Apple Butter Recipe
This is the best apple butter recipe—it’s so simple and full of rich, spiced apple flavor. I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen!

I grew up loving apple butter, and it’s always been a special part of my childhood. My mom made it every fall, filling our home with the warm smell of apples and spices. For me, apple butter is more than just a tasty spread; it’s a reminder of home and the love my mom put into everything she made. Watching her turn simple apples into something so delicious felt like magic.
Now, I make apple butter in my kitchen, using the same recipe my mom did. I love putting it on warm pancakes or stirring it into oatmeal. My kids enjoy it just as much as I did, and it’s become a favorite in our house. Making apple butter is a simple tradition that brings comfort and happiness to our meals, and it’s something I love sharing with my family.
The best part is how easy it is to make. All you need are a few simple ingredients like apples, sugar, and spices. It doesn’t take much time, but the result is a sweet, spiced spread that’s perfect for so many dishes. Whether you use it on toast, in baking, or with savory foods, apple butter adds a special touch to every meal.
Why you’ll like this Is Apple Butter?
You’ll love apple butter because it’s sweet and full of rich apple flavor. It’s perfect for spreading on toast, biscuits, or pancakes for a quick and tasty breakfast. You can also stir it into yogurt or oatmeal to add a burst of natural sweetness. The best part is that it’s made from simple ingredients, so you know exactly what’s in it.
Ingredients
- 6-7 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
- 1 cup granulated sugar
- 1/2 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract

How to make Apple Butter
Step 1:
Peel, core, and slice the apples, then place them in a slow cooker.
Step 2:
In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Step 3:
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and the mixture has darkened.
Step 4:
Once the apples are fully cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
Step 5: (Optional)
If you prefer a thicker apple butter, continue cooking it uncovered in the slow cooker on low for an additional 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 6:
Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Step 7:
Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to sterilized jars. Seal tightly and let cool to room temperature.
Recipe tips
- Make sure to peel and core the apples completely to avoid any unwanted texture in your apple butter. This will ensure a smooth and creamy final product.
- Taste your apple mixture before adding all the sugar. Depending on the natural sweetness of the apples, you might want to reduce the sugar or add more if needed.
- Cooking the apples slowly on low heat allows the flavors to deepen and the sugars to caramelize, giving your apple butter its rich, dark color.
- Stir the apple mixture occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the sides of the slow cooker. This also helps to evenly distribute the heat and flavors.
- For a silky-smooth apple butter, use an immersion blender or transfer the mixture to a blender. Make sure to blend until all chunks are gone.
- If your apple butter is too thin, remove the lid from the slow cooker and continue cooking on low until it reaches your desired consistency. The longer you cook, the thicker it will become.
Is Apple Butter healthy?
Apple butter can be a healthy option depending on how it’s made and how much you consume. It’s typically made from apples, sugar, and spices, so it’s rich in fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants from the apples. However, it can also be high in sugar, especially if a lot of sweetener is added during cooking.
To make apple butter healthier, you can reduce the amount of sugar or use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Enjoy it in moderation as a spread on whole-grain toast, yogurt, or oatmeal to add flavor without too many extra calories.

A Delicious Way to Serve Apple Butter
For me, the best way to enjoy apple butter is to spread it on warm, freshly baked biscuits. The combination of the rich, spiced apple butter with the soft, buttery biscuit is simply perfect. I also love using it as a topping for pancakes or waffles, where it adds a burst of sweet, apple flavor that pairs wonderfully with the fluffy texture.
Another favorite way to serve apple butter is alongside roasted pork or chicken. The sweet apple butter complements the savory meat beautifully, creating a delicious contrast. You can also swirl it into oatmeal or yogurt for a naturally sweet and comforting breakfast treat. Whether you use it in sweet or savory dishes, apple butter always adds a delightful touch to your meals.
How to store
To store apple butter, let it cool completely if it’s freshly made. Transfer it to clean, airtight jars and seal them tightly. Store the jars in a cool, dark place like a pantry. Properly sealed and stored, apple butter can last up to a year.
Once opened, keep the apple butter in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 2 weeks. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers. Just make sure to leave some space in the containers for the apple butter to expand as it freezes.

FAQ
Can I use different types of apples for apple butter?
- Yes, using a mix of sweet and tart apples can provide a balanced flavor. Popular choices include Fuji, Gala, Granny Smith, and Honeycrisp.
Can I reduce the sugar in apple butter?
- Yes, you can adjust the sugar amount to your taste. You can also use natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup as alternatives.
Why did my apple butter turn out too thin?
- If your apple butter is too thin, it may need more cooking time. Continue to cook it uncovered until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I make apple butter without a slow cooker?
- Yes, you can make apple butter on the stovetop or in an oven. Just adjust the cooking time and stir frequently to prevent burning.
Can I can apple butter?
- Yes, apple butter can be canned. Sterilize jars before filling, and follow proper canning procedures to ensure a good seal and long shelf life.
Conclusion
Now you have it—a simple and delicious apple butter recipe that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re spreading it on toast, using it as a glaze, or enjoying it straight from the jar, this rich and flavorful spread is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen. Enjoy the comforting taste of apples all year round!
Apple Butter
Course: SidesCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
cups15
minutes8
hours8
hours15
minutesThis is the best apple butter recipe—it’s so simple and full of rich, spiced apple flavor. I promise it will become a favorite in your kitchen!
Ingredients
6-7 medium apples (about 3 pounds), peeled, cored, and sliced
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon vanilla extract
Directions
- Peel, core, and slice the apples, then place them in a slow cooker.
- In a bowl, mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and salt. Pour this mixture over the apples in the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 8-10 hours, stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and the mixture has darkened.
- Once the apples are fully cooked, use an immersion blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, transfer the mixture to a blender in batches and blend until smooth.
- If you prefer a thicker apple butter, continue cooking it uncovered in the slow cooker on low for an additional 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Stir in the vanilla extract during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Once the apple butter has reached your desired consistency, transfer it to sterilized jars. Seal tightly and let cool to room temperature.
Notes
- Make sure to peel and core the apples completely to avoid any unwanted texture in your apple butter. This will ensure a smooth and creamy final product.