Best Homemade Old Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe
This homemade old fashioned apple butter recipe is inspired by an amish apple butter recipe we have absolutely fallen in love with! The taste of the tart apples along with the warm spices of cinnamon, clove, and nutmeg not only warm the body but warm the soul. Apple butter is a delicious, spreadable treat made from slow-cooked apples and only a few simple ingredients that give it an amazing depth of flavor. The smell of apple butter has a way of bringing about a nostalgic feeling to the old timer, of grandma’s cooking on the first crisp day of fall.
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Just an hour south of us is an Amish community that we adore. We visit it at least once a month to pick up a few jars of homemade apple butter and to indulge in the best homemade ice cream, aside from the one on this farm. The breathtaking views of the rolling farmlands alone warrant the drive but the excuse usually tends to be for the treats.
With fall fast approaching, and local farmers markets bursting with crisp apples, I figure now is a great time to pick up a bushel of apples and master this recipe to create that same loving feeling for the coming generations. After all, it is the wonderful scents and memories that change a house into a home. I’d give anything to be able to walk back into my Granny’s home and smell her fresh baked bread again.
*Pro Tip: Keep your apple peels and cores to make Easy Homemade Fermented (Raw) Apple Cider Vinegar!
Can you freeze apple butter?
Yes, apple butter freezes well! Just bring this flavorful spread to room temperature and, if using jars or bags, leave about 1/2 inch of headspace at the top of the jar or bag to allow for expansion.
*Canning instructions can be found in the post and recipe card.
Equipment Needed for Easy Apple Butter Recipe
Crock pot (slow cooker) or stock pot (both instruction methods in recipe)
Small bowl
Immersion blender, food mill, food processor, or blender
Ingredients for Best Apple Butter Recipe
- 4 pounds fresh apples (about 8 medium-sized, peeled, cored, and sliced; a mix of apples, sweet and tart, such as granny smith apples and red delicious apples works best)
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- (optional) 2 tablespoons lemon juice (this will help with preservation if canning)
Homemade Apple Butter Recipe
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. For best results use a variety of apples for the best flavor. If you have an apple corer/peeler, it will save you time. Keep your apple peels and cores to make Easy Homemade Fermented (Raw) Apple Cider Vinegar.
- Cook the Apples: Place the apples in a large pot or slow cooker. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and breaking apart, about 30-40 minutes on the stove or 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker.
- Blend the Apples: Once the apples are tender, use a food mill or an immersion blender to puree them until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the apples in batches to a regular blender or food processor. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
- Add Spices and Sugars: In a separate bowl, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt. Mix well, then add this mixture to the apples and stir to combine.
- Cook the Apple Butter: Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the apple butter has thickened and darkened in color. If using a slow cooker, leave it on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The apple butter is ready when it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Test for Consistency: To check if the apple butter is ready, place a small spoonful on a plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through the apple butter; it should hold its shape and not run.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in lemon juice if you want to help with preservation, especially if you plan to can the apple butter.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, apple butter can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks.
How to Jar Delicious Apple Butter
- Home Food Preservation:
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Pour the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Seal and Process:
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight. Place jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly. The water should cover the jars by at least an inch.
- Cool and Store:
- Carefully (they will be very hot!) remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or rack. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store the jam in a cool, dark place.
Enjoy your homemade spiced apple sauce with butter on toast, english muffins, muffins, pancakes, or even as a sweet addition to pork chops!
Perfect Sourdough Breads for This Apple Butter
Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread (Beginner’s Recipe)
Easy Sourdough Bread Recipe Without A Dutch Oven
Easy Same Day Sourdough Bread (Beginner’s Recipe)
Easy Recipe for How to Make Einkorn Sourdough Bread
Best Homemade Old Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe
Equipment
- Mason jars or glass jar
- Crock pot (slow cooker) or stock pot (both instruction methods in recipe)
- Apple peeler and corer
- Food mill, immersion blender, food processor, or blender
- Small bowl
Ingredients
- 4 pounds fresh apples about 8 medium-sized, peeled, cored, and sliced; a mix of apples, sweet and tart, such as granny smith apples and red delicious apples works best
- 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 Tablespoon vanilla extract
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- (Optional) 2 tablespoons lemon juice (this will help with preservation if canning)
Instructions
- Prepare the Apples: Peel, core, and slice the apples. for best results use a variety of apples for the best flavor. If you have an apple corer/peeler, it will save you time.
- Cook the Apples: Place the apples in a large pot or slow cooker. Cook over medium heat until the apples are soft and breaking apart, about 30-40 minutes on the stove or 4-6 hours on low in a slow cooker.
- Blend the Apples: Once the apples are tender, use a food mill or an immersion blender to puree them until smooth. If you don’t have an immersion blender, you can transfer the apples in batches to a regular blender or food processor. Be careful when blending hot liquids.
- Add Spices and Sugars: In a separate bowl, combine the sugars, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, vanilla, and salt. Mix well, then add this mixture to the apples and stir to combine.
- Cook the Apple Butter: Continue cooking the mixture over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Cook for 1-2 hours, or until the apple butter has thickened and darkened in color. If using a slow cooker, leave it on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally. The apple butter is ready when it reaches a thick, spreadable consistency.
- Test for Consistency: To check if the apple butter is ready, place a small spoonful on a plate and let it cool for a minute. Run your finger through the apple butter; it should hold its shape and not run.
- Add Lemon Juice (Optional): Stir in lemon juice if you want to help with preservation, especially if you plan to can the apple butter.
- Cool and Store: Allow the jars to cool completely before storing them in a cool, dark place. Once opened, apple butter can be kept in the refrigerator for several weeks.
How to Jar Delicious Apple Butter
- Home Food Preservation:
- Sterilize your canning jars and lids by boiling them in water for 10 minutes. Pour the hot apple butter into the sterilized jars, leaving about 1/4 inch headspace. Wipe the rims of the jars with a clean, damp cloth to remove any residue.
- Seal and Process:
- Place the lids on the jars and screw on the metal bands until they are fingertip-tight. Place jars in a boiling water bath for 5-10 minutes to ensure they are sealed properly. The water should cover the jars by at least an inch.
- Cool and Store:
- Carefully (they will be very hot!) remove the jars from the water bath and let them cool completely on a clean towel or rack. Once cooled, check the seals by pressing the center of each lid. If it doesn’t pop back, the jar is sealed. Store the jam in a cool, dark place.
- Enjoy your homemade spiced apple sauce with butter on toast, english muffins, muffins, pancakes, or even as a sweet addition to pork chops!
