Homemade Apple Butter: Your Best Cozy Fall Favorite

Homemade Apple Butter
Homemade Apple Butter. Just the sound of those two words instantly conjures a smile, a sense of warmth, and the comforting aroma of autumn wafting through my kitchen. There’s an undeniable magic in transforming a simple basket of crisp, fresh apples into a velvety, deeply spiced spread that tastes like the very essence of fall itself, a memory I fondly recall from my grandmother’s bustling kitchen where simmering cinnamon and apples officially heralded the season’s change.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For my grandmother, it wasn’t just a recipe; it was a cherished ritual, a beautiful way of bottling up the season’s bounty and pure, unadulterated comfort to last through cooler months. This recipe for Homemade Apple Butter aims to bring that same cozy, nostalgic feeling into your home, filling it with an aroma that invites everyone to gather ’round; if you’re curious for more apple butter insights, you can find this very recipe and others over at Taste Charm.
Imagine slathering this rich, spiced goodness on toast, stirring it into yogurt, or even swirling it into a warm bowl of our Blueberry Overnight Oats recipe for a truly special breakfast. More than just a spread, it’s a pure taste of home, a spoonful of autumn bliss that promises to make any morning feel a little more magical.
Homemade Apple Butter: Your Cozy Fall Favorite
Course: DessertsCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy4
servings30
minutes40
minutes300
kcalThis Homemade Apple Butter recipe delivers a velvety smooth, richly spiced fruit spread that’s perfect for toast, yogurt, or just a spoon! Made with fresh apples and warm spices, it’s a taste of cozy autumn in every bite.
Ingredients
5 lbs baking apples (such as Fuji, Gala, Honeycrisp, or a mix), peeled, cored, and chopped
1 cup apple cider or water
1 cup granulated sugar (or to taste)
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
1/4 teaspoon allspice
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
Pinch of salt
Directions
- Combine chopped apples and apple cider (or water) in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 20-25 minutes, or until apples are very soft.
- Once apples are soft, remove from heat. Use an immersion blender to puree the apples directly in the pot until completely smooth. Alternatively, carefully transfer the apples to a food processor or blender and process until smooth. Return the puree to the pot.
- Stir in the granulated sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, allspice, and a pinch of salt. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.
- Return the pot to low heat. Cook, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, for 1.5 to 2.5 hours, or until the apple butter has thickened significantly and darkened in color. It should be thick enough to mound on a spoon.
- To test for readiness, place a small dollop on a cold plate and draw a spoon through it. If the line remains, it’s ready. If it seeps back together, continue cooking.
- Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla extract.
- Ladle the hot apple butter into clean, sterilized jars, leaving 1/2-inch headspace. Process according to standard canning methods for shelf-stable storage, or simply cool completely and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 weeks, or freeze for up to 3 months.
Notes
- Apple Varieties Matter: For the best Homemade Apple Butter, I love using a mix of sweet and tart apples! Honeycrisp, Fuji, and Gala bring natural sweetness, while Granny Smiths can add a lovely tang and balance. Don’t be afraid to experiment to find your perfect blend!
- Slow Cooker Secret: If you’re looking for a hands-off approach, after the initial apple softening, transfer the puree to a slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, or until thick and dark, stirring occasionally. This method makes the whole house smell heavenly with minimal effort!
- Spice it Up (or Down)!: This recipe provides a beautiful base for the warm spices, but feel free to adjust to your personal preference. A little extra cinnamon or a touch of cardamom can add another layer of flavor. Always taste and adjust as it simmers!
