If you love the comfort of cozy autumn flavors, this Traditional Apple Butter recipe is destined to become a staple in your home. Slow-cooked apples, warming spices, and a touch of sweetness come together for a spread that’s deliciously thick and impossibly fragrant. Whether slathered on toast, swirled into yogurt, or spooned over pancakes, Traditional Apple Butter is a taste of fall you can enjoy all year long—plus, it fills your kitchen with the most irresistible aroma as it cooks!

Traditional Apple Butter Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll be amazed at how a handful of everyday ingredients can transform into something so rich and satisfying. Each ingredient in this recipe genuinely matters, lending its own special note to the flavor, color, or texture of your Traditional Apple Butter.

Apples (6 lbs, peeled, cored, and chopped): A combination of sweet and tart apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith creates a deep, layered apple flavor.
Apple cider or water (2 cups): Apple cider boosts the apple essence, but water works perfectly if you want a cleaner, lighter taste.
Granulated sugar (2 cups): Balances tartness and helps the apple butter thicken beautifully.
Brown sugar (1 cup, packed): Adds a touch of molasses richness and contributes to that deep caramel color.
Ground cinnamon (1 tbsp): The classic apple spice, giving warmth and a signature aroma.
Ground nutmeg (1/2 tsp): Offers subtle spicy undertones that round out the flavor profile.
Ground cloves (1/4 tsp): Just a pinch goes a long way, infusing the apple butter with cozy depth.
Salt (1/4 tsp): Highlights the sweetness and enhances all the other flavors.
Vanilla extract (1 tbsp, optional): Stirred in at the end, it adds a hint of creamy, floral sweetness—totally worth it if you have some on hand!

How to Make Traditional Apple Butter

Step 1: Cook the Apples Down

Start by piling your peeled, cored, and chopped apples into a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot. Pour in the apple cider (or water) and give everything a quick stir. Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours in the slow cooker, or simmer gently on the stovetop for 2 to 3 hours. Stir occasionally and enjoy the sweet, spiced aroma as the apples soften and begin to break apart easily.

Step 2: Purée Until Smooth

Once the apples are tender and falling apart, it’s time to purée. Use an immersion blender right in the pot for easy cleanup, or carefully transfer the mixture in batches to a regular blender. The goal is a silky-smooth consistency with no apple chunks left behind.

Step 3: Sweeten and Spice

Return the puréed apples to the pot if needed. Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt. Mix well, then cook uncovered on low heat (or a gentle simmer) for another 1 to 2 hours. This is where the magic happens: the apple butter thickens, darkens in color, and the flavor becomes wonderfully concentrated.

Step 4: Finish with Vanilla and Check for Doneness

About 10 minutes before you’re ready to take it off the heat, stir in the vanilla extract if you’re using it. To test if your Traditional Apple Butter is done, spoon a little onto a plate. If it holds its shape and no liquid seeps out, you’re there! Let it cool before spooning into clean jars or containers.

How to Serve Traditional Apple Butter

Garnishes

While Traditional Apple Butter is pretty perfect on its own, you can dress it up with a light dusting of cinnamon, a sprinkle of chopped toasted pecans, or even a swirl of whipped cream for a special treat. These finishing touches add a hint of crunch or creaminess and make serving just a bit more festive.

Side Dishes

This spread shines on warm biscuits, thick slices of sourdough toast, or freshly baked muffins. It’s also a flavorful companion to sharp cheddar cheese, making it a surprising addition to a cheese board or brunch spread.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the breakfast table! Layer it in yogurt parfaits, swirl it into oatmeal, or use it as a filling for thumbprint cookies. Homemade Traditional Apple Butter also makes a memorable hostess gift—just pour into a pretty jar and tie with a ribbon for a heartfelt, edible present.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftover Traditional Apple Butter in the refrigerator, tightly sealed in a clean jar or container. It stays fresh for up to three weeks, and the flavors actually deepen the longer it sits.

