple Butter: Making It From Scratch and Creative Uses

Recipe Overview

Apple butter, despite its name, doesn’t contain any dairy butter at all. Instead, it’s a concentrated form of applesauce that’s been cooked slowly until the sugars caramelize, creating a smooth, intensely flavored spread with a deep brown color and rich, spiced apple flavor.

This slow-cooking process transforms ordinary apples into a luxurious spread that’s more versatile than you might think. While it’s delicious simply spread on toast or biscuits, apple butter can enhance both sweet and savory dishes, from breakfast treats to glazes for roasted meats.

Traditional apple butter was developed as a way to preserve the apple harvest, cooking the fruit down with sugar and spices until it became shelf-stable. Today, we continue this tradition not just for preservation, but because the slow cooking process develops complex flavors that can’t be rushed.

This recipe uses a slow cooker for convenience, though you can also prepare it on the stovetop or in the oven. The long, slow cooking process allows the natural pectin in the apples to break down and the sugars to caramelize, creating that signature dark color and concentrated apple flavor.

Ingredients

For the Apple Butter

• 6 pounds apples: mixed varieties (Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp)
• 1 cup granulated sugar
• 1 cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• ¼ teaspoon ground cloves
• ¼ teaspoon ground allspice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2 tablespoons vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

Optional Add-ins

• 2 tablespoons bourbon
• 1 teaspoon ginger
• 1 vanilla bean (split and scraped)
• ½ cup apple cider

Instructions

1. Prepare the Apples

   • Wash and quarter apples (no need to peel)
   • Remove cores
   • Cut into roughly 1-inch chunks

2. Initial Cooking

   • Place apple chunks in slow cooker
   • Add both sugars, all spices, and salt
   • Stir to combine
   • Cover and cook on HIGH for 4 hours

3. Puree and Continue Cooking

   • Use an immersion blender to puree until smooth
   • Add vanilla extract and lemon juice
   • Continue cooking uncovered on LOW for 4-6 hours
   • Stir occasionally until desired thickness reached
   • Should mound on spoon and hold shape

4. Check Doneness

   • Place small amount on cold plate
   • Draw line through middle with finger
   • If line holds and no liquid runs, it’s ready
   • If still runny, continue cooking

5. Canning (Optional)

   • Sterilize canning jars and lids
   • Fill hot jars leaving ¼ inch headspace
   • Process in boiling water bath for 10 minutes
   • Let cool completely before storing

Pro Tips

• Use a mix of sweet and tart apples
• Don’t peel apples - peels contain pectin
• Stick blender makes smoother butter
• Cook uncovered for final stage
• Stir frequently during final hours
• Test consistency frequently

Creative Uses

Sweet Applications

• Spread on toast, biscuits, or scones
• Fill pastries or turnovers
• Swirl into yogurt or oatmeal
• Layer in overnight oats
• Add to smoothies
• Use as cake filling
• Incorporate into ice cream

Savory Applications

• Glaze for roasted pork or chicken
• Spread on grilled cheese
• Add to BBQ sauce
• Mix into vinaigrettes
• Spread on turkey sandwiches
• Blend into fall soups
• Use as a cheese board accompaniment

Storage

• Refrigerated: up to 3 weeks
• Frozen: up to 6 months
• Canned properly: up to 1 year
• Keep refrigerated after opening

Variations

• Sugar-free: Use apple juice concentrate
• Chai-spiced: Add cardamom and ginger
• Maple: Replace some sugar with maple syrup
• Bourbon: Add during final cooking
• Extra-spicy: Double the warm spices
• Vanilla bean: Add split pod while cooking

Troubleshooting

Common Issues

1. Too Runny

   • Continue cooking uncovered
   • Check apple varieties used
   • Add more cooking time

2. Too Thick

   • Add apple cider or juice
   • Reduce cooking time next batch
   • Watch consistency carefully

3. Grainy Texture

   • Blend longer with immersion blender
   • Use food processor if needed
   • Strain through fine-mesh sieve

FAQs

1. Can I use just one type of apple?

   • Yes, but mixing varieties gives better flavor
   • Avoid Red Delicious
   • Choose firm, flavorful apples

2. Do I need to peel the apples?

   • No, peels provide pectin and nutrition
   • Will be pureed smooth
   • Save time and reduce waste

3. Can I reduce the sugar?

   • Yes, adjust to taste
   • Sugar helps preservation
   • Consider natural sweeteners

4. How do I know it’s done?

   • Should mound on spoon
   • Line test on plate
   • Color darkens significantly

Apple butter is more than just a spread - it’s a versatile ingredient that can enhance both sweet and savory dishes. Whether you’re preserving the fall harvest or simply craving its rich, spiced flavor, this recipe delivers consistent results and endless possibilities for creative uses.

Happy cooking!