Easy Apple Butter Recipe

Prep Time:

15 mins

Cook Time:

35 mins

Cool Time:

45 mins

Total Time:

1 hr 35 mins

Yield:

3 cups

Our easy apple butter recipe calls for just five ingredients and makes about three cups of apple butter. If stored in an airtight container, it will last up to two months in the refrigerator and six months in the freezer. You can enjoy it all season long to add flavor to biscuits, toast, sandwiches and more. It's also a great host gift for any occasion.

If you aren't sure if your apple butter is finished cooking, our Test Kitchen suggests using a wooden spoon to draw a line on the bottom of the pot. If the line holds for 5 seconds before the apple butter merges back together, it's done cooking.

Learn how to make easy apple butter for a season of delicious recipes.

What's the Difference Between Applesauce and Apple Butter?

At first glance, applesauce and apple butter may seem incredibly similar. They're both made with cooked apples, often sweetened, and with optional spices or flavorings added in.

But the two have subtle differences. Applesauce is a quick puree of cooked apples, often somewhat watery in texture due to the moisture of the apples. Apple butter is a reduced version of applesauce, often with a higher concentration of sugar that helps to caramelize and thicken the mixture while cooking. For this reason, apple butter is typically used as a spread rather than being eaten on its own with a spoon (although you certainly could).

Similar to the difference between tomato sauce and tomato paste, the two are alike, but with very different textures.

Why Is It Called Apple Butter?

Where's the butter, you ask? In spite of the name, apple butter, while buttery and velvety in texture, does not contain any butter at all. Similar to peanut butter or almond butter, it's a mixture that's thick and spreadable, like its namesake.

Ingredients for Easy Apple Butter

To make this easy apple butter, you'll need:

Crisp and sweet apples: We recommend Gala, Honeycrisp, or Braeburn (or a combination) for their firm texture and mildly sweet flavor.
Apple cider: Adds moisture for cooking the apples, along with a signature fall flavor.
Granulated sugar: Sweetens and helps caramelize the apple butter for a rich, thick texture, while also helping to preserve it for longer storage.
Ground cinnamon: A classic complement to apples.
Ground cloves: Pairs well with cinnamon for a warm, spicy flavor. Can be substituted with nutmeg, ginger, or star anise, if preferred.

How To Make Easy Apple Butter

This apple butter comes together easily for a thick spread you can enjoy on just about anything. Full instructions are below, but here's a brief recap before you get started:

Step 1. Cut the apples into 1-inch chunks, then bring the apples, cider, and 1/2 cup sugar to a rolling boil in a Dutch oven. Cover, leaving the lid slightly ajar, and boil until apples are tender and mixture is thick, stirring occasionally.
Step 2. Process the mixture in a blender until smooth. Add spices and cook until thickened, stirring often. Cool before transferring to airtight containers.

What Is Apple Butter Served With?

Apple butter makes a delicious spread on a multitude of dishes, from toast to biscuits, and more. Serve it for breakfast with muffins, pancakes, waffles, or scones. Stir it into oatmeal, layer into yogurt parfaits, roll into cinnamon buns, or mix into quick breads. We also use it as a component in our apple butter cobbler, pound cake, and doughnuts.

On the savory side, serve apple butter as a topping for pork chops, slathered into grilled cheese sandwiches, or on a cheese board. With all these ways to use it, portion apple butter into jars for a wonderful host gift.

How To Store Apple Butter

This fall condiment is great to have on hand throughout the season, and one batch will stretch for quite some time. You can also double or triple for a larger quantity.

Store prepared apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months, or freeze for up to 6 months.

For longer storage, process the apple butter in jars using traditional canning methods.

More Fall Apple Recipes You'll Love

You'll want a bounty of recipes on hand to transform all those amazing apples into delicious sweets throughout the season.

Editorial contributions by Katie Rosenhouse.

Ingredients

3 lbs. crisp and sweet apples, such as Gala, Honeycrisp, and Braeburn, peeled (about 8 apples)
1 cup apple cider
1 1/2 cups sugar, divided
3/4 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. ground cloves

Directions

Prepare apples:

Cut apples into 1-inch pieces.
Boil apple butter mixture:

Bring apples, cider, and 1/2 cup sugar to a rolling boil in a Dutch oven over high heat. Cover, leaving lid slightly ajar, and boil 20 minutes or until apples are tender and most of the liquid has evaporated; stir every 5 minutes.
Transfer mixture to blender:

Process cooked apples and cooking liquid in a blender until smooth. Return mixture to Dutch oven.
Add spices:

Stir in cinnamon, cloves, and remaining 1 cup sugar.
Cook until thickened:

Bring to a boil over high heat. Reduce heat to low, and simmer, uncovered and stirring often, 15 minutes or until thickened. Cool about 45 minutes.
Serve or store:

Spoon into airtight containers, and refrigerate up to 2 months or freeze up to 6 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I adjust the amount of sugar in apple butter?

While sugar helps the mixture thicken and caramelize, you can adjust the quantity based on the sweetness of the apples used.
Can I can apple butter for longer storage?

Definitely. You can process apple butter in jars using traditional canning methods to have it on hand for up to one year.
Do I need to peel the apples for apple butter?

While peeling is recommended for the smoothest texture, it isn't absolutely necessary if you prefer not to. The skin will break down during the cooking process, and blend up well. You can also strain after pureeing for a smooth texture.
What else can I add to apple butter?

From vanilla extract to apple pie spice, bourbon or lemon juice, to incorporating pears into the mix, nothing is off limits when it comes to flavoring apple butter. Feel free to experiment with flavors you love, especially when added at the end of cooking. Always add a pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavors.