Go Back
Homemade apple butter in jars for Best Homemade Old Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe.
Stephanie

Best Homemade Old Fashioned Apple Butter Recipe

This homemade apple butter is made in the slow cooker with fresh apples, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt. It cooks down into a thick, smooth apple spread that is perfect for toast, sourdough bread, muffins, pancakes, biscuits, or fall breakfasts.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 7 hours
Servings: 4 cups
Course: Appetizer, Breakfast, Dessert, Snack
Cuisine: American
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pounds fresh apples about 8 medium apples, peeled, cored, and sliced
  • 1 cup packed dark brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
  • ½ teaspoon ground cloves
  • ½ teaspoon ground nutmeg
  • 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice optional

Equipment

  • Apple peeler and corer
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Slow cooker
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small bowl
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Immersion blender, food mill, food processor, or blender
  • Mason jars or glass jars

Method
 

  1. Peel, core, and slice the apples.
  2. Add the sliced apples to the slow cooker.
  3. Cover and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, or until the apples are soft and beginning to break down.
  4. Blend the softened apples with an immersion blender until smooth.
  5. In a small bowl, combine the brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla, and salt.
  6. Stir the sugar and spice mixture into the blended apples.
  7. Continue cooking on low for 4 to 6 more hours, stirring occasionally, until the apple butter is dark, thick, and spreadable.
  8. If the apple butter seems too thin, set the slow cooker lid slightly ajar so extra moisture can cook off.
  9. Test the apple butter by placing a spoonful on a plate. If it holds its shape and does not run, it is ready.
  10. Stir in lemon juice if using.
  11. Spoon the apple butter into clean jars.
  12. Cool, then store in the refrigerator or freezer.

Notes

Use a mix of apples for the best flavor. A blend of sweet and tart apples gives the apple butter more depth.
Cook the apple butter low and slow after blending. This gives it time to darken, thicken, and develop a rich apple flavor.
Stir occasionally once the sugar and spices are added so the apple butter does not stick around the edges of the slow cooker.
Use an immersion blender for the easiest smooth texture.
Leave the lid slightly ajar near the end if the apple butter is too thin.
Let the apple butter thicken fully before storing. It should mound softly on a spoon and spread like a thick fruit butter.