Apple Butter: the effortless recipe for a rich, smooth apple spread

If you're looking for a simple fall-friendly recipe try making a batch of homemade apple butter. Super versatile and easy to make, apple butter tastes fantastic when spread on freshly baked bread, pancakes, or swirled into cheesecake bars, cakes, and cupcakes. It's also amazing as an oatmeal topping. Despite its name, apple butter doesn't actually call for butter in the recipe. “Butter” refers to the stunning, ultra-smooth texture of the spread. All you need is a slow cooker and a little patience. Apple butter is the perfect way to make the most out of one of the classic fruits of autumn.

What's the Difference Between Applesauce and Apple Butter?

Apple butter is smooth and features a deliciously concentrated apple flavor. Unlike applesauce, apple butter is caramelized, which gives the spread its rich apple taste. Applesauce can have chunks of apple in it and is a little tarter tasting than apple butter.

What are the Best Apples for Apple Butter?

Softer apple varieties are ideal for apple butter. Try Braeburn, Fuji, Gala, or McIntosh.

How to Make Homemade Apple Butter from Scratch

To make apple butter from scratch is easier than you think. Let apples simmer with water until soft, then blend them. Toss them and other ingredients in a large pot and let it simmer for about 1 to 2 hours until smooth.

How to Make Apple Butter in a Slow Cooker

1. Put apples, brown sugar, white sugar, cinnamon, salt, and vanilla extract in a slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Secure the lid and cook on the low setting for 10 hours, stirring occasionally.
3. Transfer to a separate container to cool. Once cool, store in the fridge.

How to Store Apple Butter

Store your apple butter in airtight containers. In the fridge, it will last up to 2 weeks or you can freeze it and use it within 6 months.

Tips for Making the Best Homemade Apple Butter

– To make your apple butter even smoother, blend it after cooking it. Just let it cool down a bit first.

– Use a mix of different apple varieties for a more flavorful apple butter.

– Add a pinch of freshly grated nutmeg to the apple butter if you love baking spice.

Instructions

1. In a large pot, simmer the apples with 2 cups of water for 20 minutes over medium heat, until soft.

2. Push the cooked apples through a food mill to remove solids.

3. Stir in sugars, spices, vanilla, and salt, mixing until the sugars have dissolved and the ingredients are well incorporated.

3. Taste and adjust as needed.

4. Cook the apple mixture over low heat, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and becomes smooth about 1 to 2 hours.

5. Transfer to containers, let cool, then refrigerate.

Notes

– For spicier apple butter, you can also add ground clove and allspice.

– For tarter apple butter, add a teaspoon of freshly squeezed lemon juice to the recipe.