Homemade Apple Butter

Recipe By:

Stephanie

Posted:

July 29, 2025

Updated:

July 29, 2025

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Went apple picking? Got lots of apples? This Homemade Apple Butter recipe is the perfect solution! With just a few simple ingredients, you’ll create a delightful spread full of warm Fall flavors. Whether you’re enjoying it on toast for breakfast, using it as a topping for desserts, or gifting it in jars, this apple butter is versatile and irresistibly delicious.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Simple Ingredients: This recipe uses common pantry items, making it easy to whip up.
Rich Flavor: The combination of apples and spices creates a deep, rich taste that’s perfect for Fall.
Versatile Use: Spread it on bread, pancakes, or use it as a filling for pastries.
Great for Gifting: Homemade apple butter makes for a thoughtful gift during the holidays.
Low Calorie: Each serving is only 23 calories, so you can indulge without guilt!

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your homemade apple butter efficiently, gather the following tools. Having everything ready will streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Large pot
Hand blender (or regular blender)
Measuring cups
Measuring spoons
Jars for storage

Importance of Each Tool

Large pot: Ensures even cooking and allows plenty of space for the apples to soften.
Hand blender: Provides an easy way to puree the mixture right in the pot without transferring it to another container.

Ingredients

For this delightful homemade apple butter, you will need:

about 4 pounds apples (roughly 9 medium-sized apples), peeled and cored
1 cup apple cider (NOT apple cider vinegar)
3/4 cup loosely packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
juice of half a lemon (about 1 tablespoon)

How to Make Homemade Apple Butter

Step 1: Cook the Apples

Place the apples, apple cider, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, and salt in a large pot. Cook over medium-low heat, uncovered. Stir occasionally until the apples become very soft (about 1 hour).

Step 2: Puree the Mixture

Use a hand blender to puree the mixture until smooth. If you don’t have a hand blender, ladle small batches into a regular blender.

Step 3: Thicken the Puree

Return the puree back into the pot. Continue to cook over medium-low heat uncovered, stirring occasionally until thickened and deep mahogany brown (about 1 hour).

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Store

Stir in the lemon juice. Transfer your homemade apple butter to jars and keep refrigerated.

Enjoy your homemade apple butter on toast or as an ingredient in your favorite recipes!

How to Serve Homemade Apple Butter

Homemade apple butter is versatile and can elevate many dishes. Whether you’re enjoying it on breakfast favorites or as a dessert topping, there are plenty of ways to serve this delightful spread.

On Toast or Bread

Use your favorite bread, such as sourdough or whole grain, for a delicious morning treat.

With Cheese

Pair apple butter with sharp cheddar or creamy brie for a sweet and savory combination that works well on cheese boards.

As a Pancake Topping

Drizzle homemade apple butter over pancakes or waffles instead of syrup for a seasonal twist.

In Yogurt

Mix apple butter into plain yogurt for added flavor and sweetness, perfect for breakfast or a snack.

On Biscuits

Spread warm homemade apple butter on freshly baked biscuits for a comforting Southern-inspired dish.

With Oatmeal

Stir apple butter into your morning oatmeal for extra flavor and sweetness, making your breakfast more satisfying.

How to Perfect Homemade Apple Butter

Making the perfect homemade apple butter involves some simple techniques. Follow these tips to enhance your recipe.

Choose the right apples: Use a mix of sweet and tart apples for depth in flavor. Varieties like Honeycrisp and Granny Smith work well together.
Cook low and slow: Allowing the mixture to simmer gently ensures that the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in rich apple goodness.
Use a hand blender: This tool makes it easy to achieve a smooth consistency without transferring hot liquid to a blender.
Taste as you go: Adjust the sweetness or spices according to your preference while cooking. This personal touch makes all the difference!
Store properly: Keep your homemade apple butter in airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Homemade Apple Butter

Homemade apple butter pairs wonderfully with various side dishes. Here are some great options to complement its rich taste.

Cheese Platter: A selection of aged cheeses can contrast nicely with the sweetness of apple butter.
Savory Sausages: Grilled sausage links can be great alongside apple butter, adding savory notes to your meal.
Roasted Vegetables: Caramelized carrots or sweet potatoes make an excellent pairing with the sweet richness of apple butter.
Pork Chops: The tartness of pork pairs beautifully with the sweet notes from homemade apple butter.
Stuffed Acorn Squash: Roasted squash filled with grains and nuts complements the flavors found in apple butter nicely.
Spinach Salad: A fresh spinach salad topped with nuts and vinaigrette contrasts well with the sweetness of the spread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making homemade apple butter can be a delightful experience, but there are common pitfalls to watch out for.

Using the wrong apples: Not all apples are ideal for apple butter. Choose sweet varieties like Fuji or Gala for the best flavor.
Overcooking the mixture: If you cook the apple mixture too long, it may burn. Monitor closely and stir regularly to avoid this mistake.
Skipping the lemon juice: Lemon juice adds acidity that balances sweetness. Don’t forget it for the best flavor profile.
Not blending enough: A smooth texture is essential for great apple butter. Blend until completely smooth to achieve a velvety consistency.
Improper jar storage: Failing to store your apple butter properly can lead to spoilage. Always use sterilized jars and keep them refrigerated.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in airtight containers.
Homemade apple butter will last up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.

Freezing Homemade Apple Butter

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
It can be frozen for up to 6 months without losing quality.

Reheating Homemade Apple Butter

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat while stirring until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Homemade Apple Butter?

Homemade apple butter is a sweet spread made from slow-cooked apples blended into a smooth, rich paste. It’s perfect for toast or as an ingredient in recipes.

How do I make Homemade Apple Butter thicker?

To thicken your homemade apple butter, cook it longer uncovered. This allows excess moisture to evaporate and results in a thicker consistency.

Can I use a slow cooker for Homemade Apple Butter?

Yes! Using a slow cooker is a convenient way to prepare homemade apple butter. Just combine ingredients and cook on low for several hours, stirring occasionally.

What can I use instead of brown sugar in Homemade Apple Butter?

You can substitute brown sugar with maple syrup or honey for a different flavor profile that still complements the apples well.

Final Thoughts

This homemade apple butter recipe is not only delicious but also versatile. You can enjoy it on toast, pancakes, or even as an ingredient in baked goods. Feel free to customize by adding spices like nutmeg or ginger for added warmth and flavor. Give this recipe a try, and enjoy the comforting taste of fall!