Apple Butter Spread is a deliciously smooth and sweet treat made from slow-cooked apples, cinnamon, and a touch of spice. It’s thick and rich, with a deep apple flavor that feels like a warm hug in every bite. The spread has a natural sweetness and a lovely, velvety texture that makes it perfect for spreading on toast, muffins, or even stirring into yogurt.
I love making apple butter because it fills the kitchen with the cozy scent of fall, and it’s one of those recipes that feels special but is actually super easy to prepare. I usually let it simmer low and slow to get all the flavors to blend together just right. A little tip: using a cinnamon stick during cooking adds just the right hint of spice without overpowering the apples.
This spread is great any time of day—whether for breakfast, a snack, or even as a surprise ingredient in baked goods. I often gift jars of homemade apple butter to friends during the holidays because it’s such a comforting and thoughtful treat. It’s a simple way to enjoy apples in a way that feels like a cozy moment any time of year.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Apples: I like using a mix of McIntosh and Fuji for a balance of sweetness and tartness. If you can’t find those, Gala or Honeycrisp apples work well too. Avoid very watery varieties like Red Delicious—they can make the spread too thin.
Apple Cider or Juice: Apple cider gives a richer apple flavor, but plain apple juice works fine if you prefer a milder taste. You can also use water if you want less sweetness.
Sugars: Using both granulated and brown sugar adds depth and caramel notes. For a healthier twist, try coconut sugar or maple syrup, but remember these may change the texture slightly.
Spices: Cinnamon is a must! Cloves and allspice add warmth. If you don’t have allspice, you can just double the cinnamon or add a pinch of nutmeg.
Lemon Juice: This brightens the flavors and balances the sweetness. Fresh lemon juice is best, but bottled will work in a pinch.
How Can You Get Thick, Smooth Apple Butter without Burning?
Making apple butter needs slow cooking and patience to get it thick and smooth without burning it. Here’s my way to do it:
- Cook apples on low heat covered until very soft, then puree well to avoid chunks.
- Return the puree to low heat uncovered; stirring often is key to prevent sticking or burning.
- Cook slowly, letting water evaporate until the mixture thickens to a spreadable consistency.
- If using a slow cooker, leave the lid off during the thickening stage and stir every 15-20 minutes.
- Test thickness by letting a spoonful cool slightly—you want it to hold its shape without running.
Keeping the heat low and stirring patiently will make your apple butter velvety and rich without burnt bits. It’s worth the wait!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot – great for cooking apples slowly without burning.
- Immersion blender or regular blender – makes pureeing the apples quick and easy.
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula – perfect for stirring thick apple butter without scratching your pot.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to get the spices and sugars just right.
- Clean jars or airtight containers – for storing your apple butter safely in the fridge or pantry.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Add a splash of vanilla extract at the end for a creamy, warm flavor twist.
- Stir in a pinch of ground ginger or nutmeg for an extra spicy kick.
- Mix in chopped toasted pecans or walnuts for a crunchy texture contrast.
- Swap half the apples with pears for a milder, sweeter spread.
How to Make Apple Butter Spread?
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 pounds apples (such as McIntosh, Fuji, or Gala), peeled, cored, and chopped
- 1 cup apple cider or apple juice
- 1 cup granulated sugar (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
- 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves
- 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 5 to 9 hours in total. You’ll spend 45 minutes to 6 hours cooking the apples until soft, depending if using a pot or slow cooker. Then about 30 minutes to 3 hours cooking down the mixture until it thickens perfectly, plus some extra time for blending and cooling. It’s mostly slow cooking time, so you can relax while it simmers!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Apples Until Soft
Put the chopped apples and apple cider or juice into a large slow cooker or a heavy-bottomed pot. Cover and cook on low heat until the apples are really soft and tender. This will take about 4 to 6 hours in a slow cooker or 45 minutes to 1 hour on the stove. Stir occasionally to make sure they cook evenly.
2. Puree the Apples Smooth
Use an immersion blender right in the pot to mash the apples into a smooth puree. If you don’t have one, transfer the softened apples in batches to a blender or food processor and blend until smooth. Be careful—it will be hot!
3. Add Sugar and Spices
Mix the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, salt, and lemon juice into the apple puree. Stir well to combine all those warm flavors.
4. Thicken the Apple Butter
Cook the mixture uncovered on low heat. Stir often to stop it from sticking or burning. Continue for about 2 to 3 hours in a slow cooker or 30 to 50 minutes on the stove until it thickens and the color deepens to a rich brown. The apple butter should be thick enough to hold its shape on a spoon.
5. Taste and Adjust
Give the apple butter a taste. Add a little more sugar or spice if you like it sweeter or spicier. Cook a bit longer if it’s not thick enough.
6. Cool and Store
Let the apple butter cool a little, then spoon it into clean jars or containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, you can preserve it in a water bath canner following safe canning guidelines.
Enjoy spreading this delicious apple butter on your favorite toast, biscuits, or mix it into yogurt or oatmeal for a cozy treat!
Can I Use Frozen Apples for Apple Butter?
Yes, you can use frozen apples! Just thaw them completely and drain any excess liquid before cooking. This helps prevent the apple butter from becoming too watery.
How Do I Store Leftover Apple Butter?
Store leftover apple butter in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks. For longer storage, consider canning it using a water bath canner following proper safety guidelines.
Can I Adjust the Sweetness or Spices?
Absolutely! Taste the apple butter during the thickening stage and add more sugar or spices like cinnamon or cloves as you prefer. Just cook a bit longer if you add extra liquid ingredients.
Is There a Way to Make Apple Butter Without a Slow Cooker?
Yes, you can make it on the stove using a heavy-bottomed pot over low heat. Just watch closely and stir frequently to prevent sticking and burning as it thickens.