Freezing

If you make a big batch, Traditional Apple Butter freezes beautifully. Pour into freezer-safe containers, leaving a little space for expansion, and store for up to six months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using.

Reheating

Enjoy your apple butter straight from the fridge, or if you prefer it warm, scoop out what you need and gently heat in the microwave or on the stovetop. Stir well and enjoy that cozy, just-cooked aroma all over again.

FAQs

Can I use only one type Spread, Condiment

You can, but using a mix of sweet and tart varieties gives your Traditional Apple Butter a more complex flavor. Try combining apples like Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith for the best balance of sweetness and acidity.

Is it possible to make this recipe without added sugar?

Absolutely! You can reduce or omit the sugar if your apples are naturally sweet, though the texture may be a bit thinner. Taste as you go and adjust the spices to suit your preference.

How do I know when my apple butter is thick enough?

The best way is the plate test: spoon a little onto a plate and let it cool. If no liquid seeps out and it holds its shape, your Traditional Apple Butter is ready to jar.

Can I can this apple butter for long-term storage?

Yes! Use sterilized jars and process them in a water bath following proper canning guidelines. This way, you can enjoy Traditional Apple Butter for months to come.

What if I don’t have an immersion blender?

No problem! Just carefully transfer the cooked apples in batches to a regular blender or food processor, then return the purée to your pot to finish cooking.

Final Thoughts

Making Traditional Apple Butter fills your kitchen with a sweetness and warmth that’s hard to put into words—until you taste that first spoonful! I hope you’ll give this recipe a try and let it become a beloved tradition in your home, too. Happy cooking and even happier snacking!

Traditional Apple Butter Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: Varies by method, approximately 10–12 hours slow cooker or 3–5 hours stovetop plus prep
Yield: About 6 cups 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Traditional Apple Butter is a rich, spiced apple spread made by slow-cooking a blend of sweet and tart apples with warm spices and sugars. Perfect as a spread or condiment, it captures the essence of fall in every bite with its deep brown color and smooth, thick texture. This recipe can be made using a slow cooker for convenience or on the stovetop for a quicker method.

Ingredients

Scale

Apple Mixture

6 lbs apples (peeled, cored, and chopped – mix of Fuji, Gala, and Granny Smith)
2 cups apple cider or water

Sweeteners and Spices

2 cups granulated sugar
1 cup brown sugar (packed)
1 tbsp ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp ground nutmeg
1/4 tsp ground cloves
1/4 tsp salt

Optional

1 tbsp vanilla extract

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Instructions

Cook the Apples: Place the chopped apples and apple cider (or water) in a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot. Cover and cook on low for 8–10 hours (or simmer gently on the stovetop for 2–3 hours), stirring occasionally, until the apples are very soft and breaking apart easily.
Puree the Apples: Use an immersion blender or transfer the cooked apples in batches to a regular blender to purée until smooth. This yields a thick, smooth apple base essential for apple butter.
Add Sugars and Spices: Stir in granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, and salt into the apple purée, ensuring everything is thoroughly combined.
Cook to Thicken: Cook uncovered on low heat or simmer gently for another 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally. This reduces the mixture until it’s thick, dark brown, and rich in flavor. Stir in vanilla extract during the last 10 minutes if using.
Test for Doneness: Spoon a small amount onto a plate; if no liquid separates and it holds its shape firmly, the apple butter is ready.
Cool and Store: Allow the apple butter to cool, then spoon into clean jars or containers. Store in the refrigerator or freeze for extended shelf life.

Notes

Store apple butter in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks or freeze for up to 6 months.
For canning, use sterilized jars and process in a water bath according to safe canning guidelines.
The flavor improves and deepens over time, so consider making it ahead of use.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10–12 hours (slow cooker) or 3–5 hours (stovetop)
Category: Spread, Condiment
Method: Slow Cooker or Stovetop
Cuisine: American